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):
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).
Photo is WWII Veteran Frank Frandon. (Photos courtesy of Chip Daniel.)
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.
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
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.
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:
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.
: “Dr. Hannum delivers his presentation to the attendees.”
July 4th is National Bell Ringing Day
On July 4, 1963, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed Independence Day as National Bell Ringing Day. On Independence Day bells are to by rung 13 times to honor the 13 original colonies. On the 4th of July the Bruton Bell was rung to announce the service, at the conclusion of the service. This year, and every year, as we celebrate our freedom let us remember those who protect our freedom: veterans, service members, firefighters, and law enforcement. Pictured is this year’s bell ringers John Lynch, President and Ron Adolphi, Vice President, Williamsburg Chapter, SAR.