The SAR Magazine

SPRING 2014

The SAR MAGAZINE is the official quarterly publication of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution published quarterly.

Issue link: http://sar.epubxp.com/i/311328

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 38 of 47

mented the weather contingency plan. Revolutionary era re- enactors were prevented from their planned musket volleys and cannon firings due to the church setting, but otherwise the ceremony, from musical prelude and spiritual invocation through the benediction, proved gratifying and meaningful. Norfolk SAR President Tom Whetstone and Great Bridge Chapter NSDAR President Emily Holmes were co-modera- tors, symbolizing their chapters' close cooperation in com- memorating Great Bridge. Chesapeake Mayor Alan Krasnoff read proclamations to both the SAR and DAR, designating Dec. 7, 2013, as "Battle of Great Bridge Observance Day." Commander Peter Davenport led the parading and posting of the colors by the color guard, and representatives laid 25 wreaths on behalf of their organizations. President General Joe Dooley led the SAR participants representing 14 SAR chapters from Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky and Georgia, and he impressed all with his resounding keynote address. In this speech, PG Dooley explained the significant contribution the victorious patriots made at the Battle of Great Bridge—building widespread support for rebellion against the tyranny of king and Parliament. NSSAR officers attending also included Registrar General Mike Tomme, Ladies Auxilary National Chaplain Cilla Leed Tomme, and SAR Foundation President Sam Powell with his wife, NCSDAR Historian Karen Powell. Virginia Society President Kent Webber and President-elect Bill Broadus headed the Virginia representatives from chapters through- out the Commonwealth. Past VASSAR presidents, including Mark Brennan and Phil Williams, who have been significant supporters of this event, were among those attending. Foundation Board President Dr. William Ward presented several awards, and past Great Bridge NSDAR Regent Caroline Phillips, who first persuaded the city to commemo- rate the battle, was once again a participant. Others attend- ing included President Aaron Naperala of the Cavalier Chapter C.A.R. and Mike Lyman of Culpeper Minuteman SAR, who represented the Virginia Society Order of Founders & Patriots of America. A "surprise" reception hon- oring Great Bridge NSDAR, featuring a cake baked and served by the catering class of Grassfield High School. — Dr. J. Thomas Whetstone President, Norfolk Chapter SAR; Chairman, VASSAR Battle of Great Bridge Observance Committee George Mason Chapter A Chapter of Presidents: All these compatriots are mem- bers of the George Mason Chapter of the Virginia Society. From left, below, Virginia Society SAR President Kent Webber, NSSAR President General Joe Dooley, Virginia Society C.A.R. President Chas Leiss and George Mason Chapter President Al Lewis. Other members of the George Mason Chapter include Dick Austin and Bruce Wilcox, both former presidents of the Virginia Society SAR. Bruce also is a former President General. When Bruce was PG, Joe Dooley was president of the Virginia Society. The George Mason Chapter may be the only chapter in the National Society to be the home of two Presidents General. Lt. David Cox Chapter The Lt. David Cox Chapter Sons of the American Revolution met Jan. 11 for a luncheon meeting and installation of officers at Porky's Steak Restaurant in Galax, Va. Representing the Virginia Society SAR, Second Vice President Dr. Reverdy E. Wright performed the installation ceremony. Officers installed for the upcoming year were William E. "Billy" Mitchell Jr. as president/secre- tary, Rev. J. Bradford Simpson IV as vice president, Ralph E. Sweeney Sr. as treasurer/assistant registrar, William Alfred Howlett Jr. as registrar and Charles G. Crockett as chaplain. After the installation of officers, longtime Compatriot and World War II veteran Cecil Jackson of Wytheville gave a presentation on his service in the Merchant Marines during the war. Jackson served on six ships from 1941 to 1945 and was present during the invasion of Sicily and D-Day. In March, the chapter hosted President General Joseph W. Dooley with all other VASSAR chapters invited. WEST VIRGINIA SOCIETY The annual DAR/SAR Holiday Luncheon was held on Dec. 1, 2013, at the Parkersburg Country Club. The luncheon was a great success and had the highest attendance to date. The highlight of the luncheon was the key- note address by President General Joseph W. Dooley. The annual DAR/SAR Holiday Luncheon is sponsored by the Marietta Chapter, OHSSAR, and the Captain James Neal Chapter, WVSSAR, in association with the Blennerhassett Chapter, NSDAR; the James Wood Chapter, NSDAR; and the Marietta Chapter, NSDAR. Compatriot Cecil Jackson spoke on his experiences in World War II At the Holiday Luncheon, from left, Ira Cook Jr., president, WVSSAR; Lance Carter, Vice President General, NSSAR; and Joseph W. Dooley, President General, NSSAR. SPRING 2014 39 SPRING_14_sar28-39.indd 39 5/7/14 5:24 PM

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of The SAR Magazine - SPRING 2014