News

Operation Ancestor Search

The SAR Bronze JROTC Certificates and Medals were presented to Dunbar High School JROTC Cadet Sgt. Allen Williams and Cadet 2nd Lt. Javonte Loukas by Past President Lane Brooks on May 15, 2024. Both cadets received a $100 check.

On May 17^th, the certificates, medals and $100 checks were presented to Columbia Heights Education Campus Navy JROTC Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer Miguel Hernandez and Cadet Petty Officer 3^rd Class Chris Jackson by DCSAR Compatriot Steve Cramner.

On May 23^rd, certificates, medals and $100 checks were presented to Cadet 1st Lt. Victor Sorokin-Mobbs and Cadet 1st Sgt Wilman Joshua Codoy by Compatriot Cramner at the Jackson-Reed High School.

The DCSAR 2024 Awards Banquet and Installation of Officers was held on April 30, 2024, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. The invocation and blessing were given by The Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer, DCSAR Chaplain. Greetings on behalf of our guests were given by DC DAR State Regent Elizabeth Hicks. Among our other guests were the Honorable Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, US House of Representatives; James Engler Vice President General – SAR Mid-Atlantic District; Michael J. Elston, Treasurer General, NSSAR; John D. Urbach, President, MDSAR;     Jeffrey D. Thomas, VA SAR former Trustee and nominee for Historian General, NSSAR; Janet McFarland, Corresponding Secretary General, Daughters of the American Revolution; Lenna Hoffman, Senior State President D.C. C.A.R.; Robert Henry ”Ric” Murphy, President General, Society of the First African Families of English America; and Group Captain Peter J. R. Warmerdam, Assistant Air and Space Attaché of the United Kingdom to the United States.

Chairman McCaul was the guest speaker for the event. He began by saying “the most serious matters that any member of Congress deals with are matters of war and peace. It’s those votes that are the most consequential votes of your career.” Chairman McCaul quoted George Washington by saying “The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die. There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet an enemy.” He further quoted Secretary Mike Pompeo and General Jack Keane from a letter that they recently wrote to Congress, “we write at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history to applaud your efforts to secure vital support to America’s allies and to strengthen America’s defenses.” 

Congressman McCaul discussed some of the international events that are challenging to American’s resolve to support its allies including Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Chairman Xi threatening Taiwan in the Pacific, to the Ayatollah rearing “his ugly head” invading Israel through his proxies. McCaul stated that we must put the interest of the nation above ourselves and to do what is right take moral compass, courage and clarity. He opined the need for us to speak with one voice as a nation, especially when addressing our adversaries. McCaul said “we must be prepared to confront the enemies of freedom and democracy who seek to undermine the values this nation was founded upon”.

Chairman McCaul concluded by saying that the world and our adversaries are watching us today and that history will judge us by our actions here today and now. He said history is calling and now is the time to act.

President Ritchie announced the SAR awards that were presented to those recipients who were present after informing that the SAR Public Safety Awards were presented earlier during the month.

Group Captain Peter J. R. Warmerdam -  D.C. Society Honor in Service Medal; Aryssa Damron and Rachel Hicks - Martha Washington Medal; Lauren Dore, Lenna Hoffman, Leigh Maltby and Rachel Norman - NSSAR Medal of Appreciation; Patrick Anderson and Eric Conrad -  Bronze Roger Sherman Medal; Joel Hinzman - NSSAR CAR Bronze Medal of Appreciation; Rachel Norman and D.C.C.A.R. State President Mia Malur -  Silver SAR / CAR Silver Medal of Appreciation; Jonathan Brightbill  and Rev. John Stonesifer - Silver Roger Sherman Medal; Steven Michael Cramner - Chapter Medal of Distinguished Service; Lane Douglas Brooks - State Medal of Distinguished Service; Janet McFarland - Daughters of Liberty Medal.

