Commemoration of the Battle of Green Spring

WILLIAMSBURG, VA (July 6, 2024).  The Williamsburg Chapter, Virginia SAR’s annual commemoration of the Battle of Green Spring (July 6, 1781) will take place on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Church on the Main, 4644 Yeardley Loop, Williamsburg, 23188. Start time is 10:00 AM.

This Battle was the largest in Virginia up to the Siege of Yorktown. It was a tactical defeat for the Patriot cause. It was a strategic loss for the British. At one point during the battle, Lafayette, “Mad” Anthony Wayne, and Lord Cornwallis were all within musket shot of each other. Help us commemorate a battle that solidified Lafayette’s reputation.

Respectfully,

John S. Lynch II
President, Williamsburg Chapter, Virginia SAR

JSL / DJH

WILLIAMSBURG, VA - Thursday, June 5, 2024 - Past President Bruce Laubach of the Williamsburg Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution presented Certificates of Recognition to the winners of the SAR Youth brochure contest.  Sixth and Seventh graders from Walsingham Academy made up brochures based on the founding documents or the United States of America. This year’s subjects ranged from the Declaration of Independence, The Articles of Confederation, The Federalist Papers, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights.  The winners were:

Third photo are Virginia State Color Guard participants.

On 15 June 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution,  conducted a commemoration to Daniel Morgan and the Beeline March.  The ceremony was conducted at Morgan's grave site, Mt Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia.  In June 1775, the Continental Congress ordered the formation of two companies of Virginia riflemen to march to the aid of General George Washington's forces in Boston.  Hugh Stephenson and Daniel Morgan were recommended to raise the companies.  Stephenson in the Shepherdstown area while Morgan was to raise  his company from the Winchester area.  After raising the companies, they were to rendezvous at Frederick, Maryland to march together to Boston.  Stephenson arrived at Frederick to find that Morgan, wanting to arrive at Boston first, had already left on 15 July, one day prior to their arrival.  Morgan and his company marched 600 miles to arrive in Massachusetts 6 August, 20 days after departing Frederick. When Washington saw the dust covered riflemen file into camp, he asked Captain Morgan where they came from.  Morgan's response was "From the right bank of the Potomac, sir!"  Washington inspected the ranks, shaking hands with each of the riflemen.  This journey became known as the Bee Line March.  The event was emcee'd by Dale Corey with the SAR Virginia State Color Guard presenting and posting the colors.  Greetings were given by Virginia State President William Greaf followed by a presentation on the march by Corey.  Wreaths were presented on behalf of four SAR chapters, Col James Wood II, Culpeper Minutemen, Fairfax Resolves and Fort Harrison.  The Order of the Founders and Patriots of America (Doug Hall) presented a wreath as well as Michelle Phillips for the Pack House Ford WVDAR Chapter.  Participating from the CJWII chapter were Biran Bayliss, Bryan Buck, Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Dale Corey, Chip Daniel, Kelly Ford, Doug Hall, Brett Osborn, Dennis Parmerter, Allan Phillips, Jim Simmons and Richard Tyler.  Jim Cordes, Fairfax Resolves; Paul McComb, George Washington; and Bill Schwetke, Culpeper Minutemen completed the color guard.  Also present were former Virginia President Jeff Thomas, Fairfax Resolves and Richard Rankin, George Washington. 

Photo is the color guard preparing to march.  Second photo is the musket squad firing a salute.   (Photos courtesy of Chip Daniel.)

:  “Dr. Hannum delivers his presentation to the attendees.”

SAR Member Donald Smith Honored with Distinguished Service Medal

Weems resident Donald Smith was recently awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in recognition of his outstanding personal service exemplifying the finest American ideals to the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).  The award was presented by the Richard Henry Lee Chapter (RHLC), Virginia Society, SAR to Compatriot Smith for his long-time, dedicated service to the organization.

Compatriot Smith has served in a host of capacities over a number of years, including Chapter President, Historian, Nominating Committee Chair, Awards Committee Chair, Revolutionary War Graves Committee Chair, and Community Affairs Committee Chair, just to list a few. 

Smith was a pilot in the United States Marine Corps early in his military career, flying jet aircraft (F9F-5, F9F-8 and FJ4 B); multiple prop planes , helicopters and KC-130s. While serving at Headquarters USMC between two tours in Vietnam, he attended and graduated from the George Washington University Law School.  He retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1978 as a Colonel serving as Assistant Judge Advocate of USMC.  He then practiced law in a civilian capacity until his retirement in 1993.

Compatriot Smith and his wife, Jo Ann, have lived in Lancaster County since his retirement.  In addition to his active role in the SAR, Smith has held several leadership positions at his church, served two years as President of the Indian Creek Yacht &Country Club and served six years as a trustee of Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury.

Compatriot Smith exemplifies American patriotism in his steadfast integrity and sacrificial service to his country.

Submitted by Michael Rhodes

804-929-1444

[email protected]