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Updates or corrections to the published schedule should be submitted to the VASSAR Color Guard Commander. Guardsmen should evaluate their ability to participate in physically stressful conditions. Event Color Guard Commanders will conduct a safety walk-through of the venue before the event commences and raise safety-related issues (e.g., heat index, trip hazards, etc.) with the event coordinator for resolution and mitigation. ALL firelocks brought to the event will be safety-checked before the event commences -- without exception. Firelocks that do not pass or have not been safety-checked will not be permitted at the event site. In case of a VASSAR-related accident/incident, the VASSAR Accident/Incident Report form (clickable link updated February 2023) is also provided in the Resource Section (see pull down tab). Event coordinators are strongly encouraged to have a blank paper copy available. Insurance: VASSAR insurance coverage does not extend to non-VASSAR members, such as DAR, C.A.R., or re-enactors. Event coordinators should critically review any non-VASSAR individual participation in our color guards (especially in a black powder firing event) if the participating individual's organization is not covered by an insurance company. If in doubt, contact the VASSAR Insurance Advisor, Compatriot Richard Rankin. As of December 2023, VASSAR has exchanged Certificates of Insurance (COI) with the following State SAR Societies: GA, KY, NC, NH, NJ, PA, SC, TN, and WVA. It also holds COIs from the 1st and 7th VA Regiments (reenactors). It should be noted that not every SAR State Society currently has liability insurance. Heat Index: For outdoor summer events, an extra line has been added to the event schedule. This is the predicted heat index (based on air temperature and humidity). The National Weather Service has an online heat index calculator. Heat indices below 80 F will be in black font; 80-89 F in amber font; and 90+ F in red font. Color Guardsmen should be mindful of any underlying medical conditions and age. Please hydrate well in advance of the event if high heat index is predicted. Avoid standing for prolonged periods in direct sun. Consider wearing the cooler militia hunting smock, instead of the wool Regimental coat. Color Guard Archives may be accessed at Archives by year
The 2024 scheduleSeptember 13th, 2024, Friday (11:00 am) - Grave marking for LtCol William Langborn, Aide de Camp to Marquis de Lafayette, New Kent, VA UPDATE (8/21/24): September 13th-14th, 2024, Friday-Saturday – VASSAR Semi-Annual Meeting, Williamsburg, VA Event Level: State Host/POC: Williamsburg Chapter VASSAR / TBA. Location: Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center, 310 South England Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: Osborn. Details: Agenda Conference Hotel Registration not finalized. TBA. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Christensen, Daniel, Driscoll, Dunaway, Osborn, Lynch, Morris, Phillips, Schwoerer, Wilson. New Event (8/31/2024): September 14, 2024, Saturday, 2:00 PM, Galt-Prentis-Dixon Grave Marking, Williamsburg, VA Event Level: Chapter. Host/POC: Williamsburg Chapter, VASSAR. POC John Lynch, [email protected], 757 345 8483. Location: 201 W. Duke of Gloucester, Williamsburg VA 23185. Firing Event: Yes Event CG Commander: Dunaway Heat Index: TBD Details: Three distinguished Williamsburg patriots will be honored: 1) Dr. John Minson Galt was a physician in the Virginia State Line and served in Williamsburg area hospitals during the entire war. He ran the Eastern State Hospital for the insane where he championed humane treatment for the mentally ill patients. 2) Judge Joseph Prentis was a member of the 1775 Virginia Convention, a delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates 1777-1788, and a member of the Privy Council under Governor Patrick Henry 1779-1781. 3) Dr. Anthony Tucker Dixon was the Surgeon of the Virginia State Garrison in 1775. He was present at the 09 December 1775 Battle of Great Bridge and served during the entire war. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Dunaway, Lynch, Osborn, Schwetke, Schwoerer. INFORMATION: September 15th, 2023, Friday - National POW / MIA Day The POW / MIA flag should generally not be carried in a parade or by a Color Guard (except by an honor guard member carrying it as a Personal Color at a military funeral). Follow the background here: thedrillmaster.org/2019/01/15/all-about-the-pow-mia-flag-protocol/ UPDATE (8/21/24): September 14th, 2024, Saturday (8:00 am) - Vigil at Washington's Tomb, Mount Vernon, VA September 15th, 2024, Sunday (2:00 pm) - Wreath Laying at the grave of Pvt. John Broddy, VA September 15th, 2024, Sunday (4:00 pm) - Wreath Laying at the grave of Brig. Gen. William Campbell, VA Event Level: Chapter NEW (8/2/24): September 17th, 2024, Tuesday (11:00 am, muster at 10:15 am) - Constitution Proclamation Day Ceremony, Alexandria, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Fairfax Resolves Chapter, VASSAR/ Jim Cordes, [email protected] Location: Alexandria City Council Chambers, Alexandria City Courthouse, Alexandria VA. Firing Event: No Event CG Commander: TBA. Heat Index: TBD Details: This is the annual Constitution Proclamation Day Ceremony sponsored by the VA DAR District V Constitution Week Committee in coordination with the Alexandria City Mayor's office and the Alexandria City Schools. Program activities include presentations on the Constitution and contemporaneous colonial life along with patriotic music. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Cordes, Crain, McKinley, Schwoerer. NEW (8/26/24): September 17, 2024, Tuesday (10:00 am & 3:30 pm) - Constitution Day Celebrations at Chatham and Danville, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Dan River Chapter VASSAR / Gary Hall at [email protected] 919 939-0018. Location: Event (1) Emmanuel Episcopal Church; 66 North Main Street; Chatham, VA. Event (2) Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History; 975 Main Street; Danville, VA. Firing Event: No (for first event). TBD (for second event) Event CG Commander: Hall. Heat Index: Details: Commemoration of the Signing of the Constitution. All area church bells are asked to ring celebrating the signing. Color Guard should arrive at the Chatham Train Station at 8:30 a.m. Color Guard should arrive at the Danville Museum no later than 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting. The program in the church will proceed; however, the firing if approved may be called due to weather. DAR/SAR/Historical Society historical event. 5th great-grandson of Patrick Henry will give the "Liberty" speech at both events. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Hall. September 17th, 2024, Tuesday, (3:30 pm) – DAR Constitution Day, Washington, D.C. Event Level: Chapter (support to NSDAR). Host/POC: Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter VASSAR / Ken Bonner. Location: DAR HQ, Constitution Hall, 18th St., NW, Washington, DC. Firing Event: No Event CG Commander: TBD Heat Index: Details: Flag raising event with students from three area schools and CAR participating in flag raising and reading portions of the Constitution. Program to end about 4:30 pm. Three-man Color Guard with Regimentals is requirement. All VASSAR Color Guardsmen must have completed NSSAR Youth Protection Training. VASSAR Color Guardsmen carrying swords must have viewed the current SAR Sword Drill video. Transportation for VASSAR Color Guardsmen is provided by Ken Bonner from his home in South Riding, VA. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Abbott, Bonner, Osborn, Schwetke. September 19th, 2024, Thursday ( 4:00 pm ) - Franco-American Alliance Commemoration, Annapolis, MD Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: US Naval Academy; John Paul Jones Chapter MDSSAR (Glenn Moss at [email protected]); Peggy Stewart Tea Party Chapter NSDAR. Location: Worden Field, US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD. Firing event: No Event Color Guard Commander: Glenn Moss Details: A wreath-laying event at Worden Field, US Naval Academy. In 1781 on this very site of Worden Field and surrounding area, Rochambeau’s French Army encamped from September 18-21. On the morning of September 21st the French Army boarded 15 ships bound for Virginia to join Washington’s force in the siege of Yorktown. This event is to celebrate our alliance with the French and their support in the founding of our nation. The event has been celebrated in the past with Color Guards from Maryland SAR, the US Navy, the USNA and JROTC. Click here for the draft program: Program. There will be a reception in the Academy Officers club following the ceremony. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Christensen, McComb. Change (8/30/24): September 21st, 2024, Saturday (10:00 am) - Constitution Day Commemoration, Winchester, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Col. James Wood II Chapter VASSAR/ Allan Phillips. Location: 222 Siler Lane, Winchester, VA 22603. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: Phillips. Heat Index: Details: This was changed from September 17th at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Winchester to be done at Gainesboro Cemetery site for a combined event with multiple grave marking event. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Christensen, Daniel, Hunter, Osborn, Phillips, Reynolds, Robinson, Schwoerer, Simons, Sink. Change (9/1/14) September 21st, 2024, Saturday (2:00 pm) – Commemoration of the founding of the Fairfax Independent Company, Fairfax, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Fairfax Resolves Chapter, VASSAR /Jim Cordes, [email protected] Location: (TBC) National Museum of the US Army, 1775 Liberty Dr., Fort Belvoir, VA. (or) Fairfax City Veterans Amphitheater, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, VA. (or) Outside Historic Fairfax Courthouse, 4000 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: Cordes. Details: Color Guard muster at 1:15 PM. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Cordes, Crain, McKinley, Wilson. CHANGE (8/30/24): September 21, 2024 Saturday, 11:00 A.M Multiple Patriots Grave Markings Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Colonel James Wood II Allan Phillips, [email protected] (240) 215-7092, Chip Daniel, [email protected] (540) 327-3406 Location: 222 Siler Lane, Winchester, VA 22603 Firing Event: Yes Event CG Commander: Phillips Heat Index: Details: VASSAR Marker being installed at Back Creek (Gainesboro) Cemetery, five Patriot Graves being marked. