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Virginia Society |
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Growing up in rural Maryland in the 1960s, while hunting, I frequently encountered abandoned farms and homesteads due to the encroachment of housing developments brought on by the post-World War II baby boom. Often, their structures were virtual time capsules and contained artifacts left in place by the previous owners.
To the chagrin of my friends, I would frequently spend more time exploring these buildings rather than beating the bushes for a rabbit or covey of quail.
(WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - 13 September 2024) —The Virginia SAR Executive Committee has appointed Richard E. Rankin of the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR, to the newly created position of Virginia SAR Risk Manager, effective September 14, 2024.
The VASSAR Risk Manager will provide advice to the ExCom, Chapter Presidents and the Color Guard Commander on risk management and insurance issues which may impact the Society’s operational risk profile.
(Wytheville, VA.) —The New River Valley Chapter invite the general public and SAR compatriots to attend the dedication of a memorial marker to honor eight Revolutionary War Patriots interred at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. The event will take place on Saturday, October 5 at 10:00 AM.
The ceremony will include a wreath presentation followed by a musket salute by the Virginia SAR Color Guard. This is a unique opportunity to pay tribute to the brave individuals who fought for our nation’s independence. All are welcome to attend this solemn occasion. If you are a descendant of one of the patriots, we encourage you to join us or contact us for more information. Visit the SAR Patriot Research System's (PRS) entry for the cemetery.
Lewis M. “Lew” Ewing, 90, of Winchester, Virginia, died August 7, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center. Lew was born May 8, 1934, in Stephens City, Virginia, son of the late James Earl Ewing, Sr. and Anna Virginia Golladay Ewing.
Williamsburg, VA – August 19, 2024 – The Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), with the support of the Williamsburg Chapter SAR, proudly presented the Silver Good Citizenship Medal Award to Mr. Frank Shatz at the College of William and Mary.
The Silver Good Citizenship Medal recognizes outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement and service at the state or regional level. The medal is presented to persons of prominence in areas of government, military service, religion, education, business, or other endeavors. Mr. Frank Shatz was born in Czechoslovakia in 1927. After the German takeover of Czechoslovakia, he was deported to a slave work camp in Romania. He managed to escape and returned to Czechoslovakia, where he became a member of the anti-German resistance. He began a career in journalism after the World War II and immigrated with his wife, Jaroslava, to the United States in 1958. He currently resides in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he writes a weekly column for the Virginia Gazette and is involved with the College of William and Mary.
Charles Leroy Mattocks, Sr., 84, of Stafford, Va., died at Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Sunday, August 18, of complications from a fall. He was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on March 26, 1940, to Daniel “LLoy” Raymond Mattocks, Sr. and Helen Dorothy Waid.
PURCELLVILLE, Va., Tuesday, August 6, 2024 – The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) partnered with the Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill Chapter of the Virginia Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to present an engaging and educational program on the American Revolution to 36 children at Franklin Park near Purcellville.
The event featured the SAR Chapter’s Patriot Chest, an antique heart pine tool chest (see photo) adorned with patriotic logos and a carving of the Lee’s Legion logo (see photo below). This chest served as a centerpiece for a “show and tell” session, where children learned about the uniforms, currency, and various items used and carried by soldiers during the Revolutionary War. A highlight of the presentation was the demonstration of a musket lock mounted on a board, complete with a wooden flint.
ASHBURN, Va., Friday, July 12, 2024 — On a momentous occasion, the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) organized a heartfelt commemoration to celebrate the 100th birthday of John Rossmann, a distinguished World War II veteran. Mr. Rossmann, who celebrated his 20th birthday on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion of Normandy as a soldier with the 4th Infantry Division, was honored for his exemplary service and citizenship.
The event brought together multiple Veteran Service Organizations in Loudoun County to pay tribute to Mr. Rossmann’s remarkable life and contributions. The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter presented Mr. Rossmann with the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medal, recognizing his outstanding citizenship as a soldier in WWII and his 21-year career as a Treasury agent combating counterfeiting and drug trafficking. Additionally, Mr. Rossmann received the SAR Law Enforcement Medal for his exceptional service with the U.S. Department of the Treasury. (Photo right: Family, friends, and presenters with Nella and John Rossmann.)
Story by Mike Elston, SAR Treasurer General.
(LANCESTER, PA. Sunday, July 13, 2024) — Virginia was well represented in the presentation of awards this evening at the 134th Annual Congress of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Congratulations to all on these awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the SAR! Here are the highlights (list may not be complete):