Honoring George Washington on His 294th Birthday at Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, VA—Members of the George Washington Chapter gathered at Mount Vernon today to honor the 294th birthday of our nation’s first president with a wreath‑laying ceremony at Washington’s Tomb. The program was led with distinction by our chapter Vice President and ceremony emcee, David Harrity, who guided the event with reverence and historical pride.

We were honored to welcome several distinguished guests. Virginia SAR President Darrin M. Schmidt brought greetings on behalf of the Virginia Society, and Past National SAR President Joseph Dooley, dressed in his impressive Washington’s Life Guard attire, served as the honor guard—adding a powerful historical presence to the ceremony.

MARTINSVILLE, VA —The Colonel George Waller Chapter of the Virginia Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) will start the new year with a 2026 Chapter Kickoff Dinner on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:00 P.M., at Hugo’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Uptown Martinsville.

Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis (photo right) will be the guest speaker who will share insights into current developments in local law enforcement and discuss the evolution of the recently adopted 1777 Sheriff’s Department uniform patch which honors the County’s 249-year history.

During the dinner, the chapter will present Sheriff Davis with the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal in recognition of his distinctive service and devotion in the field of law enforcement and public safety. Also, Scott Norman will receive the Bronze Good Citizenship Medal in recognition of his noteworthy community achievements. A brief report from the Annual Convention of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
will be presented, sharing any awards received.

HARRISONBURG, Va. — January 7, 2026 — The Fort Harrison Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution participated in a Naturalization Ceremony at the United States District Court, Western District of Virginia. With the Honorable Joel C. Hoppe, United States Magistrate Judge, presiding, thirty‑nine applicants from twenty‑four countries and five continents became the newest citizens of the United States of America. Many recounted the sacrifices and hardships they endured on their long journey to this momentous day.

After taking the Oath of Allegiance, each new citizen was given the opportunity to share their personal story—many describing years of waiting, experiences of political persecution, and the hope that carried them forward. Although hesitant at first, once the first individual spoke, a floodgate of emotion opened. Several described their pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families, and all expressed that this day marked one of the proudest moments of their lives. They emphasized that they did not take the responsibilities of American citizenship lightly.

Fairfax Resolves Chapter Honors President David L. Peters with SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal

FAIRFAX, Va. — November 16, 2025—The Fairfax Resolves Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), proudly presented the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Certificate and Medal to Chapter President David L. Peters during the chapter’s November luncheon. The award was conferred in recognition of his distinguished career in federal law enforcement and his enduring commitment to public service.

The presentation was made by Chapter Past President, the Hon. Jon Rymer, who read the official citation and bestowed the certificate and medal before chapter members and guests. The ceremony underscored SAR’s mission to honor individuals who exemplify courage, integrity, and dedication in safeguarding the nation.

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Oct. 26, 2025—At its recent chapter meeting held on October 21 at the Wood Grill Buffet, the Fort Harrison Chapter SAR was honored to have as its guest speaker, compatriot Richard Rankin who gave an inspiring presentation to the Chapter on George Washington's formative years on the American Frontier.

This presentation was especially relevant for the Fort Harrison Chapter as much as this occurred within close proximity from the colonial Fort Harrison from which the Chapter derives its name. Richard is the Virginia SAR's Risk Manager and also co-chairman for National SAR Insurance and Risk Management Committee and spoke on this important issue. It was an honor to have him speak and make the long drive "up" the Valley from his home chapter (George Washington Chapter) in Northern Virginia! Pictured is compatriot Rankin with chapter compatriot and Virginia SAR's Third Vice-President Randy Atkins.

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Oct. 26, 2025—James Madison University Police Chief Anthony Matos was presented a Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal on October 23, 2025 during a division meeting held at the Atlantic Union Bank Center.

Fort Harrison Chapter SAR compatriot Randy Atkins gave an overview of the SAR to the nearly 1000 people in attendance including JMU leadership; he spoke of the history, goals and positive impact of the SAR on the local area communities and the long-standing connection between the Fort Harrison Chapter SAR and the University. Wes Dove read the nomination letter, and Ros Poplar presented the certificate and medal.

Honoring Patriot George Estes: A New Patriot Burials® Marker Dedicated in South Boston

SOUTH BOSTON, Va. — September 9, 2025—A quiet corner of Oak Ridge Cemetery came alive with patriotic pride as the Dan River Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), hosted a moving dedication ceremony for a newly installed Patriot Burials® marker honoring George Estes (1763–1859) and Robert Easley (1754–1814), both Revolutionary War patriots. The marker, funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and facilitated through Virginia SAR’s Patriot Burials® initiative, stands as a lasting tribute to their service and legacy.

The event drew a strong turnout from both SAR and DAR members, as well as descendants of George Estes, who gathered to pay their respects and celebrate the installation. The Dan River Chapter Color Guard presented the colors with solemn dignity, setting the tone for a ceremony steeped in remembrance and gratitude.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter SAR was busy commemorating Independence with four parades and two readings of the Declaration of Independence. A float owned by member Warner Workman participated in: The June 27 Star Spangled South Riding parade and display, the July 3 Lovettsville Parade, the July 4 Leesburg parade, and the July 4 Middletown parade in support of the Col. James Wood II (CJW-II) Chapter SAR. The chapter sponsored a Reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Historic Loudoun County Courthouse the morning of July 4, then supported the CJW-II Chapter at a Reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 5 in Front Royal at the Warren County Courthouse with a 1/3 size Liberty Bell.

