Invitation: Memorial Ceremony for Eight Patriots

Join Us in Tribute: SAR Hosts Memorial Ceremony for Eight Patriots at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery

(Wytheville, VA.) —The New River Valley Chapter invite the general public and SAR compatriots to attend the dedication of a memorial marker to honor eight Revolutionary War Patriots interred at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. The event will take place on Saturday, October 5 at 10:00 AM.

The ceremony will include a wreath presentation followed by a musket salute by the Virginia SAR Color Guard. This is a unique opportunity to pay tribute to the brave individuals who fought for our nation’s independence. All are welcome to attend this solemn occasion. If you are a descendant of one of the patriots, we encourage you to join us or contact us for more information. Visit the SAR Patriot Research System's (PRS) entry for the cemetery. 

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A Hero's Welcome: Virginia SAR and Honor Guards Unite at Dulles

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.

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Williamsburg Chapter Recognize Eagle Scouts

The Williamsburg Chapter, Virginia SAR has been active working with the Boy Scouts of our area.  On two occasions we have had the privilege of presenting Sons of the American Revolution Boy Scout Certificate of Recognition. Scholarship applications were also given to the scouts. 


 

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Obituary: Lewis "Lew" Miller Ewing (1934–2024)

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.


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Celebrating Patriotism: Frank Shatz Awarded Silver Good Citizenship Medal

Virginia SAR Honors Frank Shatz with Silver Good Citizenship Medal

Williamsburg, VA – August 19, 2024 – The Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), with the support of the Williamsburg Chapter SAR, proudly presented the Silver Good Citizenship Medal Award to Mr. Frank Shatz at the College of William and Mary.

The Silver Good Citizenship Medal recognizes outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement and service at the state or regional level. The medal is presented to persons of prominence in areas of government, military service, religion, education, business, or other endeavors. Mr. Frank Shatz was born in Czechoslovakia in 1927. After the German takeover of Czechoslovakia, he was deported to a slave work camp in Romania. He managed to escape and returned to Czechoslovakia, where he became a member of the anti-German resistance. He began a career in journalism after the World War II and immigrated with his wife, Jaroslava, to the United States in 1958. He currently resides in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he writes a weekly column for the Virginia Gazette and is involved with the College of William and Mary.

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Qualities that Define a Leader

Qualities that Define a Leader
a guest article by Ros Poplar

Mr. Craig Fehrman notes in his book “The Story of John Adams Perilous Transatlantic Voyage” our future President of the United States and Founding Father, John Adams, demonstrated early on the qualities that define a  true leader. In 1778 the Continental Congress asked Adams to go to France to serve as a diplomat for our fledgling Republic.  John Quincy, his ten-year-old son also accompanied him on the voyage – thus two future American presidents made the trip together.

On 13 February Adams and his son boarded the Boston, a 24-gun frigate for a treacherous and frigid winter Atlantic crossing known for its storms and ice flows. Then it was not uncommon for ships to sink at sea with the loss of all hands.  Mother nature can be both beautiful and cruel to those who go down to the sea in ships and a crossing in the Winter is especially treacherous. 

After weathering severe storms  and outrunning a British Man of War, the Boston’s crew spotted another British ship.  After the ship’s Captain asked Adams to go below, the Boston sped towards an armed British merchantman named the Martha. The Martha fired several shots with the cannonballs flying directly over Adam’s head.  In the midst of this John Adams was seen brandishing a musket while  preparing to engage the British. “My dear sir,” the Captain asked, “how came you here?” “I ought to do my share of fighting,” Adams promptly replied. 


