Chief Justice John Marshall Grave Marking - Virginia SAR Presidential Initiative Event - June 23

Compatriots and friends, 

You are cordially invited to join the Virginia SAR in the grave marking ceremony of U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall.

As announced at the Virginia SAR annual meeting, this is one of President Greaf's 2024 state-level events commemorating our nation's foundational components remembered in the SAR Recessional. This event honors the man who was perhaps the most influential in giving us our independent Supreme Court.

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SAR and DAR Engage Local Youth in Revolutionary War History

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. 

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Veteran Honored on 100th Birthday by Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter

Veteran John Rossmann Honored on 100th Birthday by Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter and Local Veteran Service Organizations

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.)

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Battle of Blue Licks Weekend 2024

242nd Anniversary of the Battle of Blue Licks Weekend

Friday - August 16, 2024

Kentucky Society, Sons of the American Revolution Event
Arlington Room 10299 Maysville Rd, Carlisle, KY 40311

The Night Before Blue Licks: The Kentucky Society SAR will host a social time, dinner, and Revolutionary War program in honor of the Battle of Blue Licks. Reservations are required and can be made directly through the link on the bottom of this page. Contact Patrick Wesolosky if you have any questions about this event, [email protected].

  • 5:30 P.M. - Reception & Cash Bar
  • 6:00 P.M. - Buffet Dinner - $20.00 per person, Includes Dinner, all non-alcoholic drinks, and gratuity.
  • 6:45 P.M. - Program following dinner by Steven Caudill (a Daniel Boone Descendant).
  • 7:15 P.M. - Break
  • 7:30 P.M. - Revolutionary War Bingo

After the Bingo, some Compatriots will have a Bluegrass Music jam session. Guests are welcome to join in. Contact Steve McCain for more details. [email protected]



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James Monroe Chapter Plans May Meeting

THE COLONEL JAMES WOOD II CHAPTER, PARTICIPATED IN THE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE HELD IN MIDDLETOWN, VA.

are members of the party l. to r. Warner Workman, Brett Osborn, Michelle Phillips, Chip Daniel, Phil Hunter
, Sean Carrigan, Jim Simmons, Marc Robinson, Allan Phillips, Richard Tyler and Bryan Buck

On 4 July, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in the Independence Day Parade held in Middletown, VA.  The parade had 95 entries with the route from Laurel Ridge Community College on the north side of town, south down Main Street to west on 5th Street and then going north on Church Street before returning to the starting point.  The annual festivity was enjoyed by many on both sides of the route.  The chapter was represented on a float entered by Sgt Maj John Champe Sons of the American Revolution Chapter compatriot Warner Workman.  The float had depictions of scenes from the Revolutionary War, flags from the era, reproductions of barrels and firearms (non firing) to go along with a reproduction of the liberty bell that was continuous rung along the parade route.  Along with the float, a vehicle from the SAR with flags flying accompanied four marching  guardsmen with the U.S Flag, Virginia Flag and chapter banner to lead the SAR entry.  As it passed along the route, compatriots lead viewers in cheering for the United States and wishing all a Happy Fourth of July

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ROCKING INDEPENDENCE EVE WINCHESTER VA

is the color guard at present arms l. to r. Brett Osborn, Richard Tyler, Dale Corey and Chip Daniel.
On 3 July 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Sons of the American Revolution participated in Rockin' Independence Eve on the Walking Mall at Winchester.  The event is held every year to kick off the celebration of the Nations birth.  Vendors from throughout the surrounding area set up on both sides of the mall.  Live music is played at the Taylor Pavilion throughout the day.  During mid afternoon at the pavilion, Col James Wood II Color Guard presented the colors for the singing of the National Anthem.  The festival was held in the afternoon and lasted until 7:00.  Individuals were then invited to Jim Barnett Park for a fireworks display to complete the celebration.  Participating for the chapter were Paul Christensen, Dale Corey, Chip Daniel, Phil Hunter, Brett Osborn, Jim Simmons and Richard Tyler.  Fort Loudoun DAR joined the chapter for the days festivities. 
l. to r. Anne Simmons, Chip Daniel, Brett Osborn, Richard Tyler, Jim Simmons,
Phil Hunter.  Sit l. to r. Marc Robinson and Dale Corey

Virginia Society Captures Awards at 134th Annual Congress

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):

