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Virginia Society |
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Saturday, February 14, 2026 – Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Calendar Event Link: Virginia SAR Calendar – George Washington Birthday Parade
The Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) training workshop format is changing! In order to provide beneficial information at a time that will have the best impact to chapters, committees, and members, workshops will be conducted periodically throughout the year. Workshops will continue to be virtual so they can reach anyone interested in joining.
The initial target is one workshop per month, but that may change as opportunities to communicate arise.
RICHMOND, VA — January 1, 2026 — The Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, is beginning the new year with a significant milestone in its statewide growth and outreach. President Michael E. Weyler, Ph.D., has announced plans to charter a new chapter that will expand the Society’s presence in the heart of the Commonwealth.
The forthcoming Abraham Brown Chapter will serve compatriots and prospective members in Charles City County and New Kent County, two regions rich with Revolutionary‑era history and enduring patriotic legacy. The chapter’s namesake, Abraham Brown (SAR Patriot P-329970), was a free African American farmer from Charles City who supplied beef to the Continental Army—an essential contribution to sustaining Patriot forces during the struggle for independence. Honoring Brown through the chapter’s name reflects the Virginia SAR’s commitment to recognizing the diverse individuals who supported the American cause.
RICHMOND, VA — January 1, 2026 — Since July 4, 2025, the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) has experienced a remarkable surge in membership activity. We proudly recognize the addition of 127 new compatriots and the approval of 65 supplemental applications from 27 chapters, bringing our grand total to 192 new and supplemental recognitions.
This growth reflects not only the expanding interest in honoring Revolutionary War ancestors but also the commitment of existing members to deepen their genealogical connections.
This year marks a major milestone in our history – our 250th birthday officially known as our “semi-quincentennial.” This obviously is a once in a lifetime event which pays tribute to our nation, which despite its flaws continues to serve as the leader of the free world. When the Colonies declared their independence from then the most powerful nation in world – Great Britain – the chances of forming a new
nation were minuscule at best. Had it not been for the nexus of three factors: George Washington, Divine intervention, and the influence of sea power we would not be the nation we are today.
George Washington - not a perfect military leader by any means and his mistakes were many but the right man at the right time in our history. Like Dwight Eisenhower, he may have not had the battlefield brilliance and aggressiveness of a George Patton, but he had the innate ability to keep his army motivated even though his soldiers would go for months without pay or provisions. George Washington's leadership was characterized by his unwavering commitment to the greater good, strategic prowess, and ability to inspire and unite diverse individuals.
MOUNT VERNON, VA – September 13, 2025—The George Mason Chapter and the George Washington Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, held a distinguished joint meeting at the Mount Vernon Country Club, bringing together more than seventy compatriots, guests, and community partners for an evening that blended ceremony, fellowship, and historical reflection.
The afternoon opened with a warm welcome and the introduction of several honored guests whose presence underscored the importance of the occasion. Among them were Dr. Weyler, President of the Virginia SAR; Meredith Hopkins, President of the Virginia C.A.R.; and F. Anderson Morse, Executive Director of The Society of the Cincinnati. Leaders from the Kate Waller Barrett and Nelly Custis Chapters of the NSDAR—Regents Meg Kane and Suzann Gallagher—were also in attendance, along with Susan Johnson, Chair of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee.
Across the Commonwealth of Virginia, chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) came together in a powerful display of patriotism and remembrance to honor America’s veterans. From historic estates to small-town cemeteries, their presence was felt in ceremonies, parades, and memorial dedications that paid tribute to those who served.
The George Washington Chapter hosted its annual Veterans Day commemoration at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. A solemn wreath-laying ceremony honored both General George Washington and Mrs. Martha Washington. The event was co-sponsored by the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter NSDAR and featured participation from the Virginia SAR Color Guard and Scouting America Troop 113 of Alexandria. Distinguished guests included National SAR President General Michael Elston, past President General Joe Dooley, and chapter president Scot Bryant. Chapter treasurer David Harrity served as master of ceremonies.
