D.C. Society Sons of the American Revolution News

2025 Independence Day Kickoff

William Ritchie — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT

The District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”), the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”), the Children of the American Revolution (“C.A.R.”) and members of many other lineage and patriotic organizations gathered on the Fourth of July 2025 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.

A donation was presented to the President of the D.C.C.A.R., Avery Hinzman by President Newman. President Newman administered the oath to new member Jeffrey Alvin Stoll who is the 6th great grandson of Peter Derry, who signed a petition for the oath of allegiance in Frederick County, Maryland. Paul Hays and Larry Miller are his sponsors.

DCSAR Icon Peter Dixon attends the 2025 Awards Banquet and Installation of Officers

William Ritchie — Thu, 01 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Guests at the DCSAR Awards Banquet and Installation of Officers held on May 1, 2025, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia, were absolutely ecstatic with the arrival of 96-year-old DCSAR life member Peter Dixon. Peter has been a member since the approval of his application on February 29, 1960. He served as DCSAR President in 1977-78, Vice President General in 1998-99, and was awarded the Minuteman Medal in 1999. Peter may very well be the oldest active member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

The invocation and blessing were given by The Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer, DCSAR Chaplain. Special guests were introduced by DCSAR President Brock Bierman.

After dinner President Bierman awarded a host of certificates and medals to various members of the DC Daughters of the American Revolution, the DC Children of the American Revolution and the DC Sons of the American Revolution. Peter Dixon was the recipient of 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.

The guest presenter was Alfred D. Hagen. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Fred Hagen spent his formative years as a wildcat carpentry contractor roaming the Alaskan frontier. In the late 1970s, Fred traveled to Alaska to find employment on the Oil Pipeline Project. While working on the pipeline during the day, Fred attended the University of Alaska in the evenings and worked as a carpenter on the weekends. Through this journey, Fred learned about the construction industry from the ground up. When he moved back to Bucks County in 1979, he continued working as a carpentry contractor. Six years later he became signatory to a carpentry union agreement and formed Hagen Construction, Inc. in 1987. A part of his presentation involved the recovery of a P47 shown in his PowerPoint presentation after they lifted it off a 10,000’ razorback ridge in the Finisterre Range of Papua New Guinea.

SAR Secretary General Mike Elston administered the oath to the recently elected officers of the DCSAR. The gavel was presented to President Geoffrey L. Newman who then received the DCSAR presidential badge and ribbon from Past President Bierman

Jefferson Birthday Celebration

William Ritchie — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 15:00:00 GMT

The eighty-second annual ceremony commemorating the anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s birth was held at the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin in Washington at 11 AM on April 13, 2025. Richard E. Patten, past president, DC Sons of the American Revolution served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event was presented by DCSAR in cooperation with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Military District of Washington, and as in the past seventeen years, was organized by DCSAR Secretary and Past President Paul Hays. A patriotic musical prelude, the National Anthem, and postlude were rendered by the U.S. Navy Brass Quintet. Colors were presented by a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard. The invocation and benediction were delivered by the Rev. Dr. John DeWitt Stonesifer, DCSAR Chaplain.

Guests were welcomed by the Interior Department’s Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, Kevin Greiss.

The Presidential wreath was presented at 8:00 AM by Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, Commanding General, Military District of Washington. The wreath of the Secretary of the Interior, the Honorable Doug Burgum, was presented by Kevin Greiss.

The President of the University of Virginia, James E. Ryan, was represented by Lucy and Mark Tonacci. The wreath of Jane Kamensky, President and CEO of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, custodian of Monticello was presented by Nancy and Walter Douglass.

The wreath of DCSAR, host of the event, was presented by its President Brock D. Bierman, who also presented the NSSAR wreath on behalf of President General Dr. Darryl S. Addington.

Wreaths were then presented by representatives of the General Society of the War of 1812, Maryland and Virginia SARs, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, National and DC Societies US Daughters of 1812, Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, the Order of First Families of Virginia, National Society Daughters of the American Colonists, National Society Children of the American Colonists, Society of the Descendents of the Signers of the Constitution, Hereditary Order of the Families of the Presidents and First Ladies of America, National Society Children of 1812, National Society Descendants of American Farmers and their Youth Branch, and the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society.

The ceremony concluded with the sounding of Taps, and a postlude by the Navy Band Brass Quintet.

The D.C. Society has organized and hosted this commemoration each year since the dedication of the Jefferson Memorial on April 13, 1943, the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth.

DCSAR 2025 Public Safety Awards

William Ritchie — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal Recipient

Pamela A. Smith, a law enforcement professional with more than 27 years of experience, was the recipient of the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal on April 3, 2025, during a presentation at the MPDC Joint Operation Command Center. She has served as Chief of the DC Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) since July 2023, when Mayor Muriel M. Bowser nominated her to the position. Smith had been MPD’s Assistant Chief of Police in charge of the Homeland Security Bureau at the time. The DC Council confirmed Smith’s appointment on November 7, 2023.

MPD is the second major law enforcement agency Smith has led. In 2021, she was named Chief of the United States Park Police (“USPP”), the agency’s first African American woman Chief since its founding in 1791. She joined the USPP in 1998 as a Patrol Officer in the San Francisco Field Office and served in major field offices across the country as she rose through the ranks.

Smith joined MPD in 2022 as its first Chief Equity Officer, leading the Department’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. In addition to her DEI focus, she supervised the Employee Well-Being and Support Unit and the Equal Employment Opportunity Office; developed a department-wide accountability channel; and advised senior leaders on strategy.

In April 2023, Smith was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police of the Homeland Security Bureau, leading the Special Operations Division, the Joint Strategic & Tactical Analysis Command Center, and the Office of Intelligence before being nominated to succeed then-Acting Chief Ashan M. Benedict.

As Chief of Police, Smith has focused on keeping communities safe, building police/community collaborations, reducing crime, and holding offenders accountable. She implemented new firearms-interdiction, crime-suppression, traffic-safety and community engagement strategies, and increased police visibility in neighborhoods.

In 2024, Smith led several successful crime-reduction initiatives that contributed to a 35% drop in violent crime, 32% decrease in homicides, 48% reduction in carjackings and a 39% reduction in robberies in the District of Columbia.

One of her top priorities was to upgrade MPD’s technology, integrating cutting-edge technology into every aspect of the Department’s operations. MPD launched the Real Time Crime Center enhancing how investigators disseminate information, greatly improving the speed in which they give officers in the field critical lookout information to track down offenders and make arrests.

Smith also unveiled the Air Support Unit’s new helicopter (Falcon 1), which has been crucial in responding to crime and being able to quickly and safely pursue suspects from the air and launched the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) program. She closed out 2024 with the opening of the agency’s new Joint Operations Command Center (JOCC), which serves as a critical nerve center for MPD’s operations.

She has received numerous commendations and awards from organizations including the National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives (“NOBLE”) Civil Rights Community Policing Justice by Action Award, Zeta Phi Beta Centennial Service Award, Women in Federal Law Enforcement (“WIFLE”) Public Service Award, Northeast Region Equal Employment Opportunity Office Recognition of Outstanding Excellence, and the National Council of Negro Women Award for Working Together in Unity. She is a member of several organizations, including the NOBLE Washington Metro Chapter, Major Cities Chiefs Association (“MCCA”), International Association of Chiefs of Police (“IACP”), WIFLE and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Smith has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she was recently inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame for her undergraduate track and field achievements. She has a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session 265) and FBI National Executive Institute (Session 47). Her most recent achievement was graduating from the Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

Fire Safety Commendation Award

The SAR Fire Safety Commendation and Medal was presented to Sergeant Hakim Carroll at the DC Fire & EMS Station 24 located at 5101 Georgia Ave NW on April 3, 2025. Sgt Carroll has been assigned to the Fire Investigations Unit (“FIU”) District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Services for 11 years. He is also a graduate of the MPD Academy. During his tenure, he has become the heart of FIU. His leadership and expertise in the field consistently exceeds expectations.

