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
6 SAR MAGAZINE By Robert L. "Bob" Bowen, SAR Historian General, 2012-2013 National Vice Commander of The America Legion 1996-1997 P resident General Tom Lawrence, a Vietnam-era veteran of the Coast Guard and a member of American Legion Post 305 in The Woodlands, Texas, brought SAR greetings to the delegates of The American Legion National Convention in Baltimore on Sept. 1. More than 10,000 Legionnaires, members of the Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion gathered in the birth city of our national anthem for the 97th national convention of the nation's largest veterans organization. PG Lawrence's message was well received. "It is a genuine honor for me to be with you today and bring greetings from the Sons of the American Revolution, which we refer to as the SAR. I am a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and a member of The American Legion in Texas. I also personally benefited from the American Legion programs when I was growing up in Mississippi. I played American Legion baseball and I went to Boys State, where I learned about government and citizenship, lessons that have served me well. "The members of the SAR are blood descendants of those brave soldiers and sailors who fought for independence in the American Revolution. They were our first veterans. The mission of the SAR is to instill the principles and vision of our founding fathers and mothers in our citizens and particularly our youth, and to remind everyone of what George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams hoped America would become. "Just as the American Legion teaches citizenship, we do, also. We have programs for elementary and middle school students; and for high school students, we have an Eagle Scout program, oration contest and an essay contest. For teachers, we have an American History Teacher award. Additionally, we promote JROTC and ROTC programs. Through our youth programs, we hope to leave the next generation with a legacy of patriotism and a love of our country. "And we, of course, honor veterans, as many of our members are veterans. We volunteer at VA hospitals and facilities, and generally provide any services and comfort we can. "Perhaps one of our most interesting programs was started about three years ago, and we call it Operation Ancestor Search. It is a free genealogy training program offered to severely injured service members in military hospitals, VA hospitals and armed forces retirement homes across the country. It helps wounded warriors and veterans who need recreation and a diversion from their injuries, discover their roots and understand their family history. Ancestry.com provided a grant for us to hire a manager and gave access to their genealogical records, and the SAR provided the expertise and manpower to make it work. It was a way for Ancestry.com and SAR to say thank you. The veterans love learning about their ancestors, enjoy the occupational therapy it provides, and appreciate that we care about them and spend the time to help them. We have established this program in 23 facilities across the country. "Our Ladies Auxiliary also helps veterans. My wife is encouraging the ladies to take on even more projects to help veterans by minting a challenge coin. This coin will be given to ladies who help veterans, and the design of the coin is interesting. The coin has inscribed around the outside the words: "Help a Veteran," and in the middle is a picture of a veteran who looks to be in his late 70s being hugged by a pretty blond girl. The expression on his face tells me he is thinking that 50 years ago my recruiter told me that if I joined and put on a uniform, all of the pretty girls would hug me, and it has finally come true. "It is my pleasure to make a presentation on behalf of the SAR. Commander Helm, would you please join me? The SAR has a Distinguished Patriot Award we present to someone who has demonstrated outstanding patriotism to our country. Having gotten to know Commander Helm during his appearances at SAR events, I was impressed by his passion and commitment to the ideals that our organizations promote. I am, therefore, proud to present the SAR Distinguished Patriot Award to National Commander Michael D. Helm. Congratulations and thank you." Lawrence and his wife, Mickey Jo, were accorded distinguished-guest status during the convention and attended Commander Helm's Tuesday Night Banquet. At the conclusion of his appearance before the delegates, PG Lawrence was presented a National Commander's challenge coin and a Legion paperweight. SAR Leader Greets American Legion Family Lucas Carter Photos President General Tom lawrence presented the SAR Distinguished Patriot Award to National Commander Michael D. Helm, above.