A Commonwealth Remembers: Virginia SAR Honors Memorial Day 2026 Across the Nation and the Old Dominion

Memorial Day 2026 unfolded across Virginia and the nation with a sense of unity that felt both solemn and uplifting. From the broad avenues of Washington, D.C., to the quiet cemeteries and small‑town streets of the Commonwealth, compatriots of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, came together to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States.

What emerged was a sweeping, statewide tribute—one that reflected not only remembrance, but the living legacy of the patriots who first secured America’s freedom.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Growing up in rural Maryland in the 1960s, while hunting, I frequently encountered abandoned farms and homesteads due to the encroachment of housing developments brought on by the post-World War II baby boom. Often, their structures were virtual time capsules and contained artifacts left in place by the previous owners.

To the chagrin of my friends, I would frequently spend more time exploring these buildings rather than beating the bushes for a rabbit or covey of quail.

Lewis "Lew" Miller Ewing (1934–2024)
(Colonel James Wood, II Chapter SAR)

Lewis M. “Lew” Ewing, 90, of Winchester, Virginia, died August 7, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center. Lew was born May 8, 1934, in Stephens City, Virginia, son of the late James Earl Ewing, Sr. and Anna Virginia Golladay Ewing.

Charles Leroy Mattocks, Sr. (1940–2024)
(Colonel Fielding Lewis Chapter SAR)

Charles Leroy Mattocks, Sr., 84, of Stafford, Va., died at Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Sunday, August 18, of complications from a fall. He was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on March 26, 1940, to Daniel “LLoy” Raymond Mattocks, Sr. and Helen Dorothy Waid.

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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.)