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Christensen, Daniel, Hunter, Osborn, Phillips, Reynolds, Robinson, Schwoerer Simmons, Sink. CHANGE (8/4/24): September 21st, 2024, Saturday (4:15 pm) - President General's Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington, VA Event Level: National Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, VASSAR/ Scot Bryant, [email protected], 703-732-3071. Location: 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, VA 22211. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: Collins. Heat Index: Details: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a historic funerary monument dedicated to deceased U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified. It is in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. This event is a highly anticipated event each year, hosted by the George Washington Chapter. The National SAR President General and the Virginia SAR President both are confirmed for this event and will place the wreath. Wreaths are required to be delivered to the Office of the Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the day of the ceremony at least 1-hour prior. • Privately owned vehicles and commercial buses are not authorized to drive to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (TUS). • Parking is available at the Welcome Center paid parking lot. Please be aware that the parking lot reaches capacity early during peak tourism months from March through September.• To minimize delays that would prevent your group from making its scheduled time, we recommend that your travel plans include additional time for unexpected traffic congestion, unfamiliarity with area roadways, parking, and unloading.- Before the Ceremony -• Upon arrival to the ANC Welcome Center, all visitors must go through physical security screening. For information on screening, visit our website atwww.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit/Security. Please leave ample time to arrive at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for your ceremony. • You may access the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by tram or by walking. Please plan your route ahead of time and note that the walk to the Tomb from the Welcome Center is approximately one mile, and mostly uphill. Visit our website for a printable map of the grounds: www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit/Getting-Around. For information on taking the hop-on, hop-off tram, visit www.arlingtontours.com. For visitors with disabilities, visit www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit/Visitors-with-Disabilities. • *The event requester and all wreath ceremony participants must report to the Tomb Guard Quarters at Memorial Amphitheater 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the ceremony. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Christensen, Collins, Osborn, Thomas, Wilson. September 22nd, 2024, Sunday (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) - Abington Muster Commemoration, Abingdon, VA Event Level: State Host: Overmountain Victory Trail Association (OVTA), with support from VASSAR. VASSAR POC: Gen. William Campbell Chapter VASSAR / John Gullion Location: 1780 Muster Place, Abingdon, VA. Firing Event: Yes Event Color Guard Commander: Gullion. Heat Index: Details: This event, organized by the OVTA, is supported by VASSAR. OVTA, SAR, and DAR will present a public education day on life in the colonial backcountry. The event will include stations where visitors learn about various topics, from salt making and cooking to land surveying and combat. A ceremony for the Abingdon Muster will occur at 1:30 that afternoon, honoring the 400 Virginians who participated in the Overmountain Campaign and those who lost their lives at the battle. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: September 22nd, 2024, Sunday (1:00 pm) – Commemoration of Robert Carter III, Heathsville, VA Event Level: State Host/POC: James Monroe Chapter VASSAR / Jim Russell at [email protected] (703) 626-2232 Location: 220 Judicial Place, Heathsville, VA. Firing Event: TBD Event Color Guard Commander: TBA Details: Robert Carter was a notable18th century emancipator, freeing 436 enslaved people, a step that enraged his family and many of his fellow planters. His unwavering conviction held that slavery was incompatible with Christianity. At this time, Charles Belfield will appear as Robert Carter and Tom Davenport will represent the enslaved descendants. We will also have representative chapters. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Corey, Daniel, Phillips, Schwoerer, Wilson. September 28th, 2024, Saturday 11:00am – Commemoration of John Champe’s assignment to Capture Benedict Arnold, Fairmont, WV Event Level: Chapter Host Chapter: Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter/Barry Schwoerer ([email protected]) Location: Champe Grave Site, Cemetery adjacent to Prickett’s Fort Historic Site, 88 State Park Road, Fairmont, WV. Firing Event: Yes Event Color Guard Commander: Sink Details: Sgt Maj John Champe was nominated by Light Horse Harry Lee to execute a daring mission to capture the traitor Benedict Arnold and return him to the American side for Court Martial. George Washington accepted Champe’s nomination. The commemoration will take place at John Champe’s headstone in the cemetery adjacent to the reconstructed Fort. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, B. Parrish, Schwoerer, Sink. UPDATED(8/31/24): September 29th, 2024, Sunday (5:00 pm) – Culpeper Minutemen Chapter 50th Anniversary Celebration, Culpeper, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Culpeper Minutemen Chapter VASSAR / Bill Schwetke at [email protected]. 