During his valedictory, President Ritchie thanked and expressed gratitude to a host of compatriots who assisted him from his SAR induction on July 4^, 2016, through his two-year term as the first African American state level president in the 134-year of the SAR that concluded this evening. Ritchie gave special recognition to DCSAR Secretary Paul Melvin Hays and to his wife Past DCDAR State Regent Cindy Shelton Hays with the commission of the first DCSAR Presidential Service Recognition Award jointly presented to Paul and Cindy. They received a standing ovation during the award presentation.

Vice President General Engler administered the oath to the recently elected officers of the DCSAR. He presented the gavel to President Brock D. Bierman who then received the DCSAR presidential badge and ribbon from Past President Ritchie. President Bierman’s first official act was presenting Past President Ritchie with the Patriot Medal.

President Bierman was originally installed as the 110^th President of DCSAR during April 2017. During his 1^st term Brock resigned his position as president and was subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate as Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia after receiving a presidential appointment.

Currently, Brock is President and CEO of Ukraine Focus, a humanitarian organization committed to working directly with communities across Ukraine to meet urgent assistance needs through direct cooperation and collaboration with Ukrainian local, state and federal authorities. He is founder of the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which partners to source, procure, repair, and deliver ambulances to communities across Ukraine’s front lines. Brock has helped raise more than two million dollars to purchase and rehabilitate 123 ambulances. Other aspects of Ukraine Focus include Playgrounds 4 Peace and Light Up Ukraine, a program that has delivered generators and thousands of solar lamps to those without power. President Bierman has received honors for his humanitarian contributions.

After brief remarks by President Bierman, Rev Stonesifer gave the benediction. After-dinner libations were served on the Terrace with cigars courtesy of John Crouch Tobacconist. 

On March 25, 2024, with his colleagues present at the DC Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Fire Prevention Division, Inspector Niggora Moye received the SAR Fire Safety Commendation and Medal. The inspector is a distinguished figure within the District of Columbia's fire safety community, whose dedication and expertise have not only elevated the standards of fire safety but have also rightfully earned him the fire safety award.

With an impressive tenure of 21 years at the DC Fire & EMS Department, Inspector Moye has served with distinction at Engines 7, 29, and 33 before bringing his wealth of experience to the Fire Prevention Division. Inspector Moye's role is pivotal in shaping the future of fire safety, as he is entrusted with the critical task of training new inspectors during their onboarding process. His professionalism and deep understanding of fire codes set a high benchmark for others in the field.

Inspector Moye’s commitment to the safety of DC's residents and visitors is unwavering. He embodies the three E's of fire prevention: Engineering, Enforcement, and Education. Through his expertise in fire engineering, he ensures that buildings and spaces meet the highest safety standards. His tactful enforcement of fire codes demonstrates his dedication to compliance and safety. Moreover, his efforts to educate citizens and property managers about fire safety practices have significantly contributed to a well-informed community.

Inspector Moye's participation in nighttime inspections of assembly spaces is a testament to his commitment to ensuring that DC's nightlife remains safe for everyone. His comprehensive approach to fire safety makes him an exemplary figure in the field and a true asset to the District of Columbia.

On March 25, 2024, while at the firehouse of Engine Company 16 Firefighter/Paramedic Allison Eggleston was presented the 2024 SAR Emergency Medical Services Commendation and Medal. She currently works in the Anacostia section of the city after her previous assignment in the Capitol Hill area. Allison is proving to be an emerging leader with DC Fire and EMS.

Firefighter/Paramedic ("FF/P") Eggleston currently serves as a Field Training Officer with the Department and is tasked with educating the agency’s newest paramedics. In addition to providing detail-oriented training at the patient’s side, FF/P Eggleston also serves as an adjunct instructor at the Training Academy sharing her knowledge and experience in the classroom.

FF/P Eggleston is known throughout the Department for her commitment to pediatric care and teaches frequently on the subject. FF/P Eggleston is an example of the core values of DC Fire and EMS. She provides compassionate care to the residents and visitors of the District every day. She is committed to the future of the Department through her education and is an example to other Firefighter/Paramedics in the agency.

