LEESBURG, Va., April 3, 2026 — Leesburg and Loudoun County officials on March 29 joined the Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter SAR, VFW Post 1177 of Leesburg, and American Legion Leonard W. Kidd Memorial Post 2001 of Ashburn to welcome home and honor Veterans of the Vietnam War. Virginia SAR President Darrin Schmidt attended, offered remarks, and presented the guest speaker with an SAR 250th Anniversary Challenge Coin.

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair‑at‑Large Phyllis Randall delivered remarks and reflected on the service of her father, a Vietnam Veteran who completed two tours. Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman and Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk also addressed the gathering.

LEESBURG, VA — March 14 at the River Creek Club in Leesburg brought together a true who’s‑who of Loudoun County—captains of industry, elected and appointed officials, and community leaders—for a celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The event was the vision of Mrs. Aparna Madireddi, a board member of Virginia Humanities, who served as the primary organizer. At her request, the program opened with a Color Guard representing both “Old Patriots” and “Modern Patriots.”

The Old Patriots were members of the Sergeant Major John Champe (SMJC) Chapter, dressed in Revolutionary War attire. The Modern Patriots were members of VFW Post 1177 in Leesburg, representing 21st‑century veterans. SMJC Compatriot Richard Ryan, who also serves with the American Legion Leonard W. Kidd Memorial Post, coordinated closely with both the SMJC Chapter and VFW Post 1177 to assemble this unique joint Color Guard.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Honoring Five Revolutionary Patriots in Lovettsville

Grave Marking Ceremony at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church

Lovettsville, VA — November 2, 2025 On a beautiful autumn day, more than 60 SAR compatriots, DAR members, and guests gathered at the historic New Jerusalem Lutheran Church to honor five Revolutionary War patriots interred in its cemetery. The event was hosted by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter (Virginia SAR), Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter (Virginia SAR), and Sergeant Lawrence Everhart Chapter (Maryland SAR).

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:

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter SAR was busy commemorating Independence with four parades and two readings of the Declaration of Independence. A float owned by member Warner Workman participated in: The June 27 Star Spangled South Riding parade and display, the July 3 Lovettsville Parade, the July 4 Leesburg parade, and the July 4 Middletown parade in support of the Col. James Wood II (CJW-II) Chapter SAR. The chapter sponsored a Reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Historic Loudoun County Courthouse the morning of July 4, then supported the CJW-II Chapter at a Reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 5 in Front Royal at the Warren County Courthouse with a 1/3 size Liberty Bell.

At the Loudoun County Courthouse Reading of the Declaration of Independence, four elected officials were readers: Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Sylvia Glass, Juli Briskman and Kriten Umstattd. The Reverend John Marks Society Children of the American Revolution (Virginia C.A.R.) provided ten members, two who passed out programs, three who read portions of the Declaration, and eight who led the Pledge of Allegiance. Ten members of SMJC participated along with ten ladies from four DAR Chapters.

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:

Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter SAR member Warner Workman’s float joined the SAR team in the National Memorial Day parade in Washington DC. The SAR team included National SAR officers and multiple Virginia SAR representatives.

 In addition to Compatriot Workman, SMJC participants included past president Ken Bonner and chapter Historian David Welker. Bonner and Welker were joined by their wives, Anita Bonner, and Margaret Welker, both from the Lanes Mill Chapter DAR.

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.

LEESBURG, Va. – April 6, 2025—On March 29, 2025, the Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration took place at the Loudoun County Courthouse, honoring Vietnam Veterans and their sacrifices. A joint Color Guard, composed of members from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1177, Sgt Major John Champe Chapter SAR (SMJC), and the Marine Corps League of Loudoun County, presented and posted the colors to open the proceedings.

A bell provided by Sgt Major John Champe compatriot Warner Workman was rung after each name of twelve Loudoun County residents killed in Vietnam were read. A three-shot rifle salute and Taps were executed by members of VFW Post 1177 in honor of all Vietnam Veterans.

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.

Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter Commemorates the 1st Virginia Convention

Virginia SAR Compatriots Welcome Veterans with Honor and Respect at Dulles International Airport

(Dulles, Va. - August 28, 2024) — The Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) compatriots from three chapters came together to extend a warm and patriotic welcome to 117 veterans arriving on a Chicago Honor Flight at Dulles International Airport. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

As the veterans disembarked from the People Movers and transitioned to waiting buses, the SAR team consisting of members of Sgt Maj John Champe, Col James Wood II, and Fairfax Resolves chapters proudly presented the colors, creating a striking and respectful display. The veterans, representing all branches of the military—ten from the USAF, 80 from the Army, seven Marines, and 20 from the Navy—were visibly moved by the honor and recognition bestowed upon them.