Honoring Our Patriots Online: Find a Grave Adds Revolutionary War Indicator

In the lead‑up to America’s 250th anniversary, Find a Grave (https://www.findagrave.com) has introduced a new way for the public to recognize the men and women who contributed to the American Revolution. The platform now allows users to add a “1776 badge” (see example below on William Grayson’s page) to memorials of individuals who participated in the Revolutionary War—an initiative designed to help families, researchers, and heritage organizations highlight patriots across the nation. 

This new feature is part of Find a Grave’s broader “Honoring the Spirit of 1776” effort, which brings together memorials of notable Revolutionary figures and encourages community members to help identify and document patriots resting in cemeteries large and small. The badge can be added by suggesting an edit to any qualifying memorial, making it a community‑driven project that aligns naturally with the mission of the Sons of the American Revolution. 

On May 8th, the Fort Harrison Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented the SAR Bronze ROTC Medal to Cadet Dorian Jackson of the Harrisonburg High School “Blue Streak” Battalion. This award recognizes exceptional cadets in secondary school JROTC programs who embody the qualities of leadership, character, and service that defined the citizen‑soldiers of the American Revolution.

The Bronze ROTC Medal is one of the SAR’s most meaningful youth recognition awards. It honors cadets who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, strong military bearing, academic excellence, and a commitment to the principles of patriotism and civic responsibility. Its purpose is to encourage the same spirit of readiness and service exemplified by the Minutemen who stood at Lexington and Concord.

Honoring Five Revolutionary Patriots in Lovettsville

Grave Marking Ceremony at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church

Lovettsville, VA — November 2, 2025 On a beautiful autumn day, more than 60 SAR compatriots, DAR members, and guests gathered at the historic New Jerusalem Lutheran Church to honor five Revolutionary War patriots interred in its cemetery. The event was hosted by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter (Virginia SAR), Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter (Virginia SAR), and Sergeant Lawrence Everhart Chapter (Maryland SAR).

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.

Alexandria and Wytheville, VA — The Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) is proud to announce the award of two new grants from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation in support of its ongoing Patriot Burials® marker program. These grants will fund the creation and installation of historical markers at two cemeteries in Virginia where Revolutionary War Patriots are laid to rest.

The newly awarded markers are:

See full story at https://www.virginiasar.org/army250

20 Jun 2025 Update: 
In support of Compatriot / C.A.R. applications for the Patriot Grave Marking Medal, I have submitted an approved SAR Patriot Grave & Biographies Report for:

(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.  

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.

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.

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. 

242nd Anniversary of the Battle of Blue Licks Weekend

Friday - August 16, 2024

The Night Before Blue Licks: The Kentucky Society SAR will host a social time, dinner, and Revolutionary War program in honor of the Battle of Blue Licks. Reservations are required and can be made directly through the link on the bottom of this page. Contact Patrick Wesolosky if you have any questions about this event, [email protected].

• 5:30 P.M. - Reception & Cash Bar
• 6:00 P.M. - Buffet Dinner - $20.00 per person, Includes Dinner, all non-alcoholic drinks, and gratuity.
• 6:45 P.M. - Program following dinner by Steven Caudill (a Daniel Boone Descendant).
• 7:15 P.M. - Break
• 7:30 P.M. - Revolutionary War Bingo

After the Bingo, some Compatriots will have a Bluegrass Music jam session. Guests are welcome to join in. Contact Steve McCain for more details. [email protected]

On February 18, the George Washington Chapter honored the memory of Patriot Phillip Richard Fendall by dedicating a memorial marker in the garden of his home, the Lee-Fendall House in Old Town Alexandria.  The actual location of Fendall’s grave is unknown but believed to be in either of two places in Alexandria.  The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Historic Resources graciously funded the marker as well. Patriot Fendall was born in Charles County, Maryland in 1734 and was related to the famed Lee family of Virginia.  During the Revolution he served in public service positions including Clerk of Charles County, election to the Convention from Charles County, and serving on the Committee of Observation for Charles County.  In 1784, he bought land from Revolutionary hero, and his cousin, Light Horse Harry Lee and constructed his home on Oronoco Street.  He was a business partner of George Washington in the creation of the Potomac Canal Company and Washington was a visitor to the house.  Due to this close connection, it was decided to dedicate the monument on Washington’s birthday weekend.

SAR and C.A.R Patriot Grave Markers were dedicated on 15 October for Captain Thomas Logwood at the Logwood Family Cemetery near Bedford, VA.  The SMJC Chapter and Seven Hills Society C.A.R of Lynchburg co-sponsored the event.  The original Logwood home built before the Revolution is still standing and occupied by a Logwood descendant who attended the ceremony.  Logwood’s 6^th great granddaughter, Paula Schwoerer, of the Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill Chapter NSDAR, gave a short biographical sketch and presented a wreath.  Her grandson, Jacob, a member of SMJC SAR and Colonel William Grayson Society C.A.R participated In Color Guard, C.A.R marker dedication, presented a wreath, and removed marker shrouds.  A total of fifteen SAR, DAR and C.A.R organizations participated.  SMJC Vice President Barry Schwoerer was MC, President Ken Bonner presented a wreath, participated in the SAR marker dedication, presented National Colors, and was in the musket volley.  Other SAR Chapters included: Patrick Henry Chapter: President Mark Day;  Thomas Jefferson Chapter: Pat Kelly (also represented the French Society); and Col .James Wood II Chapter members Dale Corey, Sean Carrigan and Brett Osborn.  Several members of the Seven Hills Society C.A.R participated in the C.A.R grave marker dedication and in the wreath presentation.  Other C.A.R Societies were: William Byrd (Richmond), Mill Mountain (Roanoke), Col. William Grayson (Springfield).  NSDAR chapters participating were: Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill (Manassas), Peaks of Otter (Bedford), Poplar Forest (Lynchburg), Col. William Preston (Roanoke), and Blue Ridge (Lynchburg).  The West of the Falls Chapter Colonial Dames of the 17^th Century also participated

PG PICKETTE VISITS THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

President General C. Bruce Pickette laid a wreath on behalf of the SAR at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on September 10. The tomb contains the remains of the unknown soldiers of World War I, World War II and the Korean War. The Unknown Soldier from World War I was interred on Nov. 11, 1921.