Leesburg, VA – On August 11, the Sgt Maj John Champe (SMJC) Chapter of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) held a commemoration of the 1st Virginia Convention at the Revolutionary War Memorial on the lawn of the Loudoun County Courthouse in Leesburg. The event was attended by the Honorable Kelly Burk, Mayor of Leesburg; compatriots from the Col. James Wood II, Col. William Grayson, and George Mason chapters; members of the Providence and Rev John Marks Societies, Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.); ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) representing the Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill, Ketoctin, Mary Hemings Bell, Lanes Mill, and Providence chapters; the Virginia DAR-SAR-SR liaison; and the Post Commander of American Legion Post 34. Approximately four family groups observed the ceremony from the lawn.

The 1st Virginia Convention, held on August 1, 1774, in Williamsburg, was a pivotal moment in American Revolutionary history. Convened in response to the British Parliament's punitive measures against Boston, it marked Virginia's first step towards self-governance. The convention, led by Peyton Randolph, adopted resolutions for a trade embargo against Britain and called for a Continental Congress. This assembly demonstrated Virginia's commitment to colonial unity and resistance, setting a precedent for future conventions and contributing significantly to the broader revolutionary movement.

Ten members of the SMJC Chapter participated, with seven dressed in Colonial attire (see photo) Compatriot David Welker delivered a presentation on the 1st Virginia Convention, highlighting the contributions of Loudoun County representatives and the convention’s role in leading to the 1st Continental Congress. Barry Schwoerer provided a contextual overview of the series of events that prompted Virginia delegates to convene independently of British Governor oversight.

Photos:

SAR Members in Colonial Attire in group photo by the Spirit of Loudoun Statue: Front L-R: Chip Daniel, Mike Wilson, Jacob Schwoerer, Barry Schwoerer. Back Row L-R: Jim Watts, David Welker, Steve Riddle, Steve Van Deusen, Mark Sink, Marc Robinson, Paul Christensen, Ken Morris.

Wreath Presenters: L-R: Barry Schwoerer, Paula Schwoerer, Paul Christensen, Mike Wilson, Jodell Wilson, Nancy Watford, Kecia Brown, Ken Morris, Jocelyn Wilson, Ann Doss.