On March 25, 2024, Detective Alfred Thomas Austin-Braxton was presented with the 2024 SAR Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal while in the presence of the command staff at the Joint Operations Command Center including Chief of Police Pamela Smith. The detective has been faithfully serving the citizens of the District of Columbia and the members of the Metropolitan Police Department since June 1989. Currently, Detective Braxton is assigned to the Homicide Branch, where he has been excelling for over 15 years. Detective Braxton’s exceptional investigative skills, leadership, and dedication made him an outstanding candidate for recognition in the law enforcement community. Detective Braxton’s fire, fueled by his passion, conviction, and empathy, continues to burn bright and show itself throughout his casework. Detective Braxton tirelessly works his cases with the same energy and eagerness as a newly sworn officer; coupled with the immense knowledge he has gained throughout the years, which is why he has one of the highest closure rates in the Homicide Branch.

Detective Braxton’s reach and influence extend far beyond the cases he investigates. With over 15 years in the Homicide Branch, he has trained many of the Detectives who are currently assigned to the Homicide Branch and District Detective Units. In that, his influence has helped and currently helps guide those detectives as they investigate their own cases. Detective Braxton’s leadership within the Criminal Investigations Division as one of its most senior members has been invaluable. He has mentored and trained countless detectives, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience to elevate the capabilities of the entire team.  Detective Braxton is well respected by The United States Attorney’s Office, The Office of the Attorney General and MPD’s Federal Partners.

The District of Columbia’s Children of the American Revolution (“DC C.A.R.”), Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”) and Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”) jointly held The George Washington Birthday Luncheon on February 17, 2024, at 11:30am at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. The host for the luncheon was DCSAR President Bill Ritchie. Lunch was served after the invocation by DCSAR chaplain The Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer and comments by dais guests that included NSSAR VPG Mid-Atlantic District Jim Engler, DCDAR State Regent Beth Hicks, DC C.A.R. President Mia Malur and NSDAR Corresponding Secretary General Janet McFarland.

The guest speaker was William Jamieson “Jay” Bosanko who was appointed Deputy Archivist of the U.S. on December 1, 2023. He has been a member of the Senior Executive Service at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) since 2008. Since January 2013 he had served as NARA’s Chief Operating Officer, overseeing NARA's archival mission. From 2011 to 2013 he served as NARA's Executive for Agency Services and was responsible for NARA's efforts nationwide to serve the ongoing records management needs of Federal agencies and to represent the public's interest in government records with regard to accountability and transparency. Mr. Bosanko previously served as the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office from 2008 to 2011 where he was responsible for oversight of the government-wide security classification system, the controlled unclassified information system, and the National Industrial Security Program. Mr. Bosanko began his career with NARA in 1993. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. 

Bosanko spoke about the important role of the National Archives.  Specifically, of the importance of records in our unique form of democracy where the government is held accountable by the people.  He also discussed the compiled military service records and the pension files that document the service and sacrifices made by the patriots and their families.  Bosanko also gave an overview of the struggle to get these very records transferred to National Archives and the important role the Sons of the American Revolution played.  In the summer of 1892, then Senator Porter of Vermont who was active in the SAR, played a leading role in the passage of a law signed by President Harrison that brought about the preservation and organization of the records at the Department of Defense.  Bosanko closed his remarks encouraging members to dive into the National Archives and research their patriot ancestors, particularly as the nation approaches the 250th. Mr. Bosanko was presented the DCSAR Honor in Service Medal.

DCDAR Regent Hicks conducted the induction of four new DAR members that included the granddaughter of President Ritchie, Destiny M. Joiner. 

DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays conducted the induction of two new SAR members and the reinstallation of a third member. Capt. Charles Philip Sidney Mayer is a cyber warfare officer currently stationed at the National Guard Bureau, and is the 6th great grandson of David Davis, who furnished supplies to the South Carolina Militia.  Larry Miller and Secretary Hays are his sponsors. Roger Russell Ream is an officer of the Fund for American Studies with offices near Dupont Circle.  He joined the Michigan Society last October by right of descent from Col. Samuel Francis Temple of the Caroline County VA Militia, his 5th great grandfather.  He has now transferred his membership to the DCSAR.

Deputy Archivist Bosanko originally joined SAR in 1994 through his grandfather’s chapter in Virginia.  Eventually his membership lapsed, but today he signed the paperwork to reinstate and transfer to the DCSAR.

After announcements, the benediction was given by Susan Stonesifer, DCDAR State Chaplain. 

DCSAR was invited to attend the NSDAR Flag Raising Ceremony at the DAR Memorial Continental Hall on December 6, 2023, to celebrate the 120^th Anniversary of the event and to be the recipient of the flag raised on that date.

As documented by Marria Blinn, National Chair, The Flag of the United States America Committee of NSDAR, the first raising ceremony occurred on February 23, 1903. She writes “that a few years after DAR was organized, plans were made to build Memorial Continental Hall. The Sons of the American Revolution of the District of Columbia shared our passion for the American Revolution, patriotism and service and wanted to acknowledge and encourage our endeavor”. “In December 1902, they (DCSAR) sent a letter to then DAR President General Cornelia Cole Fairbanks, expressing their desire to present DAR with a New Year’s gift of an American flag and flagpole to be used at Memorial Continental Hall. Mrs. Fairbanks graciously accepted the gifts”.

Mrs. Blinn further reports that during the ceremony on February 23, 1903, President Dr. (John Woart) Bayne of the SAR D.C. Society made the presentation of a large American flag and historic flagpole that had been used at both inaugurations for President McKinley.

DCSAR President Bill Ritchie accepted the flag and certificate from NSDAR President General Pamela Wright in celebration of 120 years of Flag Raising and Friendship.

DCSAR held its 2023 Holiday Dinner on December 5, 2023, commencing with a host bar with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 7:00pm. The dinner occurred in the elegance of the Eisenhower Lounge at the Capitol Hill Club, located at 300 First Street SE, Washington, DC. Guests were welcomed by DCSAR President Bill Ritchie followed by the invocation from DCSAR Chaplain The Rev. John D. Stonesifer and the pledge of allegiance. The dinner reception and after meal dessert included musical selections by Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan, a graduate of the Howard University Master of Music Program.

President Ritchie acknowledged special guests who were in attendance. Guests bringing greetings included SAR Mid-Atlantic District Vice President General James Frank Engler Sr., DC Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent Elizabeth Gable Hicks and President General NS Daughters of the American Revolution Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright. Also acknowledged with his attendance was the Defense Attache for the British Embassy Rear Admiral Timothy Woods.

The guest speaker was SAR Compatriot Ric Murphy, who is President General of the Society of the First African Families of English America (SOFAFEA), and past National Vice President for History of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. Ric, an acclaimed historian, educator, lecturer, has received multiple awards for his documentary. As an award-winning author, he explores the rich tapestry of African American history by weaving together the personal and heroic stories of amazing men and women, and their rich and remarkable contributions to American history. He was recently notified that his documentary, "Arrival of the First Documented Africans in English America" is a semi-finalist entry into the 2023 Cannes World Film Festival and is a winner in the 2023 Luanda (Angola) International Pan African Film Festival.

During his presentation, Compatriot Murphy discussed his extensive research on the arrival of his Angolan ancestors who arrived in the English colony of Virginia aboard the slaver the San Juan Bautista on August 20, 1619. He also shared that he descends from fourteen Revolutionary War soldiers of whom eight were of African descent.

