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/604650
FALL 2015 33 Mountain who later served as a public official and legislator in Burke County, N.C. He attained the rank of colonel in the Burke County Militia. Under the direction of newly installed Chapter President Wayne Davis, the chapter will carry on the traditions of Col. Erwin in remembering the accomplishments of Burke County residents during the Revolutionary War. NCSSAR President Tim Berly inducted 11 new SAR members to fulfill the requirements for starting a chapter. President Berly also installed the new officers, who attended the ceremony. The elected chapter officers include Vice President Robert Pruett, Secretary Arthur Kirk Emmons, Treasurer Bud Ayers, Registrar Scott Coley and Historian Scott Davis. Berly then presented the chapter charter to Davis along with a podium banner, a booklet of SAR guidelines, a copy of the U.S. Constitution and a gavel to properly identify and commence chapter activities. A reception luncheon followed the ceremony with camaraderie being the main course. With the strong support of the North Carolina Society DAR District 1 Director Kay Dignon and the Quaker Meadows Chapter DAR Regent Patricia Baldi-Davis, the Col. Alexander Erwin Chapter should be successful. Mecklenburg Chapter The Mecklenburg Chapter marked the grave of 25-year Compatriot Col. Charles L. Crain, USA (Ret.), who served in the U.S. Army in three wars: World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He participated in five campaigns during WW II as an infantry company commander, three campaigns in Korea as an infantry battalion commander and in Vietnam as a division advisor to the Ninth Vietnamese Infantry Division. "Charles earned many military awards, including the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge with Star, Legion of Merit, Air Medal and Cross of Gallantry (Vietnam)," said Chapter President Jay Joyce. "In addition to all of those awards, Charles was a loving husband of 65 years to his wife, Betty, and a wonderful father to his daughter, Marilyn." The grave marking ceremony included a professional bagpiper, the North Carolina and South Carolina SAR Color Guard, and a professional vocalist to sing patriotic hymns. OHIO SOCIETY Commemorating the Patriots of Fort Laurens The Ohio Society hosted its annual Fort Laurens Memorial Service at the site of this historic Revolutionary War fort in Bolivar, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, on July 25. SAR members attend this ceremony each year, and pay homage to the American soldiers who died there in its siege in 1779 by British forces and their Native American allies. Compatriots came from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania to participate in this years' activities, considered a national event. In addition to the SAR, patriotic groups and organizations in attendance included the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Children of the American Revolution, the Daughters of 1812 and the Friends of Fort Laurens Foundation. A color guard of members from the aforementioned SAR state societies presented the national colors, and stood guard in a circle around the Tomb of the Unknown Patriot of the American Revolution, while 35 wreaths were placed at the grave. The keynote speaker was Virginia Compatriot Bob Bowen, past Historian General and Registrar General of the NSSAR. The ceremony concluded with a musket salute, taps, and the retirement of the national colors. The Fort Laurens Historic Site is owned by the Ohio History Connection, and is managed by the Zoar Community Association, without whose support this event would not have been possible. Cincinnati Chapter Chapter SAR Secretary Lee Wilkerson was honored for his military service in the Vietnam War at the Ohio Society Daughters of the American Revolution's Vietnam 50th Anniversary Commemoration Luncheon at the Columbus Airport Marriott Hotel. Fifty-seven veterans were recognized at the Aug. 15 event. Each was given a packet of thank-you notes, an OSDAR certificate of appreciation, and was greeted by NSDAR President General Lynn Forney Young. More than 2,700 notes were prepared as part of a Veterans Project by members of the OSDAR, members of the Ohio Society SAR Ladies Auxiliary, and children from Cincinnati elementary schools. Compatriot Wilkerson, who attended as a guest of the John Reily Chapter, DAR, described the moving letters, and a gift to be welcomed by any serviceman deployed to war. More than 400 attended the luncheon. Ewings Chapter The Ewings Chapter hosted a Patriot grave-marking ceremony on June 20 for Revolutionary War Patriot Jacob Cowdery (1762-1846). Held at the Cowdery Cemetery in Long Bottom, Meigs County, Ohio, it was attended by members of the Ewings, Hocking Valley and Marietta chapters of the SAR.