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:

• Council of Youth Programs Poster Contest
• Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest
• Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Orations Contest
• George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest
• Arthur M. King Eagle Scout Scholarship Competition

Additionally, Virginia was one of only 16 state societies to receive the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) Activity Award and Streamer.

Excellence in Communication

VirginiaSAR.org, under the leadership of webmaster David Harrity, won the President General Robert B. Vance Award for best state society website — a testament to the power of digital storytelling and outreach.

Flag Recognition & Americanism Award

• Virginia SAR earned the Admiral William R. Furlong Memorial Award and Streamer for its Flag Certificate program.
• It also received the Flag Retirement Award, one of only four states with over 50% of chapters conducting retirement ceremonies.

In a historic sweep, Virginia SAR claimed a top honor in each of the four chapter-size categories of the Liberty Bell Americanism Award:

Top Society Awards

• Virginia SAR won 1st Place in the Allene Wilson Groves Award for societies with 1,000+ members.
• In the President General’s State Society and Chapter Activities Competition, Virginia swept:
• Colonel James Wood II Chapter – 1st Place (100–199 members)
• George Washington Chapter – 1st Place (200+ members)
• Virginia SAR – 1st Place (State Society, 1,000+ members) — marking its third consecutive win.

President General’s Cup Triumph

Virginia SAR chapters claimed 7 of the 12 top prizes in the prestigious President General’s Cup — including a complete sweep in the 200+ members category:

The President General’s Cup is one of the most prestigious honors awarded by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). It recognizes chapters that exemplify the SAR’s mission through a comprehensive and impactful program of activities throughout the year.

Why It Matters

• Holistic Excellence: The award isn’t just about one area of achievement — it celebrates chapters that excel in patriotic outreach, historical education, youth engagement, community service, and member involvement.
• Size-Based Recognition: Chapters compete within their membership size category (10–49, 50–99, 100–199, and 200+), ensuring fair comparison and encouraging participation across the spectrum.
• Symbol of Leadership: Winning the Cup signals that a chapter is a leader within SAR, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
• Encourages Engagement: It motivates chapters to expand their programming, collaborate with local communities, and deepen their commitment to SAR principles.
• Celebrated Nationally: The award is presented at the Annual Congress, often as the culminating moment of the awards ceremony — a true spotlight for the chapter’s efforts.

For Virginia SAR to sweep all three top spots in the 200+ members category this year is a testament to its strategic planning, passionate volunteers, and consistent excellence. It’s not just a trophy — it’s a reflection of meaningful impact.

Permanent link: https://www.virginiasar.org/135th-annual-congress