Philadelphia, Pa. – October 13, 2025—The National Parade honoring the birth of the United States Navy on October 13, 1775 and birth of the United States Marine Corps November 10, 1775 was held in Philadelphia, Pa., on October 13. Philadelphia was the location where both the Navy and Marine Corps were founded. Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter participated in the parade with a float towed by owner and Chapter member Warner Workman. Chapter President Barry Schwoerer rode the float wearing his Navy dress blue uniform and Chapter Vice President Mark Sink rode the float wearing his Marine Corps dress blue uniform. Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Brett Osborn dressed in Navy Slops, and two Compatriots from the Pennsylvania SAR also rode the float. The float was decorated with graphics depicting Revolutionary War Navy and Marine Corps founders and leaders, Revolutionary War battles and famous ships of the early Navy. The SMJC Float was the only SAR float, and most visible SAR participant in the parade.
The first photograph is of the right side of the float.
As a valued member of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), your continued involvement is the foundation of our mission. With the renewal period now underway, we encourage you to reaffirm your commitment to honoring our patriot ancestors and advancing the work of our Society — nationally, across Virginia, and within your chapter.
Your membership is more than a name on a roster — it’s a living connection to our shared history and a vital contribution to our future. By renewing your dues at the national, state, and chapter levels, you help:
Since this year of 2025 was the 250th Anniversary of so many historic events in Virginia, we have declared our theme for 2025 to be “Virginia – 1775.”
We established, as Presidential Initiatives, seven significant events that occurred in Virginia in 1775, all
Uncasville, CT (July 15, 2025) — During a stirring awards ceremony held at the Mohegan Sun Earth Conference Center, the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) emerged as a dominant force at the 135th Annual Congress, earning accolades across nearly every category of recognition. From youth education to chapter excellence, Virginia SAR and its chapters demonstrated an unwavering commitment to patriotism, historical preservation, and community engagement.
Virginia SAR earned a Participation Streamer for its involvement in five national youth contests:
On a sunlit morning worthy of the occasion, over one hundred compatriots, allied guests and family members gathered on the historic grounds of Mount Vernon for the 64th Annual Independence Day March to General George Washington’s Tomb. The event commemorated the 249th anniversary of American Independence, a solemn moment etched in remembrance and reverence for the spirit of 1776.
Leading the contingent across the Bowling Green to the Tomb Grove was the majestic procession of the Virginia SAR Color Guard. Clad in regimental Continental uniforms and vivid militia regalia, the Virginia SAR Color Guard and Maryland SAR Color Guard—joined by the Virginia DAR Honor Guard and Virginia C.A.R. Honor Guard—brought history to life with each measured step. Their presence embodied the legacy of citizen-soldiers who once bore the nation's earliest burdens. Virginia SAR compatriots from Col. Fielding Lewis Chapter, Col. James Wood II Chapter, Col. William Grayson Chapter, Culpeper Minutemen Chapter, Fairfax Resolves Chapter, George Mason Chapter, Norfolk Chapter, Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter, and Williamsburg Chapter, along with John Paul Jones Chapter Maryland SAR were present for the festivities hosted by the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR.
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. (Feb. 15, 2025)—A joint SAR–DAR wreath laying ceremony was held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House Burial Ground, following by the 2025 George Washington Birthday Parade, held in downtown Alexandria.
More than 50 attendees braved the rain during the wreath laying ceremony and parade including newly inducted Virginia SAR President Michael Weyler, along with Virginia Society Children of the American Revolution (V.S.C.A.R.) State President Sarah Terpenning, SAR Secretary General Michael J. Elston, Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Brett Osborn flanked by the Virginia SAR Color Guard in colonial attire, with numerous SAR chapter officers and compatriots from George Washington Chapter, George Mason Chapter, Fairfax Resolves Chapter, Col. William Grayson Chapter, Col. James Wood II Chapter, Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter, along with National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) chapters, including wreath-laying ceremony co-hosts, the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter, NSDAR; along with John Alexander Chapter, NSDAR; and the Dr. Elisha Dick Chapter, NSDAR, and members of local V.S.C.A.R. societies.
GLEN ALLEN, Va. (Feb. 8, 2025) – In a memorable ceremony conducted by the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), Michael E. Weyler, Ph.D., was installed as the 105th President of the Virginia SAR by National SAR President General Darryl Addington in ceremonies held during the 135th Annual Meeting within the Henrico Ballroom of the Virginia Crossings Hotel.
Dr. Michael E. Weyler succeeded William D. Greaf, DPA (Williamsburg Chapter SAR) who served as the 104th Virginia SAR President in 2024–25. President Greaf was awarded the state society's highest award—the Patriot Medal—for his outstanding leadership and accomplishments during the past year. Dr. Greaf also received a sword and scabbard as a gift from his Virginia SAR officers.
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.