Representatives of the Richard Henry Lee Chapter (RHLC), Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) and local chapters of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) and National Society of United States Daughters of 1812 (NSUSD1812) attended the Virginia SAR’s 134th Annual Conference at the Omni Richmond Hotel in Richmond, VA over the weekend of February 9^th.  Local representatives included RHLC President Michael Rhodes, NSDAR Augustine Warner Chapter Regent Alison Johnston, and The State Librarian, Virginia DAR Dr. Cheryl Davis.

Twenty-two of Virginia SAR’s thirty chapters were represented at the conference.  In addition to Virginia SAR, NSDAR, and NSUSD1812 attendees, there were also representatives from the National Society Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), spouses, and other guests.

The annual meeting kicked off Friday morning with a grave marking ceremony at Shockoe Hill Cemetery in downtown Richmond to honor the patriotic service of Captain Philip Slaughter and Sergeant James Vaughn.

This was followed by a luncheon at the Jefferson Hotel specifically for the ladies in attendance.

SAR awards were presented during the evening dinner programs on Friday and Saturday.  The Richard Henry Lee Chapter received First Place recognition for “Best Chapter Scrapbook of the Year 2023”.  In addition, the chapter was awarded streamers for participation in Virginia SAR’s Flag Recognition and Flag Retirement programs, and the President General’s Education Outreach Streamer.  And, RHLC President Rhodes was awarded Silver Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional support to the Virginia SAR and its President in 2023. 

The Saturday program included a trip to the Virginia State Capitol building.  Attendees gathered in the old House of Delegates Chamber.  A memorial service for departed compatriots of the Virginia Society was conducted by Rev. Robert L. Haley, Chaplain of the Virginia SAR. Following the service, a memorial certificate in memory of SAR compatriot Myron “Mike” Lyman was presented to Virginia DAR State Librarian Dr. Cheryl Davis by Virginia SAR President Ernie Coggins and Culpeper Minutemen Chapter Past-president Tom Hamill. Lyman, who passed away in October 2023, was an active member of several patriotic lineage societies.

The annual conference concluded Saturday evening with a formal banquet dinner.  Many awards were given to SAR, DAR, and C.A.R. attendees.  Virginia DAR State Librarian Dr. Cheryl Davis was awarded a Medal of Appreciation in recognition of her outstanding service to SAR.  And the evening closed out with the Virginia SAR State President installation, with outgoing President Ernie Coggins passing the torch to incoming 104^th Virginia SAR President William D. Greaf.

: “Virginia SAR President Ernie Coggins presents Medal of Appreciation to Dr. Cheryl Davis”