A City Celebrates: Thousands Turn Out for the 2026 George Washington Birthday Parade

Alexandria, Virginia—The streets of Old Town came alive on Saturday, February 14, as more than 2,000 spectators lined the parade route to celebrate the 294th birthday of General George Washington. Under crisp winter skies and a festive spirit that warmed the entire city, the annual George Washington Birthday Celebration Parade became a showcase of patriotism, community pride, and the enduring legacy of America’s founding generation. Among the most visible participants were the compatriots, daughters, children, and guests of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, whose presence added both color and historical resonance to the day.

This year’s parade was made especially memorable by the participation of SAR President General Michael J. Elston, Esq., and DAR President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage, who served together as co‑grand marshals. Their leadership and partnership symbolized the unity of purpose shared by the SAR and DAR as America approaches its Semiquincentennial. Their presence drew warm applause from the crowds and set a tone of celebration rooted in service, remembrance, and national pride.

Honoring the Unknown: Virginia SAR, Virginia DAR, and C.A.R. Gather in Alexandria for the February 14 Commemoration

Alexandria, Virginia — On Saturday, February 14, more than one hundred compatriots, daughters, children, and guests gathered at the historic Old Presbyterian Meeting House burial ground to honor the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. Hosted jointly by the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR, and the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter, NSDAR, the ceremony unfolded on a bright afternoon where sunshine glinted off patches of melting snow, creating a serene and reverent setting for remembrance.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution stands as a solemn tribute to the unnamed patriot whose sacrifice represents the countless men and women who fought for American independence. This year’s commemoration brought together national, state, and local leaders from SAR, DAR, and C.A.R., reaffirming a shared commitment to honoring Revolutionary War patriots.

Join the Parade! Virginia SAR Invited to March in the 2026 George Washington Birthday Parade

Saturday, February 14, 2026 – Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

Calendar Event Link: Virginia SAR Calendar – George Washington Birthday Parade

Honoring Veterans: Virginia SAR Chapters Unite Across the Commonwealth

Across the Commonwealth of Virginia, chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) came together in a powerful display of patriotism and remembrance to honor America’s veterans. From historic estates to small-town cemeteries, their presence was felt in ceremonies, parades, and memorial dedications that paid tribute to those who served.

Mount Vernon Tribute by George Washington Chapter

The George Washington Chapter hosted its annual Veterans Day commemoration at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. A solemn wreath-laying ceremony honored both General George Washington and Mrs. Martha Washington. The event was co-sponsored by the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter NSDAR and featured participation from the Virginia SAR Color Guard and Scouting America Troop 113 of Alexandria. Distinguished guests included National SAR President General Michael Elston, past President General Joe Dooley, and chapter president Scot Bryant.  Chapter treasurer David Harrity served as master of ceremonies.

Philadelphia, Pa. – October 13, 2025—The National Parade honoring the birth of the United States Navy on October 13, 1775 and birth of the United States Marine Corps November 10, 1775 was held in Philadelphia, Pa., on October 13. Philadelphia was the location where both the Navy and Marine Corps were founded. Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter participated in the parade with a float towed by owner and Chapter member Warner Workman. Chapter President Barry Schwoerer rode the float wearing his Navy dress blue uniform and Chapter Vice President Mark Sink rode the float wearing his Marine Corps dress blue uniform. Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Brett Osborn dressed in Navy Slops, and two Compatriots from the Pennsylvania SAR also rode the float. The float was decorated with graphics depicting Revolutionary War Navy and Marine Corps founders and leaders, Revolutionary War battles and famous ships of the early Navy. The SMJC Float was the only SAR float, and most visible SAR participant in the parade.

The first photograph is of the right side of the float.

Uncasville, CT (July 15, 2025) — During a stirring awards ceremony held at the Mohegan Sun Earth Conference Center, the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) emerged as a dominant force at the 135th Annual Congress, earning accolades across nearly every category of recognition. From youth education to chapter excellence, Virginia SAR and its chapters demonstrated an unwavering commitment to patriotism, historical preservation, and community engagement.

Chapter and Individual Honors

• General William Campbell Chapter SAR received the Ohanesian History Presentation Award for chapters with 10–49 members.
• Brian Bayliss of the Colonel James Wood II Chapter earned an Honorable Mention in the Thomas J. Bond, Jr. Memorial Photography Award.
• Chris Yohn, editor of the Liberty Gazette, was honored with an Honorable Mention in the Carl F. Bessent Award for outstanding chapter newsletters.
• National Meritorious Service Medal (Gold): Jeff Thomas
  
• National Roger Sherman Commendation Medal (Gold): Ernie Coggins, Peter Davenport, Jeff Thomas
  
• National Henry Knox Achievement Medal (Gold): Biff Greaf, Scott Walker, Anita Bonner (wife of Kenneth Bonner)
  
• Bronze Liberty Medals were awarded to eight Compatriots for recruiting 10+ new members, including William F. Crain, William M. Haskins, Jr. (2), Kenneth L. Hawkins (2), Bruce A. Taylor, Barry F. Schwoerer, Kenneth E. Morris, and Richard M. Sherman.

Youth & Education Impact

Virginia SAR earned a Participation Streamer for its involvement in five national youth contests:

On a sunlit morning worthy of the occasion, over one hundred compatriots, allied guests and family members gathered on the historic grounds of Mount Vernon for the 64th Annual Independence Day March to General George Washington’s Tomb. The event commemorated the 249th anniversary of American Independence, a solemn moment etched in remembrance and reverence for the spirit of 1776.

Leading the contingent across the Bowling Green to the Tomb Grove was the majestic procession of the Virginia SAR Color Guard. Clad in regimental Continental uniforms and vivid militia regalia, the Virginia SAR Color Guard and Maryland SAR Color Guard—joined by the Virginia DAR Honor Guard and Virginia C.A.R. Honor Guard—brought history to life with each measured step. Their presence embodied the legacy of citizen-soldiers who once bore the nation's earliest burdens. Virginia SAR compatriots from Col. Fielding Lewis Chapter, Col. James Wood II Chapter, Col. William Grayson Chapter, Culpeper Minutemen Chapter, Fairfax Resolves Chapter, George Mason Chapter, Norfolk Chapter, Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter, and Williamsburg Chapter, along with John Paul Jones Chapter Maryland SAR were present for the festivities hosted by the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR.

See full story at https://www.virginiasar.org/army250

20 Jun 2025 Update: 
In support of Compatriot / C.A.R. applications for the Patriot Grave Marking Medal, I have submitted an approved SAR Patriot Grave & Biographies Report for:

Virginia Society awards at the 134th Annual National SAR Congress

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):

Registration for SAR’s 2024 Atlantic Middle States Association (AMSA) Conference is now open. It is being held 9-11 August at Colonial Williamsburg’s Williamsburg Lodge. (You do not have to stay overnight at the hotel during the conference.)

Further details may be found on the AMSA website at:

https://www.amssar.org/conferences

The website contains links to registration, an agenda, and hotel reservations.
The conference promises to be an interesting one. I hope to see you there!

Respectfully,

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