Sgt. Carroll has filled in as the Acting Unit Commander twice for 9-month stints, while the respective Unit Commanders attended the Police Academy. This allowed for seamless continuity of operations. Sgt. Carroll has a positive attitude and is always willing to go the extra mile and never complains. Through his actions, he has helped foster a strong and productive team environment. He does more than he is recognized for, and his contributions will continue to have a lasting impact on the success of FIU.

Emergency Medical Services Awards

Lt. Holly O’Byrne is currently the Emergency Medical Services Battalion Supervisor in the 3rd Battalion on #3 Platoon. The third battalion, in addition to being very active, presents some of the most challenging and complex patients in the District. Lt. O’Byrne is steadfast in her treatment of these cases. She is a role model for other providers when it comes to treating patients with skill and compassion.

In addition to her work in the 3rd Battalion, Lt. O’Byrne serves as the Department’s Low Titer Whole Blood Program Coordinator. In this position, Lt. O’Byrne works tirelessly to ensure this pilot program saves lives in all corners of the District. From its inception almost a year ago, Lt. O’Byrne has been an instrumental part of ensuring the success of a program which has become a leading program nationwide.

Lt. O’Byrne works with outside agencies, provides training, and manages data to ensure that patients will continue to receive this precious resource. To date, over 225 patients have received Low Titer Whole Blood before arriving at a hospital with an impressive survival rate of over 95% for those patients who were found with a pulse. Lt. O’Byrne’s leadership has transformed the way patients are cared for in the District of Columbia.

FF/PM Spiro Dimakas is currently assigned to Engine 26 in the NE quadrant of the District. As a seasoned Firefighter/Paramedic, his patient care is second to none. He is an excellent care provider who has become dedicated to training our agency’s providers; from the freshest to the most seasoned. In recent months, Spiro has become the coordinator of our quarterly Paramedic Grand Rounds. This critical education brings all of the Department’s paramedics together 4 times a year, and since Spiro has taken the reins, it has been wildly successful and received widely by the Department’s paramedics.

In addition to this, he also develops and designs scenarios for the department’s conflict resolution classes. Spiro has a keen eye for casting “characters” for these scenarios that make them realistic and ensure the department’s members receive the best training possible. Members at all levels are immersed in real-life scenarios where they sharpen their “people” skills. Firefighter/Paramedic Dimakas’ professionalism, pride and leadership are helping to mold the department and build its future.

2025 George Washington Birthday Luncheon

William Ritchie — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:00:00 GMT

2025 George Washington Birthday Celebration

The 293rd birthday celebration for President George Washington was held on February 22, 2025, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia hosted by the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution in conjunction with the District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution and the District of Columbia Children of the American Revolution. Guests were welcomed by DC DAR State Regent Yvonne Lisar. Greetings were also offered by Janet McFarland, Corresponding Secretary General DAR, Bill Ritchie, Past President DCSAR and Maddie McAnulty, State President DC Children of the American Revolution.

The guest presenter was Mrs. Catherine Townsend, President & CEO, Trust for the National Mall. The trust is the leading non-profit, philanthropic partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring, enriching and preserving the National Mall – America’s Front Yard.

Mrs. Townsend discussed current projects inspired by America’s 250^th in 2026.

1. Restoring Constitution Gardens. This project will restore and elevate the historic Constitution Gardens and the Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence, creating a model for resilient, urban parkland and ensuring a space that engages and welcomes all who visit.
2. Reimagining Sylvan Theater: A visionary future is in store for this humble performing arts venue on the grounds of the Washington Monument. The project will reimagine the historic site in order to reach its full potential as our nation’s center stage.
3. The National Mall Gateway: A New Civic Learning Experience for All ages. This groundbreaking programming will elevate the National Mall’s role in civics education for all ages harnessing the National Mall as America’s greatest living history classroom providing engaging content and experiences for educators and the public live and virtually.

New members were installed by DCDAR and DCSAR. DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays presented Ronald Scott Phillips for induction. Ronald is a 5th great grandson of Francis Meriwether, whose service included caring for the sick and wounded and in 1777, acting as Coroner of Amherst County. Compatriots Larry Miller and Paul Hays are his sponsors.

Regent Liser presented the Hannah White Arnett Silver Medal of Distinction to Past President Bill Ritchie for his extraordinary cooperation and outstanding services to NSDAR. Ritchie received the Bronze Medal for this award during September 2023.

2025 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala

William Ritchie — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The Embassy of France in all of its elegance in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC was the location of DC SAR’s 2025 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala on February 15, 2025. This year’s theme paid homage to the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour as Guest of the Nation, with period music, dancers, and historical interpreters at the Embassy of France. Honors were rendered to the flags of both nations by the Color Guard Unit from Marine Base Quantico, and the U.S. Anthem was sung by Ms. District of Columbia, Katie Ann Powell.

Ambassador of France to the United States Laurent Bili welcomed the over 400 in attendance with remarks on the enduring Franco-American alliance. D.C. Society President Brock Bierman spoke of the importance of celebrating our founding history and the role of SAR in the world today.

Guests were treated to tasting Lafayette themed wines, French catering, and a silent auction. In honor of the “Hero of Two Worlds”, funds raised will support the National Military Family Association (“NMFA”) and Comite de l’Entraide Defense (“CED”).

NMFA’s mission is to stand up for, support, and enhance the quality of life for every military family through bold advocacy, innovative programming, and dynamic and responsive solutions.

CED is the Defense Mutual Aid Committee of France, through which the benevolent associations supporting the various branches of armed and civilian military service raise funds.

Among our special guests was Major General Bertrand Jardin, the French Defense Attache, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Jean-Charles Spiteri, Delegate General of CED, Besa Pinchiotti, CEO, National Military Family Association, Chuck Schwam and Dr. Patrica Maclay, Board of Governors, American Friends of Lafayette, and Yvonne Lisar, State Regent, DCDAR.

Sweethearts and Patriots began in 2014 as a way for DCSAR to organize the D.C. political and business communities around our mission. Now in its tenth year, the Gala has raised over $200,000 to support veterans and their families. The 2025 Gala Committee was Co-chaired by Compatriot Patrick Anderson and Lenna Hoffman. (www.sweetheartsandpatriots.org)

Wreaths Across America

William Ritchie — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 13:00:00 GMT

In his position as National Trustee with DCSAR, Compatriot Bill Ritchie visited Cheltenham Veterans Memorial Cemetery today in conjunctions with Wreaths Across America with compatriots from the John Hanson Chapter, MDSSAR. Along with the wreath for his Uncle Samuel Ritchie who was a member of DCSAR, wreaths were placed on the graves of Jim and Ruth Holloway, his in-laws; Alonzo and Madia Terry, brother of Joe Terry who is the director of the Kelly Clarkson Show; Davis Ricks, father of Sharon Rodriguez; and William Cross. There here were probably 1000 people placing wreaths on graves.

2024 Holiday Dinner

William Ritchie — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

DCSAR held its 2024 Holiday Dinner on December 5, 2024, in the elegance of the Eisenhower Room at the prestigious Capitol Hill Club, located at 300 First Street SE, Washington, DC.

The Invocation was given by DCSAR Chaplain Rev. John Stonesifer. Guests were welcomed by DCSAR President Brock D. Bierman including United States Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger who was the recipient of the 2024 SAR Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal earlier this year in a ceremony at the US Capitol.

Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan, a graduate of the Howard University Master of Music Program and currently the Performance Coordinator of Creative and Therapeutic Arts Services at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC., gave musical performances during the reception and later during the serving of dessert. Ms. Morgan was more than a classical pianist this evening but an entertainer who set the appropriate mood as we experienced the beginning of this joyous holiday season.

President Bierman introduced our guest speaker Mrs. Nealie Sutton, the Executive Director for Management of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). She leads the overall management and business operations portfolio consisting of ABMC’s financial, human capital, strategic planning, information technology, legal, and business administration responsibilities. The Commission was established by Congress in 1923 and is an agency of the executive branch of the federal government. ABMC is the guardian of America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials that honors the service, achievements, and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces. Their purpose is to commemorate the U.S. armed forces by maintaining the national legacy of their service in the world's consciousness.

