Virginia Society awards at the 134th Annual National SAR Congress

Story by Mike Elston, SAR Treasurer General.

(LANCESTER, PA. Sunday, July 13, 2024) — Virginia was well represented in the presentation of awards this evening at the 134th Annual Congress of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Congratulations to all on these awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the SAR! Here are the highlights (list may not be complete):

On 10 June 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter, Virginia Society combined with Warren County, Virginia to conduct a commemoration to honor Dr Joseph Warren, namesake of the county.  The event was held at the Warren County Administrative Building in Front Royal with support from four SAR chapters.  Col James Wood II, Culpeper Minutemen, Fairfax Resolves and Sgt Maj John Champe chapters had representatives present to present the colors and wreaths.  A Musket squad provided a three round salute in honor of Warren.  Joseph Warren was a principal figure leading up to the American Revolutionary War.  In 1759, he became the youngest physician in the colonies which included as his patients, Sam Adams, John Hancock, John Adams and John Quincy Adams.  When the Stamp Act was passed in 1765, he became a member of the rebellion against British rule.   Warren became involved in most of the protests in the Boston area.   He was a member of the provincial congresses held in Massachusetts, being selected as president of the third.  He was an active member of the Massachusetts Committee of Public Safety.  As a result of the rebellious movement in Boston, the provincial government was dissolved.  In an attempt to quell the uprising, British troops were sent to Boston and to march to Concord to capture Sam Adams and John Hancock, and destroy military arms and equipment.  On 18 April 1775, he sent Paul Revere and William Dawes along with William Prescott on the midnight ride to warn colonists at Lexington and Concord, the "Regulars are Coming".   Nest, Warren was selected as delegate from Suffolk County to develop protesting documentation against the British.  He helped draft the "Suffolk Resolves", which were adopted by convention on 9 September 1776.  The citizens were asked to cease paying taxes or trading with Britain and to undertake militia drills each week.  After passing unanimously, Paul Revere carried them to Philadelphia where they were endorsed by the Continental Congress.  Offered a commission as a major general on 14 June 1775, he declined and joined the Battle of Bunker Hill.  He was on Breed's Hill at the front of the battle and was killed on 17 June when the colonists ran out of ammunition and the British were able to overrun the rebel defenses on the third assault.  Fourteen States have counties named for him as well as numerous towns and streets.  The US Navy named five ships in his honor.  Joseph Warren was a medical doctor, public figure and soldier who fought heroically for American freedom.  The ceremony was emceed by Marc Robinson and Dale Corey gave a presentation on Joseph Warren.  CJWII was represented by Paul Christensen, Corey, Chip Daniel, Dennis Parmerter, Robinson, Jim Simmons and Richard Tyler.  Other SAR compatriots included Jim Cordes (FR), Mike Dennis, Charles Jameson and Bill Schwetke (CMM) and Barry Schwoerer (SMJC).

On 24 May 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society participated with the American Red Cross, AmVets Auxiliary Post 18 and VFW Post 2123 in a ceremony to place flags on graves at National Cemetery, Winchester, VA.  This was in preparation for commemoration of Memorial Day.  The chapter presented colors to open the ceremony after which, a flag was solemnly placed at each headstone.  On 27 May, a remembrance ceremony was held to honor of all those who paid the ultimate price in service to the country.  Opening remarks were provided by compatriot Dale Corey with a presentation of the colors by the CJWII Color Guard with assistance from Fairfax Resolves.  CAPT, USCG (Ret) Kirsten R. Martin was the keynote speaker, speaking about the Coast Guards contributions to the service of the country.    Members of the CJWII color guard  performed a flag folding ceremony and a nine man musket squad fired a three round salute to commemorate the occasion.  The guard was commanded by Allan Phillips and consisted of Brian Bayliss, Bryan Buck, Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Dale Corey, Jim Cordes, Chip Daniel, Will Reynolds, Eric Robinson, Marc Robinson and Richard Tyler