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COL. JAMES WOOD II TAKES PART IN COMMEMORATION OF DR. JOSEPH WARREN

On 10 June 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter, Virginia Society combined with Warren County, Virginia to conduct a commemoration to honor Dr Joseph Warren, namesake of the county.  The event was held at the Warren County Administrative Building in Front Royal with support from four SAR chapters.  Col James Wood II, Culpeper Minutemen, Fairfax Resolves and Sgt Maj John Champe chapters had representatives present to present the colors and wreaths.  A Musket squad provided a three round salute in honor of Warren.  Joseph Warren was a principal figure leading up to the American Revolutionary War.  In 1759, he became the youngest physician in the colonies which included as his patients, Sam Adams, John Hancock, John Adams and John Quincy Adams.  When the Stamp Act was passed in 1765, he became a member of the rebellion against British rule.   Warren became involved in most of the protests in the Boston area.   He was a member of the provincial congresses held in Massachusetts, being selected as president of the third.  He was an active member of the Massachusetts Committee of Public Safety.  As a result of the rebellious movement in Boston, the provincial government was dissolved.  In an attempt to quell the uprising, British troops were sent to Boston and to march to Concord to capture Sam Adams and John Hancock, and destroy military arms and equipment.  On 18 April 1775, he sent Paul Revere and William Dawes along with William Prescott on the midnight ride to warn colonists at Lexington and Concord, the "Regulars are Coming".   Nest, Warren was selected as delegate from Suffolk County to develop protesting documentation against the British.  He helped draft the "Suffolk Resolves", which were adopted by convention on 9 September 1776.  The citizens were asked to cease paying taxes or trading with Britain and to undertake militia drills each week.  After passing unanimously, Paul Revere carried them to Philadelphia where they were endorsed by the Continental Congress.  Offered a commission as a major general on 14 June 1775, he declined and joined the Battle of Bunker Hill.  He was on Breed's Hill at the front of the battle and was killed on 17 June when the colonists ran out of ammunition and the British were able to overrun the rebel defenses on the third assault.  Fourteen States have counties named for him as well as numerous towns and streets.  The US Navy named five ships in his honor.  Joseph Warren was a medical doctor, public figure and soldier who fought heroically for American freedom.  The ceremony was emceed by Marc Robinson and Dale Corey gave a presentation on Joseph Warren.  CJWII was represented by Paul Christensen, Corey, Chip Daniel, Dennis Parmerter, Robinson, Jim Simmons and Richard Tyler.  Other SAR compatriots included Jim Cordes (FR), Mike Dennis, Charles Jameson and Bill Schwetke (CMM) and Barry Schwoerer (SMJC).

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COLONEL JAMES WOOD II CHAPTER PARTICIPATED IN CEREMONY TO PLACE FLAGS ON GRAVES AT NATIONAL CEMETERY, WINCHESTER, VA

On 24 May 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society participated with the American Red Cross, AmVets Auxiliary Post 18 and VFW Post 2123 in a ceremony to place flags on graves at National Cemetery, Winchester, VA.  This was in preparation for commemoration of Memorial Day.  The chapter presented colors to open the ceremony after which, a flag was solemnly placed at each headstone.  On 27 May, a remembrance ceremony was held to honor of all those who paid the ultimate price in service to the country.  Opening remarks were provided by compatriot Dale Corey with a presentation of the colors by the CJWII Color Guard with assistance from Fairfax Resolves.  CAPT, USCG (Ret) Kirsten R. Martin was the keynote speaker, speaking about the Coast Guards contributions to the service of the country.    Members of the CJWII color guard  performed a flag folding ceremony and a nine man musket squad fired a three round salute to commemorate the occasion.  The guard was commanded by Allan Phillips and consisted of Brian Bayliss, Bryan Buck, Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Dale Corey, Jim Cordes, Chip Daniel, Will Reynolds, Eric Robinson, Marc Robinson and Richard Tyler

 

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COLONEL JAMES WOOD II CHAPTER PRESENTED THE COLORS FOR THE HONOR FLIGHT

 

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COL. JAMES WOOD II CHAPTER PARTICIPATED IN A VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY

Photo is WWII Veteran Frank Frandon.  (Photos courtesy of Chip Daniel.)

 

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GEN. WILLIAM CAMPBELL CHAPTER AWARDS SILVER ROTC AWARD

Emory and Henry College
Army Reserve Officer Training Corp
Awards Ceremony April 17, 2024
SAR Silver ROTC Medal presentation

Chapter President John Gullion speaking to assembly before presenting the medal and certificate to Cadet Antonio Washington a member of the program at Emory & Henry College, Emory, VA. Several of the Chapter Color guard after presenting the colors.

 

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BATTLE OF GREEN SPRING

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

AMSA Conference Registration

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

GEN. WILLIAM CAMPBELL HOLDS CHAPTER MEETING

General William Campbell Chapter
June 15, 2024, at Chilhowie, VA
Regular Meeting

Speaker of the day was Dr David Chaffin, Surgeon General and Past President of the Tennessee SAR. Dr Chaffin gave a most interesting talk on the death of George Washington, the onset of his illness to his demise, the treatment of that day compared to that of today. Here he is shown receiving a token of appreciation from Chapter President Gullion.

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WILLIAMSBURG CHAPTER SPONSORS BROCHURE CONTEST

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:

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COL JAMES WOOD II CELEBRATES THE BEELINE

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.)

 

COLONEL JAMES WOOD II CHAPTER, PARTICIPATED IN A VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY IN FRONT ROYAL, VIRGINIA

 

On 25 May 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in a Veterans Appreciation Day sponsored by Able Forces of Front Royal, Virginia. Abel Forces Foundation is an organization whose mission is to assist with Charity Programs to support Military and Veteran families in financial crisis in the Washington DC Metro area. They work directly with Advocates from Walter Reed, Ft. Belvoir, Quantico, and the local Veteran Service Organizations who refer families in immediate financial crisis.  They work with the various organizations to identify wounded, ill and injured military personnel and families.  Assistance is provided for needs such as food, utilities, transportation and housing assistance. 


There were several vendors present with proceeds supporting the Abel Forces programs.  The Col James Wood II Chapter was asked to present and retire the colors as well as setting up a recruiting booth at the event. Compatriots who participated were Sean Carrigan, Dale Corey, Chip Daniel, Allan Phillips and Marc Robinson.  It was a successful day with compatriots giving presentations on muskets, flags and the SAR colonial chest program.

DUNMORE’S LAST STAND IN VIRGINIA

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

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