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/518694
A Whirlwind Year in Review Dear Fellow Compatriots: With the 125th National Congress on the horizon and the upcoming election of a new slate of general officers, I find myself reflecting over the past year. I can scarcely believe that there is only a brief amount of time left before we have a new President General. I am eternally grateful that I was elected as your 111th President General. First Lady Billie and I have had a marvelous time! We have visited about half of our 50 states, three foreign countries, and even celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary, all during this past year. But along with the sunshine comes rain, and our rain was the passing of one of our general officers, Historian General Bobby Towns of the Georgia Society. He was a friend to all and is greatly missed. Listed below is an update of the PG's five goals for 2014- 2015. Implementation of Phase III – The SAR Center — We have already begun the first phase of the content outline with Solid Light. We raised another million dollars over the past year. Total donations and investments income: $l,024,256! Southwest Asia-Persian Gulf War Veterans Corps Task Force — As of April 7, 2015, the NSSAR Veterans Recognition Committee monitors five Veterans Corps consisting of 1,117 Compatriots. During my tenure as PG, we have issued 217 Certificates of Patriotism and honored 63 World War II, 10 Korean War, 59 Vietnam War and 33 Persian Gulf War veterans. Notable Speeches by SAR Members — 66 speeches in various categories. We can do much better on this goal since a significant number of our members make speeches on various topics. Let's begin to share! Patriot Ancestors Biographies — Through May 15, 2015, 1,916 biographies have been submitted by our membership, and the tally continues to grow almost daily. SAR Medal of Honor Recipients — This committee has identified 28 additional MOH recipients. The current total of SAR members who have been awarded the MOH now stands at 54. We still have about 17 other potential MOH recipients that require further study. I want to thank each of our National Trustees, general officers, Executive Committee, SAR Foundation Board, state presidents, chapter presidents and our entire membership in the United States and those abroad for their contributions that made this past year successful for SAR. No one can do this job alone, and I certainly had an abundance of helping hands—I appreciate each of you. Additionally, many of our NSSAR committee chairmen and members contributed immensely to their respective SAR mission statements. Along with those mentioned above, I wish to commend our NSSAR staff for the excellent work they have accomplished this year. Although we visited many other events—from wreath presentations to chartering new chapters—following are some of our firsts: 1. Visited France's "Puy du Fou," a superb theme park. It has no rides, only shows that depict the history of France. We were honored to attend the SAR tour of France that commemorated the 100th anniversary of the American volunteers who went to France in 1914 and participated in the early years of World War I, which was prior to the United States entering the war in 1917. 2. Was honored to be the guest speaker at the 2014 Yorktown Celebration. It's only once every 13 years that the SAR PG has the privilege to be the guest speaker. 3. Attended and brought greetings to the American Legion National Convention and brought greetings to the members and guests. Also, met the President of the United States and Montel Williams, a great supporter of our veterans. 4. Attended the Virginia Society's celebration of the Battle of Great Bridge, followed by a drive across the water to the Ratification Day Dinner, which is celebrated annually by the Delaware Society. 5. Visited the Rocky Mountain District (Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico). Each of those states has a unique beauty. Oh, what a beautiful country in which we reside! 6. Presented the SAR Gold Good Citizenship Medal and the first Military Service Veterans Corps Certificate to entrepreneur, philanthropist and Compatriot Alexander W. Dreyfoos of the Florida Society. 7. Attended the celebration of the Battle of Guilford SPRING 2015 3 Continued on page 5 PG Lindsey C. Brock and NSDAR President General Lynn Forney Young, right, met Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle.