(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. 

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. 

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.

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

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.