Prior to ABMC, Mrs. Sutton served at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as the Chief of Staff for the Office of Management responsible for the coordination of strategies, policies, performance outcomes, and enterprise-level process improvements impacting VA’s fiscal operations. In this role, she directly supported the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer with oversight and accountability of budgeting and financial management of VA’s $369 billion budget.

Mrs. Sutton started her civil service career with the Department of Army at the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation in Orlando, Florida where she served as an Operations Research Analyst responsible for the cost estimates and economic analysis of training and simulation programs. Mrs. Sutton has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, Master of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Master of Business Administration degree, all from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Mrs. Sutton was given the DCSAR Honor in Service Cross medal after her presentation

DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays gave the oath to new SAR member Dr. Richard Timothy LaVoie. Dr. LaVoie holds a doctorate from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and is a 7th great grandson of the famous patriot Daniel Boone, who served as a Colonel and Lt Colonel of Fayette County KY troops, member of the General Assembly in 1781, and Sheriff in 1782. Secretary Hays and DCSAR Registrar Larry Miller are his sponsors.

Patrick Anderson, DCSAR and Lenna Hoffman, DCDAR, who are Co-Chairs of the 2025 Sweethearts and Patriot Gala that will be held at the Embassy of France on February 15, 2025, gave an overview of the event plans and ticket information. https://www.sweetheartsandpatriots.org/

2024 Yorktown Celebration

William Ritchie — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 22:30:00 GMT

A reception attended by 50 Compatriots and guests celebrating the 243rd 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 Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at The Fund for American Studies in Washington DC.

Among the toasts offered were to France by DCSAR President Brock Bierman, to the United States of America by Madame Caroline Monvoisin, Consul General of France, to the French Heroes of the Revolution by DCDAR State Chairman of the DAR/SAR/S.R. Relations Committee Rachel Norman and to George Washington by DCSAR Senior Vice President Geoffrey Newman. Madame Monvoisin received the DCSAR certificate of appreciation.

Also in attendance was Avery Hinzman, President of the DC C.A.R Harriett Lothrop Society who provide an overview of her on-going project.

2024 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala

William Ritchie — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

The Honorable David Howell Petraeus was our special guest at the Sweethearts and Patriots Gala on September 7, 2024, at The British Embassy in northwest Washington, DC. The young members of the DC SAR and DC DAR organized this annual event to raise funds for military charities. This year’s charity was the National Military Family Association who will receive nearly $25,000. Their mission is to stand up for, support, and enhance the quality of life for every military family through bold advocacy, innovative programming, and dynamic and responsive solutions.

The moderator was the British Defense Attache RADM Tim Woods during the fireside chat of General Petraeus. General Petraeus is a partner in the global investment firm KKR and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute. He is also a member of the boards of Optiv and OneStream, a personal venture investor, and engaged in various academic endeavors.

Petraeus is a retired United States Army general and public official. He served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from September 6, 2011, until his resignation on November 9, 2012. Prior to his assuming the directorship of the CIA, Petraeus served 37 years in the United States Army. His last assignments in the Army were as commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and commander, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A) from July 4, 2010, to July 18, 2011.

His other four-star assignments include serving as the 10th commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) from October 13, 2008, to June 30, 2010, and as commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I) from February 10, 2007, to September 16, 2008. As commander of MNF-I, Petraeus oversaw all coalition forces in Iraq.

General Petraeus has a B.S. degree from the United States Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1974 as a distinguished cadet (top 5% of his class). He was the General George C. Marshall Award winner as the top graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College class of 1983, He subsequently earned an M.P.A. in 1985 and a Ph.D. degree in international relations in 1987 from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He later served as assistant professor of international relations at the United States Military Academy and also completed a fellowship at Georgetown University.

General Petraeus highlighted his military service and his service as director of the CIA during his fireside chat. He discussed what advocacy organizations such as the National Military Family Association mean to those who honorably serve our country and to their families. General Petraeus talked about the importance of family and service. His remarks resonated about the crisis in the Ukraine. He called the resident "freedom loving people of Ukraine and that they align with our Patriot values."

The honorary hosts were General/Chairman Richard Myers (ret USAF), Lt. Gen Scott Rice (ret USAF and Past Director Air National Guard) and Major General John Ewars (Ret)

The 2025 Sweethearts and Patriot Gala will be held on February 15, 2025, at the Embassy of France in Washington, DC. The gala will pay tribute to Marquis de Lafayette on the Bicentennial of his Farewell Tour as “Guest of the Nation”. Please visit www.sweetheartsandpatriots.org for more information as it becomes available.

Sweethearts and Patriots began in 2014 to bring together the DC Community to benefit organizations that support the military, veterans and their families and is sponsored by the District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution.

2024 Independence Day kickoff

William Ritchie — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:00:00 GMT

The District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”), the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”), the Children of the American Revolution (“C.A.R.”) and members of many other lineage and patriotic organizations gathered on the Fourth of July 2024 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. A donation was presented to the President of the D.C.C.A.R., Avery Hinzman by President Bierman.

Operation Ancestor Search

William Ritchie — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 04:00:00 GMT

During the last year, DCSAR compatriots volunteered in the computer lab at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in DC with the SAR sponsored Operation Ancestry Search. This is a free genealogy training program for Wounded Warriors and other military veterans. The goal is to provide participants with the knowledge and tools to allow them to conduct their own genealogy research. Participants are provided free access to the databases of Ancestry.com.

DCSAR 2024 JROTC Awards

William Ritchie — Wed, 15 May 2024 21:00:00 GMT

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.

DCSAR 2024 Awards Banquet and Installation of Officers

William Ritchie — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 23:00:00 GMT

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.

DCSAR 2024 Public Safety Awards

William Ritchie — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:30:00 GMT

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.

2024 George Washington Birthday Luncheon

William Ritchie — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 16:30:00 GMT

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.

NSDAR Flag Raising Ceremony

William Ritchie — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 18:30:00 GMT

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.

2023 Holiday Dinner

William Ritchie — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 23:30:00 GMT

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.

2023 Yorktown Celebration

William Ritchie — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 23:00:00 GMT

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.

2023 Independence Day Kickoff

William Ritchie — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 14:00:00 GMT

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.

18th Annual Thomas Jefferson Memorial Celebration

William Ritchie — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 15:00:00 GMT

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”

2023 Public Safety Awards

William Ritchie — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal

As recommended by the Office of the Chief of Police in the District of Columbia, the recipient is Detective John Hayes who began his law enforcement career with MPD in 2015. He is currently assigned to the Fourth District Investigative Section and has assumed lead detective responsibility in a number of shooting incidents. He has demonstrated a deep knowledge of the crew-related cases that have contributed to the violence within the 4^th District. This knowledge and his detail-oriented practices led to the successfully conclusion of a shooting incident that resulted in critical injuries suffered by a four-year old. The award was presented on April 10, 2023, within the executive suite of the Chief of Police Robert Contee III.

Fire Safety Commendation and Medal

The DC Fire and EMS Department nominated Lt. David Darbro for the Fire Safety Commendation Award. Lt. Darbro has been a supervisor in the Fire Prevention Division for the past two years. Over that time, he has overseen Fire Inspectors and Public Education Staff who perform outreach and fire/life safety inspections. Lt. Darbro has spearheaded the All Hands-on Prevention and Smoke Alarm Giveaway program that has been in place for several years. With Lt. Darbro’s leadership, smoke alarm installations doubled in Calendar Year 2022. Also, home fire safety visits by fire inspectors and firefighters were up significantly over this period of time. This means that more District residents were safer from fires, due to the outreach efforts led by Lt. Darbro. During this timeframe the number of total fire deaths in the District was down by 25%. The award was presented on April 10, 2023, at Engine Company 16.

