Virginia SAR Membership Growth Accelerates in 2026 as America 250 Approaches

RICHMOND, VA - The Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, is experiencing a surge of membership activity as the Commonwealth prepares to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Across the state, chapters are welcoming new compatriots and documenting additional Patriot ancestors at a pace that reflects both renewed public interest and the dedication of chapter registrars, genealogists, and volunteers.

Recent activity includes 40 new member applications, 21 supplemental applications, and 1 memorial application, documenting a total of 62 Patriot ancestors.

Honoring George Washington on His 294th Birthday at Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, VA—Members of the George Washington Chapter gathered at Mount Vernon today to honor the 294th birthday of our nation’s first president with a wreath‑laying ceremony at Washington’s Tomb. The program was led with distinction by our chapter Vice President and ceremony emcee, David Harrity, who guided the event with reverence and historical pride.

We were honored to welcome several distinguished guests. Virginia SAR President Darrin M. Schmidt brought greetings on behalf of the Virginia Society, and Past National SAR President Joseph Dooley, dressed in his impressive Washington’s Life Guard attire, served as the honor guard—adding a powerful historical presence to the ceremony.

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.

Celebrating Growth Since Independence Day: Welcoming New Members and Honoring Supplemental Achievements

RICHMOND, VA — January 1, 2026 — Since July 4, 2025, the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) has experienced a remarkable surge in membership activity. We proudly recognize the addition of 127 new compatriots and the approval of 65 supplemental applications from 27 chapters, bringing our grand total to 192 new and supplemental recognitions.

This growth reflects not only the expanding interest in honoring Revolutionary War ancestors but also the commitment of existing members to deepen their genealogical connections.

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.

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:

WILLIAMSBURG, VA, (May 27, 2025) — On 3 May 2025, the Williamsburg Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation conducted a ceremony to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Virginia’s first military response to the Royal Governor’s taking of gunpowder stored in Williamsburg’s powder magazine. Governor John Murray, Earl of Dunmore falsely claimed it was for Virginia’s protection. During the night of 20–21 April 1775, British Marines landed at Burwell’s Landing on the James River and marched to Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capitol. They had been ordered by Governor Dunmore to remove the gunpowder stored in Williamsburg’s powder magazine. The Marines were spotted and an alarm raised. As a result, they returned to their ships without completely emptying the magazine.

Public discontent increased throughout the colony fomenting unrest, with militia companies mustering to force return of the gunpowder. Patrick Henry learned of the event and issued a call to arms. On 2 May 1775, 160 mounted militiamen from Hanover County under Henry’s command began their ride to Williamsburg to either recover the powder or be paid for it. On 3 May, they stopped at Doncastle’s Ordinary near Toano in James City County. It was here Carter Braxton convinced Henry to halt his march. Braxton, the son-in-law of Virginia’s Receiver General, Richard Corbin rode into Williamsburg to negotiate the settlement of the incident. He returned to Henry with a payment of 330 pounds to pay for the gunpowder that was taken from the armory. The Hanover militia returned to their homes and Henry journeyed to Philadelphia to participate in the Second Continental Congress. Dunmore feared for his safety and on 8 June, he and his family left in the middle of the night to take up residence aboard the British ship HMS Fowey. This incident led to the Virginia Colony’s government being taken over by a Committee of Safety and Patrick Henry becoming the independent state’s first governor in July 1776.

John Champe Chapter Commemorates 250th Anniversary of Lexington & Concord.

ALDI, Va.—On April 19, the Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter SAR sponsored the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the opening battle of the Revolution at Lexington & Concord. The commemoration took place at Champe Farms near the village of Aldi in Loudoun County. Champe Farms, once home to the chapter’s namesake, John Champe, is the site of a memorial obelisk honoring Champe’s role as a spy for General George Washington.

The event included a brief commemoration of John Champe before transitioning to the remembrance of Lexington and Concord. Five SAR chapters—Sgt. Maj. John Champe, Col. James Wood II, George Mason, Col. Fielding Lewis, and Col. William Grayson—joined four DAR chapters—Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill, Ketoctin, Lanes Mill and Mary Hemings Bell—in the commemoration.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Feb. 15, 2025)—A joint SAR–DAR wreath laying ceremony was held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House Burial Ground, following by the 2025 George Washington Birthday Parade, held in downtown Alexandria.

More than 50 attendees braved the rain during the wreath laying ceremony and parade including newly inducted Virginia SAR President Michael Weyler, along with Virginia Society Children of the American Revolution (V.S.C.A.R.) State President Sarah Terpenning, SAR Secretary General Michael J. Elston, Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Brett Osborn flanked by the Virginia SAR Color Guard in colonial attire, with numerous SAR chapter officers and compatriots from George Washington Chapter, George Mason Chapter, Fairfax Resolves Chapter, Col. William Grayson Chapter, Col. James Wood II Chapter, Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter, along with National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) chapters, including wreath-laying ceremony co-hosts, the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter, NSDAR; along with John Alexander Chapter, NSDAR; and the Dr. Elisha Dick Chapter, NSDAR, and members of local V.S.C.A.R. societies.

GLEN ALLEN, Va. (Feb. 8, 2025) – In a memorable ceremony conducted by the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), Michael E. Weyler, Ph.D., was installed as the 105th President of the Virginia SAR by National SAR President General Darryl Addington in ceremonies held during the 135th Annual Meeting within the Henrico Ballroom of the Virginia Crossings Hotel.

Dr. Michael E. Weyler succeeded William D. Greaf, DPA (Williamsburg Chapter SAR) who served as the 104th Virginia SAR President in 2024–25. President Greaf was awarded the state society's highest award—the Patriot Medal—for his outstanding leadership and accomplishments during the past year.  Dr. Greaf also received a sword and scabbard as a gift from his Virginia SAR officers.