The George Washington Chapter is sponsoring two events on Monday, February 20^th that may be of interest to you and your fanily.  Information on both is provided because there are transportation implications should a member choose to participate in both.  Following are important HOW-TO instructions for participants.

1)   February 20^th, Monday (Federal holiday) 11:00 am:  DAR-SAR Commemoration at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria. This is an annual joint event to be conducted with the Kate Waller Barrett chapter of the DAR.  Coat and tie, or Revolutionary War-era attire required.

PARKING & TRANSPORTATION:  Parking is always scarce in Old Town Alexandria, but is expected to be no worse than usual on Monday, February 20^th away from the Parade route and assembly area since the Old Presbyterian Meeting House is somewhat more than a mile distant from the assembly point for the Parade and Parade route.

For those attending both the Unknown Soldier Commemoration AND the Parade, we recommend that you park in one of the public parking garages near Market Square/City Hall and walk to the Old Presbyterian Meeting House (OPMH).  That is because the easiest way to get from the OPMH to the Parade assembly area will be by free DASH bus service (Lines 30- or 31-Circulator eastbound) from the Market Square/City Hall stop to the Braddock Road Metro Station.  Return to the Market Square/City Hall would be from the Braddock Road Metro Station, DASH bus service (Lines 30- or 31-Circulator westbound).  Parking in the vicinity of the assembly area and Parade route is expected to be virtually non-existent.    

3)   February 20^th, Monday (Federal holiday) muster 11:30 am – 12 noon: the George Washington Birthday Parade steps off at 1:00 pm  -- the largest Birthday Parade on record:  4000 participants instead of the usual 1400 for the 100^th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial; 1000-plus Masons will march up King Street with us toward the George Washington National Masonic Memorial.  Our SAR presence in this year’s Parade will be highlighted by the nationally renowned U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps which will march behind our banner and Color Guard, just ahead of our members from eight Northern Virginia Chapters, three dignitary cars, and a float.  Be part of this extraordinary show of our patriotism!  Wear your blue blazer, khaki trousers, tie (SAR preferred), and SAR ballcap if you have one.  Or better, turn out in your colonial-era attire with your friends and family in colonial attire.   The John Evans Medal will be awarded to first-time SAR participants in the Parade; see Treasurer Scott Walker at the parade Muster Point regarding the Medal.   https://gwsar.org/event-5040469

MARCHING ORDER:  The SAR banner will be carried by two members in blazers and khakis, following the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and in front of the Honor Guard.  The Honor Guard will consist of members in Revolutionary War-era uniforms and those in blazers carrying Chapter flags.  Next will be the "SAR Contingent," members in blue blazers and khakis including the George Washington and several other VASSAR Chapters Marching 4 across and those walking behind the chapters in period dress, including friends and family. Three SAR dignitary convertibles will follow, with the float provided by the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter as our SAR exclamation point. 

MUSTER POINT:  Alexandria, on Pendleton Street between Payne Street and North Fayette Street.  We are honored to be in Division One at the head of the Parade (please look next to the "Start" point on the gray assembly map, second above); don’t be late.  Past-President Dave Thomas has graciously volunteered to serve on-scene as our Chapter Parade Marshal. 

TRANSPORTATION (PARKING–NONE):   A) If you are participating in both the wreath-laying at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House and the Parade, please see above.  B) If you are participating only in the Parade, our STRONGEST RECOMMENDATION is that you arrive and depart by Metro; intense traffic congestion is expected in the vicinity of the Parade and assembly area.  We recommend that Compatriots coming from the west or south use the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station, where there is a very large parking garage.  Braddock Road Station is the third stop from there; it is two stops back from King Street Station.

Arrival:  Braddock Road Metro Station.  Walk 2 ½ blocks (approximately 7 minutes) east on Pendleton Street to the Muster Point.

Departure from the Parade:  King Street Metro Station (north/Cameron Street entrance)  The Parade route will turn right onto Cameron Street from King Street after passing the reviewing stand.  Participants will be able to peel off from the parade formation and walk directly into the Metro station, which will be on the left, as we pass it.

IMPORTANT: Those who do not leave directly via the Metro should continue with the parade formation about two blocks up Cameron Street to help clear the area before dispersing.

We will be honored by your participation in either or both of the events.

Questions may be addressed to:

 Bill Wilson, Vice President, George Washington Chapter, VASSAR

 Email [email protected] , Cell/Text 301 523 2690