Emergency Medical Services Award

The DC Fire and EMS Department nominated the Street Calls Unit for the Emergency Medical Services Award. Fire and EMS, in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health, has developed the opioid response team model, which will consist of Community Outreach Specialists and EMS providers. This team is tasked with conducting targeted and individual outreach to persons who have experienced a non-fatal overdose without transport to a hospital as well as friends, family, and other bystanders who may witness another overdose. The team will proceed to those involved in opioid overdoses immediately. They will facilitate meaningful communication through participation in community relations/outreach/education activities to hard-to-reach, underserved, and other identified populations.

They work with these individuals to provide them with methods of connecting with proper agency services while serving as their liaison between government agencies and/or the community resources. They also communicate with any bystanders at the scene who may be in a position to reverse a future overdose and/or to help the individual access resources in the future. When time allows, they will follow up with individuals who were referred to services to determine whether any additional support is needed. The awards were presented on April 10, 2023, at Engine Company 16. The team members are:

EMS Captain La'Kisha L. Lacey

PM Shelia Smith

EMT Jerrice Blunt

PM Keisa Hill

PM Gonthel Tolliver

Richard Mullen-El - Community Outreach Specialist

Corrine Spencer - Community Outreach Specialist

Also present was the Medical Director, DC Fire and Emergency Service, Robert P. Holman, MD, who was grateful for the award given to the Street Calls Unit. I gave him a courtesy copy of my book after he informed me that he had a relative who is a member of the DAR.

2023 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala

William Ritchie — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 23:00:00 GMT

General John “Jack” M. Keane was the guest speaker at the 10^th Annual Sweethearts and Patriots Gala on March 4, 2023, at The British Embassy. The young members of the DC SAR and DC DAR organized this annual event to raise funds for military charities. The proceeds raised from the 2023 gala will unlock potentially over $100,000 in life-saving assistance to active duty, veterans, caregivers, and families in need through Code of Support, which helps veterans in need navigate and access critical services.

Designed around 1928 by Sir Edwin Lutyens and built in 1931, the British Embassy is situated in a compound that is home to the ambassador’s residence and the old and new chanceries. By the 1950s, the old chancery was deemed too cramped, and the new chancery, designed by chief architect Eric Bedford, was constructed between 1955 and 1961, with Queen Elizabeth II laying the foundation stone on October 19, 1957. Part of the old chancery was converted into staff quarters, and the rest is currently occupied by the offices of the British Council.

Guests received welcoming comments by DC DAR Regent Beth Hicks and DC SAR President Bill Ritchie. The welcome to the British Embassy was offered by James Roscoe MVO, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy. Prior to his current position appointment in June 2022, Mr. Roscoe was the UK Ambassador to the UN General Assembly.

General Keane is a foreign policy and national security expert who provides nationwide analysis and commentary in speeches, articles, congressional testimony and through several hundred television and radio interviews annually. He serves as an advisor to presidents, cabinet officials, members of congress, international leaders, CEOs and business leaders. He is the Chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, a member of the prestigious Secretary of Defense Policy Board, having advised four Defense Secretaries and a member of the 2018 and 2022 Congressional Commission on the National Defense Strategy.

General Keane, a four-star general, completed 37 years of public service in December 2003, culminating in his appointment as acting Chief of Staff and Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army.

General Keane is the son of an immigrant mother, a WWII Marine father, a born and raised New Yorker, and a lifelong NY Yankee fan. He has commissioned as an infantry 2nd Lieutenant from Army ROTC as a Distinguished Military Graduate at Fordham University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree and received a Master of Arts degree from Western Kentucky University. He is a graduate of the Army War College and the Army Command and General Staff College.

Among his awards, General Keane was the first military leader to be honored with the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Award and the prestigious Bradley Prize. In March 2020, General Keane was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.

General Keane highlighted his military service and continuing support for American interests abroad while giving remarks. He discussed America’s commitments to our active-duty troops, veterans, and allies. General Keane talked about the importance the crisis in the Ukraine and the ongoing need to defend the rights of those seeking freedom abroad.

Among our very special guests were Rear Adm. Tim Woods, Robert Speer (Chairman of Code of Support and former Acting Secretary to the US Army), F. Whitten Peters, Thomas Siebert, retired Major Gen. Alan Salisbury, retired Major Gen. John Ewers, Gen. David Rodriguez and Capt. Pete Shoemaker.

Corporate and business sponsors include Anacostia-Pentalpha Lodge #21 FAAM, Acacia Wealth Management, Distillers Association (DISCUS), Norris CPA and Accounting, Opus One Studios, Trippe Supply Co of Washington, Pearmund Cellars, John Crouch Tobacconist, United Bank, National Capital Bank, HM2 Buck for Hope, National Defense Committee, SEI Private Trust Company, and Mission Dupont.

The gala individual sponsors include Mr. John Lavelle, Jr., Brig Gen. Ed Rodriguez, Aaron Schmerling, Mr. Joel Hinzman, and The Newman Family.

Sweethearts and Patriots began in 2014 to bring together the DC Community to benefit organizations that support the military, veterans and their families. The event chairpersons were DCSAR 3^rd VP Geoffrey Newman and DC DAR Sweethearts & Patriots Gala chair Leigh Maltby.

The gala is sponsored by the District of Columbia Sons of the America Revolution (www.dcssar.org)

George Washington Birthday Luncheon

William Ritchie — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 16:30:00 GMT

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 18, 2023, at 11:30am at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. The hostess for the luncheon was DC C.A.R. State President Miah Malur. Lunch was served after the invocation by DCSAR chaplain Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer and comments by dais guests.

The guest speaker for the luncheon was James Ambuske, PhD, historian and senior producer at R2 Studios, which is the podcast division of the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University. Their mission is to democratize history through podcasting. They have begun production on a new podcast series called Worlds Turned Upside Down, about the history of the American Revolution and the War for Independence.

Dr. Ambuske luncheon presentation focused on some of the generally unknown aspects of George Washington’s life from childhood to becoming the “father of our country”, including the undocumented cutting down of the mythical cherry tree. His presentation was well received by those in attendance at the “sold out” luncheon.

Two new compatriots were given the oath by DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays. Michael Edward Graham, who lives in Alexandria, Virginia, is the 4th great grandson of Richard Jenkins, who served as a private in the Culpeper County, Virginia Militia. Mike’s sponsors were DCSAR Senior VP Tom Readmond and Paul Hays

Erick Christopher Mullen lives in the Northgate neighborhood of upper Northwest Washington. His 6^th great grandfather was Thomas Brownell, who served in the Second Bristol County Massachusetts Regiment on an alarm at Rhode Island in August 1780. DCSAR Registrar Larry Miller and Paul Hays were his sponsors.

2022 Holiday Dinner

William Ritchie — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

DCSAR held its 2022 Holiday Dinner on December 7, 2022, commencing with a host bar with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 7:00pm. The dinner occurred in the elegance of the Eisenhower Room at the prestigious 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 Chaplin Rev. John Stonesifer and the pledge of allegiance by DCSAR Senior VP Tom Readmond. President Ritchie acknowledged special guests who were in attendance. Dinner followed where guests chose either an entree of Pork Porterhouse with Creamy Polenta, Sauteed Swiss Chard, Roasted Figs or Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon with Braised Lentils and Winter Root Vegetables.

As desert was served, President Ritchie introduced the guest artist for the evening, Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan. Dana is a graduate of the Howard University Master of Music Program. She received a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Capital University Conservatory of Music in Columbus, Ohio. She has won numerous accolades and awards for achievement. In 2014 Dana placed as a finalist in the Washington International Piano Artists Competition. Competing against pianists representing the USA, France, Germany, Japan and Taiwan, Dana received the “Audience Award”, “Press Jury Award”, “Best Performance of a Beethoven Work” and “Best Performance of a Classical Work”.