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Obituary: Charles L. Mattocks Sr (1940–2024)

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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GWSAR Launches Test of QR Code Project for Revolutionary War Graves

To help tell the story of our Revolutionary War Patriots, the George Washington Chapter placed small markers with a QR (Quick Response) code that link to the patriot’s biography and service record on the SAR’s Patriot Research System (PRS).    Not only will this give the public a greater appreciation of the service of our Patriots but will also help publicize the society.  QR markers were placed in the Presbyterian Meeting House section of the Wilkes Street complex in Alexandria and in the Flint Hill cemetery in Vienna.  Unfortunately, some of the cemeteries where our chapter has marked patriot graves in the past declined to give us permission to place these QR code markers.  GWSAR Compatriot Luc Chevalier assisted Paul Walden, Grave Marking Chair, in placing these markers.  This first batch of markers is a test case to see how long these last in the elements and while we research more economical options for producing these markers.  

 

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Sons of the American Revolution Eagle Scout Recognition

 

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HISTORY DAY

The Skirmish at Kemp’s Landing Remembered

 

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Commemoration of the 241st Anniversary of the Battle of the Virginia Capes

It may not be unusual for a SAR event to draw 150 attendees; however, it is unique when more than half of the attendees are French. Such was the case at the 241 Anniversary of the Battle of the Virginia Capes Commemoration held on Saturday, September 3, 2022 aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story in Virginia Beach. The event hosted by the Norfolk Chapter honored the French naval forces under command of Admiral Francois Joseph Paul, Comte de Grasse, that defeated the British Royal Navy.

The base, located on Cape Henry, the first landing site of Virginia’s 1607 settlers, hosts a small National Park honoring both the first landing of the Jamestown settlers on Virginia soil and Admiral de Grasse’s victory.

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Richmond Chapter Remembers Tea Act

Col James Wood II Chapter Celebrates Washington's Birthday

 

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CLARENCE TARPLEY OBITUARY

Clarence Tarpley Obituary



February 24, 1941 - May 29, 2024

Clarence Lee Tarpley, 83, of Roanoke, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 29, 2024. He was preceded by his grandparents, the Rev. E.N. Tarpley and wife Elizabeth, and Walter P. and Reba Crouch; parents, Claude Lee Tarpley and Lucille Payne.

Clarence was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School where he was a member of the 1958 State Champion Track Team, as well as a member of the football team. After graduating from high school he attended Virginia Tech where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and the football team. Following his time at Virginia Tech he accepted a job as an Electrical Engineer working for several communications companies and ultimately retired from AT&T. He was a kind man with a generous heart and had many varied hobbies including; woodworking, gardening, and beekeeping. He was an experienced ham radio operator with the call sign of WA4OMR and also served with the MARS system (Military Affiliate Radio Service). He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, The Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Taylor Masonic Lodge.

Surviving is his high school sweetheart and wife of 65 years, the Rev. Betty Arrington Tarpley; sons, Adam Clarence Tarpley (Sharon), Jay Stuart Tarpley; grandchildren, Joel Stuart Tarpley (Grace), Christina Cripps, Nicholas Cripps (Rachel); sisters, Joyce Lynn Rausch (Richard "Dick"), Luanne Osborne (David); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In recognition of the love that Clarence had for his German shepherd dogs the family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, P.O. Box 733, Centreville, VA 20122-0733.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Clarence's primary care physcian, Dr. Matt Billups, as well as Dr. Luke Ennis and the staff at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

A Celebration of Clarence's life will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, with the Rev. Emory Tarpley officiating. The family will receive friends 2 hours prior to the service. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home, 540 366 0707.

Simpson Funeral Home

5160 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Jun. 1, 2024.

Raid on Martin's Station Commemorated

GEN. WILLIAM CAMPBELL SAR CHAPTER AT PLUMB ALLEY DAY, ABINGDON, VIRGINIA.

photo are DAR ladies Past Regent Lila Thurman, Beth Henningson, Regent and Joella Barbour at Yeary Cabin

 