At the Loudoun County Courthouse Reading of the Declaration of Independence, four elected officials were readers: Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Sylvia Glass, Juli Briskman and Kriten Umstattd. The Reverend John Marks Society Children of the American Revolution (Virginia C.A.R.) provided ten members, two who passed out programs, three who read portions of the Declaration, and eight who led the Pledge of Allegiance. Ten members of SMJC participated along with ten ladies from four DAR Chapters.

Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter SAR member Warner Workman’s float joined the SAR team in the National Memorial Day parade in Washington DC. The SAR team included National SAR officers and multiple Virginia SAR representatives.

 In addition to Compatriot Workman, SMJC participants included past president Ken Bonner and chapter Historian David Welker. Bonner and Welker were joined by their wives, Anita Bonner, and Margaret Welker, both from the Lanes Mill Chapter DAR.

John Champe Chapter Commemorates 250th Anniversary of Lexington & Concord.

ALDI, Va.—On April 19, the Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter SAR sponsored the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the opening battle of the Revolution at Lexington & Concord. The commemoration took place at Champe Farms near the village of Aldi in Loudoun County. Champe Farms, once home to the chapter’s namesake, John Champe, is the site of a memorial obelisk honoring Champe’s role as a spy for General George Washington.

The event included a brief commemoration of John Champe before transitioning to the remembrance of Lexington and Concord. Five SAR chapters—Sgt. Maj. John Champe, Col. James Wood II, George Mason, Col. Fielding Lewis, and Col. William Grayson—joined four DAR chapters—Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill, Ketoctin, Lanes Mill and Mary Hemings Bell—in the commemoration.

LEESBURG, Va. – April 6, 2025—On March 29, 2025, the Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration took place at the Loudoun County Courthouse, honoring Vietnam Veterans and their sacrifices. A joint Color Guard, composed of members from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1177, Sgt Major John Champe Chapter SAR (SMJC), and the Marine Corps League of Loudoun County, presented and posted the colors to open the proceedings.

A bell provided by Sgt Major John Champe compatriot Warner Workman was rung after each name of twelve Loudoun County residents killed in Vietnam were read. A three-shot rifle salute and Taps were executed by members of VFW Post 1177 in honor of all Vietnam Veterans.

(ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Aug. 2024)—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.  

NORTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. - (Oct. 27, 2024)—The Richmond Chapter SAR dedicated a marker honoring Susannah Bolling at the site of Lafayette's headquarters. Approximately 80 people attended the ceremony held at the Half Way House Restaurant. This 16-year-old girl saved General Lafayette from capture by British General Cornwallis, paving the way for the Battle of Yorktown.

As the story goes, British General Cornwallis quartered in her family’s home. Susanna overheard his plot to capture General Lafayette headquartered at the Half Way House, 10 miles away. Susanna snuck out, rode through the night, and warned Lafayette who escaped in May 1781. The manor house was built in 1760 as a stage-coach stop and inn, and served as Lafayette's military headquarters. 

On a cool and crisp autumn day, November 23, 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) gathered at the historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Stephens City, Virginia. The occasion was to dedicate a Virginia SAR–Pomeroy Foundation Patriot Burials®️ marker, a significant addition to the cemetery that honors the final resting places of American Revolutionary War patriots.

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation, committed to the celebration and preservation of community history, provided the grant for this important marker. Their mission to commemorate historical events and figures is realized through grants for signage, including roadside markers and plaques. One of their notable programs recognizes the burial sites of Revolutionary War patriots, an initiative embraced by the Virginia Society SAR. By installing these markers and conducting dedication ceremonies, the Virginia SAR ensures that the contributions of these early American heroes are remembered and honored.

George Washington Chapter Virginia SAR in Partnership with City of Alexandria Commemorates Bicentennial of Marquis de La Fayette's Return with New Heritage Trail Marker

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – October 16, 2024 – In a ceremony held exactly 200 years since the historic event, the City of Alexandria honored the return of Marquis de La Fayette to the United States with the unveiling of a new Alexandria Heritage Trail marker. The marker stands proudly at the corner of the Lafayette House at 301 Saint Asaph Street, where La Fayette resided during his visit in 1824.

Williamsburg Chapter SAR Color Guard Commemorates Bicentennial of Lafayette's Return at Colonial Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – October 20, 2024 – The Williamsburg Chapter SAR Color Guard took part in a grand celebration marking the 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette's return to the United States, celebrated at Colonial Williamsburg. The event, which commemorated Lafayette’s visit as "America's Guest," saw a splendid display of historical reenactment and pageantry.

Grave Marking Ceremony in White Post Honors Revolutionary War Veteran Major Lawrence Butler

(WHITE POST, Va. - Oct. 6, 2024)—The Col James Wood II Chapter, Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution conducted a grave marking ceremony to honor Major Lawrence Butler at the Dearmont Farm Cemetery, White Post, Virginia.

Major Butler, (SAR Patriot P-126563), was a prominent figure in Virginia during the American Revolution. He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He enlisted in December 1776 as a 1st Lieutenant in the 15th Virginia Regiment and was promoted to Captain lieutenant 18 March 1777. The unit was redesignated 11th Virginia on 14 September 1778 and he was promoted to Captain on 14 May 1779. On 12 May 1780 at the Battle of Charleston, he was taken prisoner and held until exchanged in July 1781. Butler was transferred to the 4th Virginia Regiment 12 February 1781 where he served until the end of the war. He reentered the Army as a Major in the 8th Infantry on 24 April 1799 and honorably discharged 15 June 1800.

Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter Commemorates the 1st Virginia Convention

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.