She was also featured on the televised 2011 Trumpet Awards where she was able to share the stage with legendary performers such as Aretha Franklin and Earth, Wind and Fire. Most notably Dana was recently featured as a special guest artist in Dordogne, France for the 110^th birthday celebration of Josephine Baker. This performance was held at the Chateau des Milandes which was the former castle of Josephine Baker and now services as her museum. Dana acknowledges one mentor who assisted with her early professional development, the late Jazz Great Nancy Wilson. Ms. Wilson was the cousin of President Ritchie.

Dana is the Performance Coordinator of Creative and Therapeutic Arts Services at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. The service has provided artistic programming to patients, families and staff since 1978. A dedicated team of arts-in-healing professionals works to foster an atmosphere of cultural tolerance, promote wellness through self-expression, offer patients choice and variety and create an aesthetically pleasing environment.

Ms. Morgan gave a rousing performance on the grand piano with elements that encouraged active participation from the audience with applause as she moved from one recognizable standard to another, including patriotic selections. On this evening, she was more than a classical pianist; she was an entertainer who set the appropriate mood as we experience the beginning of this joyous holiday season.

At the conclusion, Ms. Morgan was given an SAR certificate of appreciation and a gift by President Ritchie. Rev. Stonesifer offered the closing benediction.

Dunbar High School JROTC Winter Coat Drive

William Ritchie — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 13:30:00 GMT

DCSAR supported the above captioned winter coat drive at Dunbar High School. Photos are included at the below YouTube link.

DCSAR supported Winter Coat Drive by Dunbar SHS JROTC - YouTube

2022 Yorktown Reception

William Ritchie — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 22:00:00 GMT

A reception celebrating the 241^st anniversary of the American Victory at Yorktown and the major contributions to its success by France and French Heroes of the Revolution was held in the library at the prestigious University Club of Washington, DC on October 19, 2022. The University Club is one of the nation’s truly historic membership organizations. While the founders include President William Howard Taft and Chief Justice of the United States Melville Fuller, they were part of a larger group of political, business, and civic leaders who shared a common bond. Today’s members are an impressive Who’s Who of leaders sharing a sense of family. They are bonded by their intellectual, athletic, and cultural pursuits, evident in the restaurants, on the courts and in the wide range of cultural and social events taking place throughout the Club each and every day.

DCSAR President William Ritchie, after giving thanks to the almighty and providing a brief overview of the purpose of the reception, welcomed guests in attendance that included DCDAR Regent Mrs. Beth Hicks, DC C.A.R. State President Myah Malur, and DC C.A.R. Senior State President Rachel Norman.

DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays administered the pledge to our new society members.

Zachary Pierce Cress, a resident of the Brightwood section of Washington, is a 4^th great grandson of Frederick Shearer, who served as a Private in Railford’s Company of the 2^nd Regiment of the North Carolina Militia. His rosette was pinned by his sponsor, DCSAR Senior Vice President Tom Readmond.

David Neff Morey, a resident of the Georgetown section of the DC, is a 4^th great grandson of Nathaniel Stedman, who served as a private in Captain John Petty’s company of Colonel William Williams’ Regiment of the Vermont Militia in 1777. Stedman also served as a Selectman for Newfane, VT in 1780. His sponsor was Secretary Hays, and his rosette was pinned by President Ritchie.

Robert John Studstrup, a resident of Southwest Washington, DC, is a 5^th great grandson of Francis Wyman, a Private under Captain John Blunt in Colonel McCobb’s Regiment of the Massachusetts Militia and was part of the Penobscot Expedition in 1779. He was He was also sponsored by Secretary Hays, and his rosette was pinned by his grandfather, Compatriot Gary Don Wyman of the Florida Society, who traveled to Washington for the ceremony.

Compatriot Studstrup was also awarded the War Service Medal, which was first authorized in 1899 for compatriots who served in the Spanish-American War. SAR continue to present this medal to compatriots who have served in the armed forces and have received a campaign medal, combat ribbon or badge as shown on their respective DD-214. This qualification was met by Compatriot Studstrup, who served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist during deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism.

The evening was concluded with brief “save the date” comments by DCSAR 2^nd VP Geoff Newman regarding the 2023 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala to be held on March 4, 2023, at the British Embassy and by Rachel Norman regarding the DC C.A.R. George Washington Birthday Luncheon to be held on February 18, 2023, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA.

Celebration of Abraham Baldwin - Constitution Day 2022

Victor Barry — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 18:59:10 GMT

The District of Columbia (“DC”) Daughters of the American Revolution were joined by members of the DC Sons of the American Revolution, DC Children of the American Revolution and other legacy organizations in celebration of Abraham Baldwin. The Constitution Day 2022 event was held at the St. Paul’s Rock Creek Cemetery on September 17th at Baldwin’s grave site. He is the only signer of the US Constitution buried in the District of Columbia.

Abraham Baldwin was an American minister, patriot, politician, and Founding Father. Born and raised in Connecticut, he was a 1772 graduate of Yale College. During the American Revolutionary War, he served as a chaplain in the Connecticut Contingent of the Continental Army. After the Revolutionary War, Baldwin became a lawyer. He moved to the State of Georgia in the mid-1780s and founded the University of Georgia becoming its first president. He was appointed by the Governor of Georgia as a delegate to the Congress of the Confederation and then to the Constitutional Convention. In September 1787 he was one of the state’s two signatories to the U.S. Constitution.

The guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. John D. Stonesifer, Chaplain, DC SAR who spoke about Abraham Baldwin’s spiritual upbringing and influences. Beginning first with the role of chaplains in our colonies and the military, he then focused on the unique individuals and circumstances that impacted Baldwin – leading him to serve the community first as a minister, and then as a lawyer, statesman, and advocate for education.

The event was supported by the presentations of colors by the 3^rd Infantry Regiment Color Guard and music by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

Independence Day Kickoff at Congressional Cemetery

William Ritchie — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 14:00:00 GMT

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 2022 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 John D. Stonesifer, Chaplain of the DCSAR, provided the invocation and concluded the program with the benediction. During the ceremony new DCSAR compatriots we inducted.

Charles Peterson "Pete” Meachum lives in Arlington. He and his brother, William Chester Meachum who lives in Virginia Beach, joined last January but this is the first time either of them could make it to an event. Their 5^th great grandfather was Davidson Dudley, a signer of the New Hampshire Association Test.

Erick Christopher Mullen lives in upper Northwest Washington. His 6^th great grandfather was Thomas Brownell, a private in the 2^nd Bristol County Massachusetts Regiment which responded to an alarm at Rhode Island in August 1780.

Elijah David McKnight is a seventeen-year-old resident of the District of Columbia who has successfully documented that his 6^th great-grandfather, Luke Valentine, was a Revolutionary War patriot. Elijah attends the DC International School and hopes to receive an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Elijah obtained his pilot’s license at the age of 16.

Luke Valentine, a “free man of Colour” was twice drafted into the Virginia Militia, first during May 1780. His militia company was commanded by Captain Thomas Leftwich and marched to Hillsborough, North Carolina joining other Virginia companies to form a brigade commanded by General Edward Stevens. After several campaigns, Luke was discharged around the 1^st of February 1781.

Luke was drafted again during May 1781 and joined a militia company commanded by Captain Adam Clements from Bedford County, Virginia that marched to the assistance of General Nathanael Green in South Carolina, and later marched British prisoners of war to Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He was discharged by Major Ward during August 1781.

Witnesses to Elijah’s induction were his mother Niambi Jarvis and his grandmother, Martha Jackson Jarvis who are both members of the Judge Lynn Chapter, DCDAR.

Darron Overby, founder of The Black Phalanx Brigade: Afro-Militaria Historians & Reenactors Guild performed a brief characterization of Luke Valentine during the program to the delight of our guests.

Elijah was first African American inductee since William O. Ritchie Jr., became the first African American president of the DCSAR in its 132-year history earlier this year.