On 23 May 2023, the General William Campbell Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution with Black's Fort Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Over Mountain Trail Association conducted Plumb Alley Day at the Yeary Cabin in Abingdon, Virginia.  Plumb Alley Day is a street fair promoting the health, education and welfare of children in Washington County, Virginia.  The event is held in the town's historic district between Main and Valley Streets.  It features food, music, dance performances, children's activities and vendors.  Demonstrations by the three organizations were seen by 1,000 visitors concerning the colonial era of the valley.  John Britton, Rob Richmond, Lee Saunders, Michael Shaver, Emmitt Yearly and other compatriots talked about the life of long hunters and pioneers in the back country, retelling the history of the frontier.  Activities included baking bread on outside brick ovens, spinning yarn and baking cookies from recipes of the colonial era and SAR guardsmen John Gullion, James Johnson and others, giving presentations on different types of firelocks to include their loading and care.  The demonstration concluded with a live volley fire.  Dr. Kevin Combs, (SAR compatriot) spoke about vaccinations for small pox, amputations and the often unsanitary conditions on the battlefield.  It was noted that doctors would sometimes wash their hands, but it was not always possible due to the conditions at the time.  There was a display of colonial flags along with maps, documents, coins and writing instruments to reflect the life of colonials.  Music was supplied by pipers, fifes and drums from the Appalachian Highlanders.  J.W. Hornsby, event coordinator said "The Historical Committee for Festival Excellence has decreed that all Plumb Alley Day 2023 participants from the SAR, DAR and OVTA be herewith awarded the Golden Horseshoe.  This award is given to worthy participants of the fair who provide outstanding support and participation in the event.  The following is the proclamation provided by Hornsby. 

  "To the SAR, OVTA and DAR, Plumb Alley Day 2023, Abingdon, VA.  Hear ye, Hear ye!  The Historical Committee for Festival Excellence has decreed that all Plumb Alley Day 2023 participants from the SAR, DAR and OVTA be herewith awarded the Golden Horseshoe - the highest available level of recognition. 

  The Yeary Cabin was buzzing with your Revolutionary War re-enactors telling engaging stories to captivated attendees.  Muskets were properly loaded and fired upon command, fifes and drums were played with precision and delicious sweet bread was cooked in a replicated period brick oven.  In addition, delicious ginger and coconut cookies were available (along with cookbooks) and ladies in period costumes used foot pedal-driven spinning wheels to create authentic twisted yarn from local sheep's wool. 

In the 13 years that I've been running Plumb Alley Day, I've never seen a more active and vibrant cluster of activities at the Yeary Cabin...It was all very exciting to see!"

                                                             

photo is Richard Vogel, OVTA and                                                                         photo is compatriot Rob Richmond preparing to present a Patriots Chest.

Candy Walton, DAR baking bread.                  

 

FREDERICK COUNTY RESOLVES

WINCHESTER, VA. Saturday, June 8, 2024 -The Colonel James Wood II Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution conducted a 250th Anniversary Commemoration of the Frederick County (Virginia) Resolves held at the Winchester Walking Mall in conjunction with Winchester's Kidzfest. The ceremony honored the memory of the Frederick County men who signed a document condemning the actions of Parliament in closing the port of Boston in May 1774.  They vowed to import no English goods nor export goods to England based on a letter from Paul Revere to the committee of Philadelphia on 21 May 1774. On 8 June 1774, Frederick County patriots gathered in a meeting chaired by Rev. Charles Mynn Thruston, rector of Frederick Parish and chairman of the revolutionary County Committee of Association. The resolves were adopted in Winchester, copied and then adopted by Shenandoah County at a meeting chaired by the Rev. Peter Muhlenberg on 16 June 1774 in Woodstock, Virginia. 

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Private George Daniel Flohr Memorial Dedication

The Lt. David Cox Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution invite you to join us as we dedicate a memorial in honor of service in the American Revolution of Private George Daniel Flohr of the Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment.

Date: August 24, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, 1650 N 4th St, Wytheville, VA 24382

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Chief Justice John Marshall Grave Marking - Virginia SAR Presidential Initiative Event - June 23

Compatriots and friends, 

You are cordially invited to join the Virginia SAR in the grave marking ceremony of U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall.

As announced at the Virginia SAR annual meeting, this is one of President Greaf's 2024 state-level events commemorating our nation's foundational components remembered in the SAR Recessional. This event honors the man who was perhaps the most influential in giving us our independent Supreme Court.

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