540.270.2722 Location: Culpeper Country Club, 2100 Country Club Rd., Culpeper, VA. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: TBA Details: Since its founding fifty years ago the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter has spun off two other chapters that were formed wholly from the Culpeper Minutemen, Col. William Grayson and Col. James Wood II. The Culpeper Minutemen were also instrumental in reestablishing the Col. Fielding Lewis Chapter. All are invited to join us and celebrate the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter's half-century of service to the Virginia SAR, the SAR, and our nation. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Corey, Hamilton, Lynch, B.Schwetke, Schwoerer. October 3rd, 2024, Thursday - Fall Leadership, Louisville, KY Event Level: National Host/POC: NSSAR Location: Galt House 140 North Fourth St., Louisville, KY. (Note change of venue). Firing Event: No Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Osborn. October 3rd, 2024, Thursday (10:00 am) – Battle of the Hook Commemoration, Hayes, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Thomas Nelson & Williamsburg Chapters, VASSAR / Gary Dunaway at [email protected] (757-303-3673). Location: Abingdon Park, 7087 Powhatan Dr., Hayes, VA. Firing Event: TBD Event Color Guard Commander: Details: The largest cavalry action during the Revolutionary War was when the Duc de Lauzan's Legion and LtCol Mercer's Select Battalion of Militia forces defeated British LtCol Tarleton's British Legion and Royal Welsh Fusiliers. More detailed information: https://w3r-us.org/new-battle-of-the-hook-waysides-unveiled-in-gloucester-virginia/ Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Lynch. New (4 Sep 24) October 5, 2024, Saturday (10:00 am), New River Valley Patriot Memorial Marker Ceremony, Wytheville, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: New River Valley Chapter, VASSAR, Terry Blevins, [email protected] (540) 200-7608 Location: St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery1650 N 4th St, Wytheville, VA 24382 Firing Event: Yes Event CG Commander: Gullion Heat Index: Details: The New River Valley Chapter dedication of a memorial marker and wreath presentation to honor eight Patriots interned at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Wytheville Virginia. The ceremony will include a wreath presentation followed by a musket salute by the Virginia Society SAR Color Guard. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Gullion TBC: October 5th, 2024, Saturday – Commemoration of the Battle of Kings Mountain, Blacksburg, SC Event Level: National Host/POC: Kings Mountain Chapter NCSSAR / Daniel Morgan Chapter SCSSAR. Location: Kings Mountain National Military Park, 2625 Park Rd., Blacksburg, SC. Firing Event: Yes Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: The Commemoration of the 244th Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain will have a wreath-laying ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. Anticipate about 60 min. total time. A registration table will be set up outside the Visitors Center to link up with the National Color Guard Commander and the other state color guard participants. The Battle of Kings Mountain was fought on October 7, 1780, and destroyed the left wing of Lord Cornwallis' army, effectively ending Loyalist ascendance in the Carolinas. The victory halted the British advance into North Carolina, forced Lord Cornwallis to retreat from Charlotte into South Carolina, and allowed General Nathanael Greene to reorganize the American Army. The Patriot force of about 1,400 men was under the overall command of Colonel William Campbell, Virginia Militia. In "The Winning of the West," SAR Compatriot President Theodore Roosevelt wrote of Kings Mountain, "This brilliant victory marked the turning point of the American Revolution." Thomas Jefferson called it "The turn of the tide of success". SAR Compatriot President Herbert Hoover at the sesquicentennial commemoration at the site of the battle, said, "This small band of Patriots turned back a dangerous invasion well designed to separate and dismember the united Colonies. It was a little army and a little battle, but it was of mighty portent. History has done scant justice to its significance, which rightly should place it beside Lexington, Bunker Hill, Trenton, and Yorktown." {Hoover's full sesquicentennial address may be reached here: Speech.] In 1931, the Congress of the United States created the Kings Mountain National Military Park at the site of the battle. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: October 12th, 2024, Saturday (7:00 pm) - Honoring Kings Mountain Patriots, Abingdon, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: General William Campbell Chapter VASSAR / TBA. Location: Sinking Spring Cemetery, Abingdon, VA. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: TBA. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: INFORMATION: October 13th, 2024, Sunday – 249th Anniversary of the US Navy Event Level: Not a National Event for Color Guard medal purposes. A 13 October 1775 resolution of the Continental Congress established what is now the United States Navy with “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months….” After the American War of Independence, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.” Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy on 30 April 1798. In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized official recognition of 13 October as the birthday of the U.S. Navy. Since then, each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion “to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.” NEW (7/1/2024): October 17th, 2024, Thursday, (10:30 am and 1:30 pm), Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour, Mount Vernon, VA Event Level: Chapter. Host/POC: American Friends of Lafayette, Mount Vernon Ladies Association, [SAR POC George Washington Chapter, VASSAR], Edgar Bates, [email protected], (703) 772-6178. Location: Mount Vernon (Old Tomb) 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121. Firing Event: No Event CG Commander: TBD Heat Index: Details: This event is part of a continuum of Lafayette 200th Anniversary events, co-hosted with the American Friends of Lafayette and Mt. Vernon. This will be a reenactment of Lafayette's visit to Mt Vernon in 1824. Much of what was said has been transcribed verbatim will enhance the reenactment. The event will occur at the Old Tomb where space is limited especially with the number of planned participants, therefore only two-Color Guard are requested for both morning and afternoon events. AFL has reserved a room at the Mt Vernon Inn for both breakfast and lunch to which Color Guard are invited. The Color Guard has been requested to honor this event by posting the colors and will likely stand as sentinels near the tomb during the reenactment. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: McComb. October 18th, 2024, Friday (3:00 pm) - Lafayette Returns to Yorktown Bicentennial, Yorktown, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: American Friends of Lafayette. [SAR POC Williamsburg Chapter VASSAR / Gary Dunaway, [email protected] (757) 303-3673.] Location: Yorktown Riverfront Landing, 331 Water Street, Yorktown, VA. Firing Event: TBD Event Color Guard Commander: Dunaway. Details: This event kicks off Yorktown Day festivities in conjunction with American Friends of Lafayette, Yorktown Day Association, American Revolution Museum Yorktown, National Park Service. Marquis de Lafayette (portrayed by Mark Schneider) will arrive at the dock from the schooner Luna at 3:30. The American Revolution Museum Yorktown will fire artillery and our Color Guard will offer a musket salute. This ceremony precedes the Yorktown Day dinner at the American Revolution Museum Yorktown that evening. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Dunaway, Hamilton, Schwoerer. October 19th, 2024, Saturday (9:15 am) – Wreath Laying at the tomb of Thomas Nelson Jr., Yorktown, VA Event Level: National Host/POC: Thomas Nelson Jr Chapter VASSAR / Gary Hodges. Location: Grace Episcopal Church, Yorktown, VA. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Honor Guard Commander: TBA. Details: Muster no later than 8:15 due to complex lay-out. Event Playbook link here: Thomas Nelson Playbook Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Daniel, Dunaway, Hamilton, Hodges, Lynch, Melhuish, Schwoerer, Thompson, Wilson. October 19th, 2024, Saturday (10:30 am) – Battle of Yorktown Victory Parade, Yorktown, VA Event Level: National Host/POC: Thomas Nelson Jr Chapter VASSAR / Gary Hodges. Location: Yorktown, VA. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Honor Guard Commander: TBA. Details: The Siege of Yorktown, also known as the Battle of Yorktown, the surrender at Yorktown, or the German Battle, ending on October 19, 1781, at Yorktown, Virginia, was a decisive victory by a combined force of the American Continental Army troops led by General George Washington and French Army troops led by the Comte de Rochambeau over a British army commanded by Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis. The culmination of the Yorktown campaign, the siege proved to be the last major land battle of the American Revolutionary War in the North American region, as the surrender by Cornwallis, and the capture of both him and his army, prompted the British government to negotiate an end to the conflict. Parade formation may be viewed here (click on link): Yorktown SAR Formation Note: this event also marks the bicentennial of the return of the Marquis de Lafayette to Yorktown in October 1824 and is expected to be a significant commemoration. The French Ambassador will attend, and the French Air Force will conduct a flyover. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Daniel, Dunaway, Hamilton, Hodges, Lynch, Melhuish, Osborn, Schwoerer, Thompson, Wilson. French Military CG Attendees: LtCol Koudinoff, LtCol Chavane. October 21st, 2023, Saturday (11:00 am) - Culpeper Minutemen Muster, Culpeper, VA Event Level: State Host/POC: Culpeper Minutemen Chapter VASSAR / TBA. Location: Yowell Meadow Park, N Blue Ridge Ave, Culpeper, VA. Firing Event: Yes Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: Head for the Gardner Street Entrance, rather than the main parking area. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Schwoerer. New (9/3/24) October 26, 2024, Saturday, (1:00 pm), Color Guard Workshop Event Level: Chapter October 27th, 2024, Sunday (2:00 pm) – Bolling / Lafayette Historic Marker Dedication, North Chesterfield, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Richmond Chapter VASSAR / Chris Yong at [email protected] (248) 703-1755 Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: TBA Details: This is the marker text: "SUSANNA BOLLING WAS 16 WHEN BRITISH GENERAL CORNWALLIS QUARTERED IN HER CITY POINT/ HOPEWELL, VA HOME. SHE OVERHEARD HIM PLOTTING TO CAPTURE CONTINENTAL ARMY GENERAL LAFAYETTE, WHO HEADQUARTERED HERE AT THE HALFWAY HOUSE. SUSANNA SNUCK OUT OF HER HOME, CROSSED THE APPOMATTOX RIVER, AND RODE ALMOST 15 MILES THROUGH THE NIGHT TO WARN LAFAYETTE, WHO ESCAPED. SUSANNA’S HEROISM ALLOWED LAFAYETTE TO CONTINUE LEADING THE VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN, WHICH ENDED WITH CORNWALLIS IN YORKTOWN AND SET THE STAGE FOR THE DECISIVE AMERICAN VICTORY." The event date also marks the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's visit to Richmond on his return tour to the U.S. The American Friends of Lafayette will be invited to present a wreath. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Lynch. November 2nd, 2024, Saturday (11:00 am) - Commemoration of the Skirmish at Kemps Landing, Virginia Beach, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Norfolk Chapter VASSAR / TBA. Location: Kempsville Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 5181 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach, VA. Firing Event: No Preferred Uniform: Militia Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: This was the first fight in Virginia where the first Virginian blood was spilled during the Revolutionary War. Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, sent about 120 British regulars of the 14th Regiment and elements of the newly formed Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment to Kemp's Landing to combat rebel (Patriot) militia activity in the area. [The Ethiopian Regiment consisted of escaped African-American slaves who signed up to fight for the Crown in response to Dunmore's November 1775 Proclamation granting freedom for military service.] On November 15th, 1775 the Princess Anne militia fired on the British advance guard. The ensuing engagement left 18 Patriots captured, including Col. Joseph Hutchings, 7 killed, including 2 who drowned crossing a creek. Only one British soldier suffered a minor wound. [Outdoors ceremony planned, however currently awaiting approval of the use of the Kempsville Emmanuel Episcopal Church as a fallback venue in the event of inclement weather.] Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Lynch, Melhuish. INFORMATION: November 10th, 2024, Sunday – 249th Anniversary of the US Marine Corps Event Level: Not a National Event for Color Guard medal purposes. On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces with the fleet. This resolution established the Continental Marines and marked the birth date of the United States Marine Corps. Serving on land and at sea, these first Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious raid into the Bahamas in March 1776 under the command of Captain (later Major) Samuel Nicholas. The first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines, Nicholas remained the senior Marine officer throughout the American Revolution and is considered to be the first Marine Commandant. The Treaty of Paris in April 1783 brought an end to the Revolutionary War, and as the last of the Navy's ships were sold, the Continental Navy and Marines went out of existence. Following the Revolutionary War and the formal re-establishment of the Marine Corps on 11 July 1798, Marines saw action in the quasi-war with France, landed in Santo Domingo, and took part in many operations against the Barbary pirates along the "Shores of Tripoli". Update (9/5/24): November 10th, 2024, Sunday (1 pm) – Veterans Parade, Brunswick, MD INFORMATION: November 11th, 2023, Saturday - Veterans Day Commemorations Event Level: National Originally known as Armistice Day, in recognition of when the guns fell silent at the 11th hour of the 11th day, November 1918. This day continues to be celebrated in some other countries as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day. The US changed the name of the national holiday to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, at the urging of WWII and Korean veterans. Veterans Day honors the service of all US military Veterans who have served, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service to the nation. The official theme of Veterans Day 2024 will be announced later in the year. Perhaps not widely known is how the red poppy became a symbol of this national holiday. In November 1918, a young woman by the name of Moina Belle Michael -- a Daughter of the American Revolution -- was so moved by a Canadian war poet's work ("In Flanders Fields") that she wrote her own poem in response and bought 24 red silk poppies from Wanamaker's in NYC. At the time, she was on a sabbatical from the University of Georgia to help Veterans in New York. The American and British Legions adopted her promotion of the red poppy as a symbol to rally public support for caring for veterans. In 1924, General "Black Jack" Pershing wrote to Moina, “I wish to congratulate you on the splendid patriotic service you have rendered in conducting the sale of poppies on Armistice Day each year for the relief and benefit of war sufferers.” And so, wearing the poppy on this day honors Veterans and keeps alive the memory of a young DAR Georgia teacher who raised millions to support Veterans by selling poppies. November 11th, 2024, Monday (11:00 am) - Veterans Day Commemoration, Abingdon, VA Event Level: National Host/POC: Abingdon Memorial Park Foundation and Gen. William Campbell Chapter VASSAR / John Gullion. Location: Veterans Memorial Park, Abingdon, VA. Firing Event: Yes Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: TBA. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: November 11th, 2024, Monday (11:00 am) – Veterans Day Commemoration, Culpeper, VA Event Level: National Host/POC: Culpeper Minute Men Chapter VASSAR / Charles Jameson. Location: Culpeper National Cemetery, 305 US Ave., Culpeper, VA. Firing Event: Yes (American Legion will fire) Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: TBA. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: November 11th, 2024, Monday (10:00 am) - Veterans Day Commemoration, Williamsburg, VA Event Level: National Host/POC: Williamsburg Chapter VASSAR & Colonial Williamsburg / John Lynch. Location: Colonial Williamsburg, VA. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: Details: Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Dunaway. November 11th, 2024, Monday (11:00 am) - Veterans Day Commemoration, Winchester, VA Event Level: National Host/POC: Col. James Wood II Chapter VASSAR / Location: National Cemetery, 401 National Ave., Winchester, VA, Firing event: Yes Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: TBA. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Update (9/10/24) November 11th, 2024, Monday (1:00 pm) - Wreath Laying at Geo. Washington's Tomb, Mt. Vernon, VA Event Level: National Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, VASSAR/POC Scot Bryant, [email protected] Location: Mount Vernon, VA. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: Wreath Laying Ceremony Start Time is 1:00 p.m. Entrance: Enter as early as Noon through the "Purple Heart Gate" (free admission), which is up the path to the left of the main "Texas Gate" entrance. Press the entry call box button at the Purple Heart Gate and when/if asked through the speaker by Security, announce that you are there for the Sons of the American Revolution event. Push the gate open and advance toward the right to the front of the Ann Pamela Cunningham (APC) building. From there, you can make your way to the Tomb of George Washington. For a map of public parking options, the "Purple Heart Gate" and the APC Building locations, click here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mountvernon/sites/mountvernon/files/Assets/Documents/PDF/Mount%20Vernon%20Estate%20Map.pdf November 11th, 2024, Monday (1:00 pm) - Veterans Day Commemoration, Middletown, VA Event Level: National Host/POC: Col. James Wood II Chapter VASSAR / TBA. Location: TBA. Firing Event: Yes (provided by the local VFW chapter) Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: TBA. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: NEW (8/2/24): Saturday, 16 November 2024, 11:00 am, 249th Commemoration Skirmish at Kemp's Landing Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Norfolk Chapter, VASSAR/POC Patrick Hannum, [email protected], Cell: 757 589-1805 Location: Emmanual Episcopal Church,5181 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Firing Event: No Event CG Commander: TBA. Details: Annual chapter event to honor the first loss of Virginia Patriots on Virginia soil during the revolution. The names of two men (KIA & WIA) who died during and after the skirmish are preserved. Efforts are underway by the City of Virginia Beach 250 Committee to provide an open house or tour of Pleasant Hall, a large brick home, known to have been built in 1769. The home is like the structure used by both Lord Dunmore in 1775 and Benedict Arnold 1781. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Update (9/8/24) November 23rd, 2024, Saturday (10:00 am) – Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration, Fredericksburg, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Col. Fielding Lewis Chapter VASSAR / John Hamilton. Location: Market Square 909 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: TBA Details: Color Guard muster no later than 09:15 am. The city has requested SAR Color Guard support to provide a presentation of colors with the Mayor and salute/escort of General Lafayette and President Monroe as they step off the carriage and walk into Market Square for the opening ceremony. This civic event will reenact the arrival of Lafayette and Monroe in the city during Lafayette's 1824 tour of the United States and is the kickoff of a two-day celebration in Fredericksburg, including balls, lectures, and tours/open houses around the city. Gen. Lafayette and Pres. Monroe will be portrayed by actors coming from Williamsburg. Gen Lafayette and Pres. Monroe will arrive by carriage to Market Square where he will be greeted by local officials (Lafayette and the Mayor reciting the same speeches they made in 1824) and area residents, some in period clothing, and local JROTC cadets. ' Historically, veterans of the Revolutionary War and local militia provided the same during the 1824 visit, according to written accounts provided by the great-great-grandfather of the former Mayor of Fredericksburg, who is the honorary chair of the Committee. Later in day there will be a colonial ball from 6-9 PM. Information and ticket purchase is available at https://fredericksburgfrejus.com/lafayette-ball-tickets/ Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Hamilton. December 7th, 2024, Saturday (11:00 am) - Commemoration of the Battle of Great Bridge, Chesapeake, VA Event Level: National Hosts/POCs: Great Bridge Chapter VASSAR / Don Fergusson; VADAR Great Bridge Chapter / Lisa Davis. Location: 1775 Historic Way, Chesapeake, VA. Firing Event: Yes Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: TBA. Click here for the Playbook: Great Bridge Playbook Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Dunaway, Lynch, Melhuish. December 7th, 2024, Saturday (TBD) – Leesburg Holiday Parade, Leesburg, VA Event Level: Chapter Host Chapter: Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter/Barry Schwoerer ([email protected]) Location: Parade goes down King Street from Lee Park, to Fairfax Street, Leesburg, VA. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: NA Details: The parade float offered to the SMJC will be entered. The float can accommodate 4-6 riders. DAR and CAR typically join the chapter. Other SAR Chapters invited and encouraged to join us. Colonial attire, militia or Regimental uniforms preferred. Parade length approximately 1 mile. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Schwoerer, Sink, Bonner, Workman. December 8th, 2024, Sunday (5:00 pm) - 56th Abingdon Annual Christmas Parade, Abingdon, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: The Kiwanis Club of Abingdon organizes the parade. VASSAR POC / John Gullion. Location: Abingdon, VA. Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: TBA. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: December 8th, 2024, Sunday (5:00 pm) – Support to the 14th Annual Gold Star Family Gala, Chesapeake, VA Event Level: Public Service Host/POC: Honor and Remember Organization / George Lutz, the founder and Gold Star father. VASSAR POC: Thompson. Location: Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Dr., Chesapeake, VA. (Change from previous years.) Firing Event: No Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: Please note the change of venue. This will mark the twelfth year the VASSAR Color Guard has supported this annual public service event. It is held to honor and remember our fallen servicemen and women at the Gold Star Family Gala. Several hundred people typically attend this event. Only a small Color Guard is usually provided: two musket men and two flag bearers (US and the Honor & Remember flags). We would also like to add a VASSAR fife and drummer to the team this year. The NSSAR President General's June 29, 2010, Resolution stated in part, "...be it resolved that the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution supports legislation to establish a unique national flag to honor and remember those who have given their lives in military service for our great nation, the United States of America...and it further resolved that the United States Congress is urged to adopt House of Representatives Bill 1034 to select the 'Honor and Remember Flag' which has been created by Honor and Remember, Incorporated, to serve as a national symbol." Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: December 9th, 2023, Saturday (7:30 am) - Culpeper Commemoration of Battle of Great Bridge, Culpeper, VA Event Level: Chapter Host/POC: Culpeper Minutemen Chapter VASSAR / TBA. Location: Culpeper Minuteman Monument, Yowell Meadow Park, Culpeper, VA. Firing Event: Yes Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: TBA. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: INFORMATION: December 16th-17th Wreaths Across America Event Level: National In 2022, Wreaths Across America (WAA) and its national network of volunteers placed more than 2.7 million sponsored veterans' wreaths on headstones of our nation's service members at 3,702 participating locations. This was accomplished with the support of more than 5,000 sponsorship groups, corporation contributions, and in-kind donations from the transportation industry across the country. The wreath-laying that began more than 30 years ago is still held annually on the second or third Saturday of December. WAA's annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery has become known as “the world’s largest veterans’ parade." Every year the convoy of trucks, local law enforcement, staff, and supporters stop at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities along the way to talk about the Wreaths Across America mission and remind people how important it is to remember, honor and teach. December 14th, 2024, Saturday (11:00 am) - Wreaths Across America, Purcellville, VA Event Level: National Host/POC: Col. James Wood II, Sgt Maj John Champe Chapters VASSAR, and Ketoctin Chapter VADAR. Locations: (1) Ketoctin Baptist Church, 16595 Ketoctin Church Road, Purcellville, VA. (2) North Fork Baptist Church, 38130 North Fork, Purcellville, VA. (3) North Hill Cemetery, Clarke County, VA. Firing Events (3): Yes (at all three cemeteries) Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: TBA. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: December 15th, 2024, Sunday (1:00 pm) - Wreaths Across America, Front Royal, VA Event Level: National Host/POC: Col. James Wood II Chapter VASSAR and Boy Scout Troop #4 Location: Prospect Hill Cemetery, Prospect St, Front Royal, VA. Firing Event: Yes Event Color Guard Commander: TBA. Details: TBA. Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: |
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