The goal of SOFAFEA, in part, is to inform descendants and the general public of the historical importance and contributions of the substantial number of American men, women and children of African and Indigenous descent who served in the American Revolution and are now known as America's Forgotten Patriots. And to restore the dignity of America’s Forgotten Patriots and first veterans, as founders of the United States of America, by honoring these ancestors and connecting them to present day descendants, and to American history. Ric shared how the SOFAFEA in support of America 250 has launched the national Forgotten Patriots Project honoring the men, women and children of African and Indigenous descent who provided military service during the Revolutionary War.

Ric referenced that the Daughters of the American Revolution published the book Forgotten Patriots: African American and American Indian Service in the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783 documenting the names of over 6,600 patriots and includes “details of the documented service of the listed patriots, historical commentary on happenings of the time, and assortment of illustrations and an extensive biography of resource sources related to the topic.” The Daughters of the American Revolution has made this valuable research tool free on their website and includes periodic updates.

Compatriot Murphy and Ms. Morgan were presented with the DC SAR Honor in Service Cross that takes its name from the Latin phrase, honor in officio, expressing esteem for those who perform acts of benefit beyond themselves and in this case for service to DCSAR.

DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays conducted the induction of two new members. Ivar Kent Fjall raises horses on his farm in Stafford, Virginia, and in his spare time, conducts prison ministries. He’s a 5th great grandson of William Teague, who served as a Private in the South Carolina Militia. Paul Hays is his sponsor. Theodore George Osius III is President & CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council and from 2014 to 2017 was U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam.  He lives in Wesley Heights with his husband, Compatriot Clayton Bond, and their two children.  He’s the 3rd great grandson of Robert Lowrey, a private in the First North Carolina Regiment.  Clayton was his sponsor.

A reception attended by 55 Compatriots and guests celebrating the 242nd anniversary of the American Victory at Yorktown and the major contributions to its success by France and French Heroes of the Revolution was held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia.

Among the toasts offered were to France by DCSAR President William Ritchie, to the United States of America by Compatriot Guillaume de Waziers of the France Society, to the French Heroes of the Revolution by DCSAR Past President Joel Hinzman and to George Washington by DCSAR Trustee Gary Nordlinger.  

President Ritchie offered a special toast to James Armistead Lafayette who was born into slavery. James receive permission from his slave master to enlist in the Marquis de Lafayette’s French allied units. Instead of becoming a soldier, he became a spy. He told the British that he was a runaway slave and wanted to serve the Loyalist cause. James became a double spy giving the British false information about the Patriots and obtaining information about the British plans to his commander. James subsequently informed Lafayette about British General Lord Cornwallis’s move to Yorktown and the expected arrival of 10,000 British troops. This information was instrumental in the surrender of the British at Yorktown.

Although an Act of 1781 promised freedom to any enslaved soldier, James was denied his freedom because he had served as a spy. With the personal intervention of Lafayette himself, James received his freedom in 1787.                                        

Two new compatriots were inducted during the reception. Stephen Earl Bates is the 5th great grandson of Robert Faris, who served as a Captain in Colonel Brandon's Regiment of the South Carolina Militia. Robert Harrison Carey, Jr., is the 6th great grandson of Henry Harmon, who served as a member of the Rowan County, North Carolina Committee of Safety.  Both Stephen and Robert were sponsored by Joel Hinzman.

Greetings were also given by DCDAR State Regent Beth Hicks, and by Avery Hinzman, President of the DC C.A.R Harriett Lothrop Society.

The District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”), the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”), the District of Columbia Children of the American Revolution (“DC C.A.R.”) and members of many other lineage and patriotic organizations gathered on the Fourth of July 2023 at 10:00am for our traditional Independence Day kickoff at Congressional Cemetery. The purpose was to honor and remember Vice President Elbridge Gerry and all the other Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Vice President Gerry is the only Signer buried in Washington, D.C. Following the welcoming, Compatriot The Rev. Dr. John D. Stonesifer, Chaplain of the DCSAR, provided the invocation and concluded the program with the benediction.