132nd Annual Awards and Installation of Officers Banquet

William Ritchie — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 23:00:00 GMT

William O. Ritchie Jr was installed as the 113^th President of the District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution (DCSAR) during the 132^nd Annual Awards and Installation of Officers Banquet. The event was held on April 21, 2022, at the Washington Golf and Country Club. Ritchie succeeded past president Joel Hinzman, who led the organization during the recent two-year pandemic period. Ritchie, known as Bill, last year authored his memoir, “A Black Man’s Journey to the Sons of the American Revolution” chronicling his many life-enhancing experiences from the hills of Beckley, WV., to his membership into DCSAR on July 4, 2016. Since 2020, he served as the society’s senior vice president and public information officer. He is the first known African American to become president in the 132-year history of the society.

The Beckley native was an honors graduate from Stratton High School in May of 1966. Ritchie went on to become Howard University’s first known NCAA all-American in track & field, accomplishing the feat seven times. He was the NCAA College Division 220-yard-dash champion in 1969 and was a 1968 Olympic trials qualifier.

Bill joined the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department and during his career commanded several prestigious positions including the Homicide, Public Integrity and Organized Crime Branches along with the Medical Services Division. Upon his retirement in 1994, he held the rank of Deputy Chief and the position of Chief of Detectives leading investigators handling some of the most heinous of crimes occurring in the nation’s capital. Major investigations in which he was involved included the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan during 1981, the Air Florida plane crash in 1982, and the Shotgun Stalker in 1993

He later served as the first director of the office of decedent affairs at the Washington Hospital Center. This innovative office was established to assist the families of patients who died in the hospital and as an adjunct to the hospital’s organ donation program. Among his volunteer activities were service as a member of the boards of directors of the National Kidney Foundation NCA and the Greater Washington Urban League.

Other officers installed included Thomas Readmond, Sr. VP, Geoffrey Newman, 2^nd VP, James Pender, 3^rd VP, Secretary Paul Hays, Treasurer James Pender, Registrar William Miller and Chaplain Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer.

New members inducted during the banquet were Victor Michael Barry, Jr. who is a 5^th great grandson of Jacob Stetzel, who performed patriotic service by paying the Pennsylvania supply tax in 1783. Jayson William Browder is a 6th great grandson of Austin Stone, who served as a private in Col. Hugh Giles’ Britons Neck Regiment of the South Carolina Militia under Gen. Marion. He also served as a petit juror and furnished supplies. Daniel Kevin Dorsey is a 5^th great grandson Frederick H. Dockstader, a private in the 3^rd Regiment of the Tyron County New York Militia. Curtis André Kearns III patriot ancestor was his 5^th great grandfather, John Schmeyer, who rendered substantial material aid in South Carolina. Drew Nathaniel Peterson is a 6^th great grandson of Phillip Hoffecker who served as a private in the 2^nd Battalion of the Chester County, Pennsylvania Militia.

SAR awards were presented to the following:

D.C. Society Honor in Service Medal:

· J. Howard Fisk
· Bradley Zimmer
· John Brightbill

NSSAR Lydia Darragh Medal:

· Rachel Hicks

Martha Washington Medal:

· Leigh Maltby

NSSAR Medal of Appreciation:

· Lenna Wilson
· Hillary Fisk
· Lorraine Nordlinger

Bronze Roger Sherman Medal:

· Ed Rodriquez
· Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer
· Sean Redmond
· Tom Readmond
· James Richardson

NSSAR CAR Bronze Medal of Appreciation with Oak Leaf Cluster

· Maddie McAnulty
· Carol Leon
· Mia & Miah Malur
· Hillary Fisk
· Rachel Hicks
· Aiden Sobocinski without Oak Leaf Cluster

Silver SAR / CAR Silver Medal of Appreciation with Oak Leaf Cluster

· Sarah Nordlinger
· Lorraine Nordlinger

NSSAR Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal:

· Firefighter/EMS Technicians Da’Von McRae and Richard Brady

NSSAR Fire Safety Commendation Medal

· Fire Chief John A. Donnelly Sr.

NSSAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal

· DC Police Chief Robert J. Contee III

Chapter Medal of Distinguished Service

· Geoff Newman

State Medal of Distinguished Service:

· Randy Teague

Patriot Medal:

· Brock Bierman

Daughters of Liberty Medal:

· Cindy Shelton Hays

War Service Medal:

· Jack D. Stonesifer Jr.

Annual Thomas Jefferson Memorial Celebration

William Ritchie — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 15:00:00 GMT

The seventy-ninth annual Jefferson Memorial Ceremony, in recognition of the 279^th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, was held at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC on April13, 2022 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 President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band Brass Quintet. The invocation and benediction were performed by Hillary Fisk, Chaplain, DC Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”). Guests were welcomed by Lori Swafford, Chief of Administration, National Mall and Memorial Parks. The presentation of wreaths followed.

The wreath from the Secretary of the Interior, the Honorable Deb Haaland was presented by Lori Swafford followed by the wreath from James E. Ryan, President of the University of Virginia presented by Mark and Lucy Duke Tonacci. Ginger Huang Dietrich presented the wreath on behalf of Leslie Greene Bowman, President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. The wreath from Rob Epps, President of the Monticello Association, was presented by Angus Slater Lamond Jr., 7^th generation descendant of Thomas Jefferson.

Additional wreaths were presented by representatives of DCSAR, General Society of the War of 1812, NSSAR, MDSAR, VASAR, DCDAR, DC Children of the American Revolution, National Society United States Daughters of 1812, Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, NS Children of the American Colonists, Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Constitution, Hereditary Order of the Families of Presidents & First Ladies of America, The National Society Descendants of American Farmers and the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society.

The program concluded with the Sounding of “Taps” by GY Sgt Benjamin Albright, Bugler.

Public Safety Awards

William Ritchie — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Robert J. Contee III, Chief of Police, Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is the recipient of the 2022 Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal. The presentation on April 7, 2022, occurred within the department’s Joint Operation Command Center (JOCC) attending by nearly 75 local and federal law enforcement professionals. MPDC’s Joint Operations Command Center, a secure facility located on the 5th Floor of police headquarters. The JOCC is operated by the MPDC, but may include staff from other federal, regional, state and local law enforcement agencies during joint operations occurring in Washington, DC.

Chief Contee holds a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies with a concentration in Police Science from George Washington University. He has also completed the Management College at the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration and the Senior Management Institute for Police of the Police Executive Research Forum in Boston, Massachusetts.

He held the position of Assistant Chief of the Investigative Services Bureau when on May 4, 2021, he was officially confirmed as Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.

January 2, 2021, when elevated to acting chief of police, Chief Contee made this statement to his officers. “Earlier today with family by my side, I had the distinct honor and privilege of being sworn in as the Acting Chief of Police of our great agency. As a native son of Washington, DC, the gravity of this occasion will not be lost on me and will further motivate me to be a leader that inspires each of you to be the best in your respective roles. We all play an important role in not only making MPD the model police department in our great nation but also ensuring the District of Columbia is a safe and thriving city.”

“Together, we will continue our part to build a healthy and strong community ecosystem. One that cultivates a police department that is rooted in fairness, with compassion for everyone and thrives from community relationships. Yes, the new year is upon us but there are still many challenges we must confront. I am confident that we will overcome these obstacles because that is who we are and what we do.”

Under Chief Contee’s leadership, the department has shifted resources to focus on an intelligence-based policing approach to identify, interdict and interrupt violent offenders within the District. The goal of MPD’s Violence Reduction Unit is to build strong criminal cases on offenders and groups to ensure those repeat offenders cannot continue to endanger our communities, by get the guns out of the wrong hands. The department deployed a new Community Focused Patrol Unit, which is a data-driven unit that assists in supplementing their existing patrol districts in areas of the city that are experiencing higher volumes of criminal activity, emerging crime trends, and/or significant events.

The department has partners with the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau and the United States Attorney’s Office to form the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to help investigate non-fatal shootings and violent gun offenders in DC. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to identify, investigate, and prosecute the trigger-pullers who terrorize our neighborhoods. Removing shooters from D.C.’s streets is an indispensable step in breaking the cycle of violence gripping our communities.

In November, Chief Contee held the first MPD Youth Summit. The Summit, facilitated by MPD and the George Washington University, built upon the wealth of experiences and knowledge that the youth of the District have acquired during their in-school and out-of-school experiences. The Youth Summit allowed young people to engage in open dialogue regarding the problems they faced in their individual communities, allowing MPD to gain first-hand knowledge on how our youth believe the Metropolitan Police Department can be more effective in addressing racial, social, and economic disparities and inequities within their communities.

During February 2022, Chief Contee and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the Homicide Reduction Partnership, a year-long collaborative effort to reduce violent crime through strategic prevention and focused enforcement. With this new partnership, MPD will focus resources and intelligence-led policing strategies in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement and criminal justice partners, DC government agencies, and community partners. Also in February, Chief Contee with Chief of Police Malik Aziz of the adjoining Prince George’s County Police Department announced enhanced efforts to combat regional carjackings. The cross-border initiative between DC and Prince George’s County will focus on greater communication and public awareness around carjackings. There will be an increase in investigative support with additional detectives on the carjacking task force and an expansion of intelligence sharing to address the uptick in carjackings.

DCFEMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr., is the recipient of the 2022 Fire Safety Commendation and Medal. Chief Donnelly started his career with District of Columbia Fire and EMS in 1992 at Truck 16. Over the course of his career, he has served at Rescue Squad 3, Tower 3, Battalion Fire Chief 2; as the Division Commander of Special Operations, Homeland Security, and Apparatus Division; and as a member of the Command Staff in Special Projects and Executive Officer Roles.

In 2018, Chief Donnelly was promoted to the newly established Professional Development Bureau which includes the Human Resources Division which includes the Payroll and Compliance Offices, Professional Standards Division, Training Division, the Medical Services Division, and the Grants Office.

Chief Donnelly serves on numerous committees supporting regional and national preparedness, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Fire Chief’s Committee.

Under Chief Donnelly’s leadership the department implemented a partnership with the DC Department of Aging to deliver a public education program entitled “What’s Cooking Seniors.” The virtual (online) fire safety education program focuses on cooking and kitchen safety and will be coordinated with independent and assisted living senior residential buildings and management. Awareness on electrical and home heating fire prevention, smoking and oxygen safety, escape planning in case of fire, smoke alarm/carbon monoxide alarm maintenance, and fall prevention will also be included. This program was designed to address the rising number of cooking fires and senior citizen fire deaths we witnessed during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department is currently in partnership with DC Public Schools to deliver public education programs (in-person or virtually) to elementary age students. The program will present age-appropriate fire safety education topics such as: Stop, Drop and Roll, What’s Hot and What’s Not, Smoke/CO Alarm identification and response, and Exit Drills in the Home.

The Department is currently in partnership with the DC Department of Aging and other community partners such as independent and assisted living senior residential buildings and management to deliver 50 public education programs entitled “Pathway to Safety.” The virtual (online) or in person fire safety program will focus on hoarding and safety tips on how to declutter and reduce fire safety hazards.

The SAR Emergency Medical Services Award and Medals were presented to DCFEMS Firefighter/EMS Technicians Da’Von McRae and Richard Brady assigned to the District of Columbia – FEMS – Engine 6 by Assistant Fire Chief Queen Anunay. They received the awards in recognition of their dedication to the preservation of life and health under emergency conditions and performing beyond the duties normally called for within the emergency medical services profession specifically demonstrated on March 23, 2021, while performing emergency care for a resident in the District of Columbia. The family of the resident sent a letter to the FEMS applauding the performance of the two technicians quoting "I continue to give God the praise for sending us the right firefighters at the right time. Richard Brady and Da'von McRae went above and beyond the call of duty and it's because of them that [the patient] is much better."

Of note A/C Anunay was the recipient of the 2019 SAR Fire Safety Commendation and Medal as a Battalion Chief.

2022 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala

William Ritchie — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 23:00:00 GMT

The Honorable David Howell Petraeus was our special guest at the Sweethearts and Patriots Gala on February 26, 2022, at The Mansion on O Street. The event benefits The National Military Family Association, whose mission is to stand up for, support, and enhance the quality of life for every military family through bold advocacy, innovative programming, and dynamic and responsive solutions.

General Petraeus is a partner in the global investment firm KKR and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute. He is also a member of the boards of Optiv and OneStream, a personal venture investor, and engaged in various academic endeavors.

General Petraeus highlighted his military service and his service as director of the CIA. He discussed what advocacy organizations such as the National Military Family Association mean to those who honorably serve our country and to their families.

Guests were able to enjoy the many photographs and other historical artifacts contained in many rooms and hidden rooms in the four-story mansion museum. The event was enjoyed by all.

Annual George Washington Birthday Luncheon

William Ritchie — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 16:30:00 GMT

The 290^th birthday celebration for President George Washington was held on February 21, 2022, at the Capitol Hill Club, hosted by the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution in conjunction with the District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution and the District of Columbia Children of the American Revolution. Guests were welcomed by DC DAR State Regent Cindy Hays. Greetings were also offered by Joel Hinzman, President of DCSAR, DC C.A.R. incoming State President Miah Malur, and DC C.A.R. Senior State President Lorraine Nordlinger.

Samantha Snyder, Mount Vernon Research Librarian, was the luncheon guest speaker. Ms. Snyder spoke on “Washington Female Cabinet”. The presentation center on a group of ladies who were advisors to President Washington. The written comments from Washington to Annis Boudinot Stockton during August of 1788 documented his sentiments towards his female advisors.

DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays conducted the induction ceremony for three new compatriots. The inductees were Andrew Borene who lives in McLean, Virginia, and his son Magnus Borene who lives in Edina, Minnesota. They are 5^th and 6^th great grandsons, respectively of George Prince, who served as a Captain of the Shenandoah County Virginia Militia. Joel Hinzman is their sponsor.

Jonathan Burgess Joyner lives in Arlington, VA. He’s a 5th great grandson of Abner Chapin, who served as a Sergeant in a detachment of a Myrifield, Massachusetts company which marched to Bennington on August 15, 1777. Fred Humphreys is Jonathan’s sponsor.

The invocation and the benediction were given by Reverend John Stonesifer, Chaplain,

2021 Holiday Dinner

William Ritchie — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

DCSAR held its annual Holiday Dinner at The Capitol Hill Club located at 300 First Street SE, Washington, DC on December 9, 2021, welcoming more than 75 guests at the black-tie event. During the cocktail reception guests were treated to a range of musical selections by Compatriot Donald Francisco, the Resident Fifer at Mount Vernon, who also performed our national anthem as the audience accompanied.

After DCSAR President Joel Hinzman gave the welcoming followed by the invocation by Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer, DCSAR Chaplain, guests dined on Roast Pear Salad, Herb Chicken – Pork duo, Noel log, and table wine.

The dinner host, past DCSAR President Brock Bierman, introduced the guest speaker for the evening Col. Robert J. Dalessandro (Ret. US Army), Acting Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission and Director of the United States Army Center of Military History at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. Secretary Dalessandro is an American historian and author who has written and presented extensively on the American Expeditionary Forces contributions to the First World War.

Secretary Dalessandro frequently leads battlefield tours to sites in the United States, France, and Italy. He is widely published on the lifeways and material culture of the American Soldier in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. He is co-author of the Organization and Insignia of the American Expeditionary Forces, 1917–1923, he serves as editor of the Army Officer’s Guide, co-author of Willing Patriots: Men of Color in the First World War, and Contributions of African American Soldiers and the American Lions: the 332nd Infantry Regiment in Italy in World War I.

His book, Organization and Insignia of the American Expeditionary Forces, received the Army Historical Foundation award for excellence in writing.

Col. Alessandro discussed the work of the American Battle Monuments Commission (“ABMC”). The Commission was established by Congress in 1923 and is an agency of the executive branch of the federal government. ABMC is the guardian of America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials that honors the service, achievements, and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces. Their purpose is to commemorate the U.S. armed forces by maintaining the national legacy of their service in the world's consciousness.