Sheri O’Connell, DCDAR State Organizing Secretary and State America 250! Chair presented the DCSAR with DAR America 250! Commendation for the demonstration of extraordinary efforts in raising awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America’s 250 Anniversary that was accepted by President Ritchie.

Seven new compatriots were given the oath by DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays.

Michael David James Bouchard is the 6th great grandson of John Kenton, who served as a Sergeant in the Lincoln County, Virginia Militia under Capt. Simon Kenton and Gen. George Rogers Clark.

Justin Hey Debs is the 7th great grandson of Isaac Larue of Frederick County VA, who has been established to have rendered material aid to the patriot cause.

Christopher Michael Harvin is the 6th great grandson of Richard Harvin, who served as a Private in the South Carolina Militia.  Chris joined with his 8-year-old son Wilkins MacMillan Harvin, who couldn’t be here today.

Clayton Alan Bond is the 4^th great grandson of William Bond, who served as a Private in both the 1st Virginia and 2nd Georgia Regiments.  Clayton’s application was approved just a few days ago through the Michigan Society but transferred his membership to DCSAR.

Jeremy Robert Smith is the 6th great grandson of Daniel Dodge, who served as a Corporal in the Connecticut Militia under Captains. Ely and Lytle. 

Dan Thomas Stanford 6th great grandfather was Abraham Yingling, an Associator in Frederick County MD.  Dan’s three sons all joined with him under the SAR’s family plan.  The eldest, Army Captain David J. Stanford, was present, but middle son Andrew Christopher Stanford is stationed with the Army Corps of Engineers in Romania, and the youngest, 1LT Stephen Lee, is on duty with Army Intelligence at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

A light buffet was served to guests at the conclusion of the program.

The Eightieth Annual Jefferson Memorial Ceremony, in recognition of the 280^th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, was held at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC on April13, 2023 commencing at 11 o’clock in the morning. Richard E. Patten, past president, District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”) served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event was presented by DCSAR in cooperation with The National Park Services within the United States Department of the Interior and The Military District of Washington. The Prelude, National Anthem, and Postlude were rendered by The U.S. Air Force Band Brass Quintet. The invocation and benediction were delivered by The Rev. Dr. John DeWitt Stonesifer, Chaplain, DCSAR. Guests were welcomed by Jeffrey Reinbold, Superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks. The presentation of wreaths followed.

The first wreath was presented at 9:00am on behalf of the President of the United States, The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., by Major General Allan Pepin, Commanding General, Military District of Washington.

The wreath from the Secretary of the Interior, the Honorable Deb Haaland was presented by Jeffrey Reinbold followed by the wreath from James E. Ryan, President of the University of Virginia presented by Mark and Lucy Duke Tonacci. Georgina Coolidge presented the wreath on behalf of P. Gardiner Hallock, Interim President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation.

The DCSAR wreath was presented by William O. Ritchie Jr., President of DCSAR and the NSSAR wreath, C. Bruce Pickette, President General, was presented by Peter M. Davenport, Vice President General.

Wreaths were presented by several descendants of Thomas Jefferson. The wreath from Thom Randolph, President of the Monticello Association, was presented by Angus Slater Lamond Jr., 7^th generation descendant of Thomas Jefferson. The Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence wreath, Nancy McBride Wark, President General, was presented by John Hamilton Works, Jr., Second Vice President and 5^th great grandson of Thomas Jefferson. The Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society wreath, John Hamilton Works, Jr., President, was presented by Rebecca Hart, 1^st cousin 7-times-removed from Thomas Jefferson, and Michael Hart

Additional wreaths were presented by representatives of the General Society of the War of 1812, MDSAR, VASAR, DCDAR, DC Children of the American Revolution, National Society United States Daughters of 1812, NS Children of the American Colonists, Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Constitution, The National Society Descendants of American Farmers, The National Society Descendants of American Farmers Youth, The Order of First Families of Virginia and the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society.

The program concluded with the Sounding of “Taps”