ABMC’s vision is to increase the public's awareness of their commemorative sites and services, increasing ABMC's commemorative coverage, and more effectively preserving the commemorative sites to ABMC's exceptional standard. The ABMC honors the service of the armed forces by creating and maintaining memorial sites, offering commemorative services, and facilitating the education of their legacy to future generations.

DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays administered the oath to new compatriots Thomas Redrick Miller Maddux and Patrick Thomas O’Malley. Thomas lives in Alexandria, VA. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and is a 6th great grandson of Thomas Price, who served as a Captain of the North Carolina Militia under Colonels John Sevier and Moses Shelby, fought at the Battle of King’s Mountain and died at the Siege of Augusta in 1781.

Patrick is a native of and practicing attorney in Washington, DC who lives in Baltimore. He’s a 5th great grandson of Benjamin Dix, who served as a Private and Corporal in the Connecticut Line.

Annual Yorktown Victory Celebration

William Ritchie — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:00:00 GMT

The Roof Top Reception celebrating the 240^th anniversary of the American Victory at Yorktown and the major contributions to its success by France and French Heroes of the Revolution was held at the prestigious University Club of Washington, DC on October 21, 2021.

The University Club is one of the nation’s truly historic membership organizations. While the founders include President William Howard Taft and Chief Justice of the United States Melville Fuller, they were part of a larger group of political, business, and civic leaders who shared a common bond. Today’s members are an impressive Who’s Who of leaders sharing a sense of family. They are bonded by their intellectual, athletic, and cultural pursuits, evident in the restaurants, on the courts and in the wide range of cultural and social events taking place throughout the Club each and every day.

During the reception attended by more than 60 guests, Scott William de Vecchio received the oath of membership into SAR. Scott is a 6th great grandson of Timothy Haskell, who served as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Massachusetts Militia under Captain Samuel Briggs in Col. Sprout’s Regiment. His sponsors were DCSAR President Joel Hinzman and DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays.

Our next event will be the DCSAR Holiday Dinner on December 9, 2021 at the Capitol Hill Club.

Winter Clothing Collection for Dunbar HS JROTC

William Ritchie — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Douglas Brooks, chair of the DCSAR JROTC committee, was recently contacted by Lt. Col. Neal Daniels, commanding officer of the Dunbar High School JROTC to request the assistance of DCSAR with a winter clothing project by the cadets. Compatriot Brooks assisted the cadets as the event was similar to the DCSAR “Gently Used Clothing” project that has been successful and benefits several schools within the District of Columbia Public School System.

The JROTC Cadets recognized that a significant number of their fellow students did not have access to appropriate cold weather winter garments and the cadets developed and implemented the project. Students at Dunbar High School will have a first opportunity to the garments, and the remaining clothing will be donated to a local community charity.

Dunbar High School has a sterling reputation, and its roots started in the late 1870’s. It has graduated many highly accomplished and successful graduates, including a Tuskegee pilot credited with shooting down the first German jet fighter during World War II, the first African Americans to achieve the rank of General and Admiral and many leaders in politics, science, and literature, to cite a few. Compatriot Brooks will be pursuing a potential guest lecture program with the cadets regarding revolutionary war history.

ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY CEREMONY TAKES ON MODERN SIGNIFICANCE

Joel Hinzman — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 20:17:05 GMT

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/annual-fourth-of-july-ceremony-takes-on-modern-significance/2720061/

Organizers paid tribute to the heroic efforts of D.C. and Capitol police officers for their work during the Jan. 6 violence. News4’s Derrick Ward takes viewers to Congressional Cemetery for the story.

A Memorial Day Message

Joel Hinzman — Mon, 31 May 2021 15:08:04 GMT

Memorial Day Message

We, descendants of the heroes of the American Revolution, who by their sacrifices, established the United States of America, reaffirm our faith in the principles of liberty and our Constitutional Republic, and solemnly pledge ourselves to defend them against every foe.

Compatriots,

As members of the Sons of the American Revolution, Memorial Day provides us an opportunity each year to reflect on the tremendous sacrifice that our ancestors made in the establishment of our nation, and in securing the freedoms we enjoy today. We owe a tremendous debt to all of those who paid the ultimate price to establish this country.

An estimated 6,800 Americans were killed in action during the Revolutionary war, but historians believe that at least an additional 17,000 deaths were the result of disease, including about 8,000 – 12,000 who died while prisoners of war^{^[1]}. While unreliable, the estimate for the casualties among British regular forces fighting in the Revolutionary was is around 24,000^{^[2]} men. This includes deaths on the battlefield, from injuries or disease, taken prisoner, or who remained missing.

Approximately 1,200 Hessian soldiers were also killed, 6,354 of disease, and another 5,500 deserted and settled in America afterwards (including my direct ancestor, Henry Hinzman, who after learning more about the great cause the Americans were engaged in, joined the Pennsylvania Artillery and fought with the continental forces until the end of the war).

When we joined the SAR, we made a conscious choice to become part of an organization committed to honoring the brave legacy of our forefathers in their quest for American independence. I ask that you take time today to not only think about what a tremendous sacrifice these soldiers made while fighting for their independence, but you also share this with someone and talk about what this day, and the sacrifices so many have made during and since the revolution, mean to you and our nation.

“Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our forefathers, who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, an independent Supreme Court and a nation of free men.”

Joel Hinzman

President

^{^[1]} Figures according to American Battlefields Trust - https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/american-revolution-faqs

^{^[2]} Ibid

DCSSAR 2020 Newsletter

Joel Hinzman — Wed, 19 May 2021 18:52:47 GMT

Our Newsletter can be found here.

131st Annual Awards and Installation of Officers

Joel Hinzman — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 21:10:28 GMT

131^st Annual Awards and Installation of Officers

By William O. Ritchie

DCSAR virtually held is 2021 Awards and Installation Banquet on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 6:30 pm. The black-tie optional event was held via zoom. The first award presented was the 2021 NSSAR Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal.

DC Fire and EMS Lt. Keishea Jackson – Courtesy DCFEMS

Lt. Keishea Jackson was the recipient in recognition of her dedication to the preservation of life and health under emergency conditions and performing beyond the duties normally called for within the Emergency Medical Services profession.

DCSAR S VP Bill Ritchie and Lt. Keishea Jackson

Assigned to the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Management Service (“DCFEMS”) Homeland Security Division, Lieutenant Jackson has been on the front lines of all the major events to take place and impact Washington, DC., during the last 12 months. She has been one of the officers from DCFEMS to help coordinate and schedule the several logistical parts and pieces connected to COVID-19 testing that has occurred at several firehouses across the city over the last year. Lt Jackson has also been instrumental in taking a public stance on taking the vaccine; opening up and sharing her personal journey and decision-making process on why she felt the need to protect herself, her co-workers and the community in which she serves.

During a press briefing on December 13, 2020 Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser recognized The First Five — the first five members of DC’s Bravest who would take the coronavirus vaccine that week. As frontline health care providers, the District of Columbia’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan designates members of the DC Fire and EMS Department (FEMS) among the first to receive the vaccine in Washington, DC. Lt. Jackson was one of the First Five.

“I’m getting vaccinated for my city,” Lt. Jackson said in a statement. “In the last nine months, I’ve seen COVID devastate my department. I’ve seen my brothers and sisters go into the hospital. I’ve seen them with severe symptoms — things we never thought we would see. My father is everything to me; he is my world. And if I don’t get it for any other reason, I have to get it for my daddy. I have to make sure he’s safe,” Her comments were featured in a story by NBC4 during December 2020. https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-recognizes-first-five-responders-take-coronavirus-vaccine

DCSAR President Joel P. Hinzman, Sr VP Bill Ritchie and Secretary Paul M. Hays presented a host of awards and citations to DCSAR compatriots and our guest from DCDAR and D.C.C.A.R. Among the recipients were:

D.C. Society Honor in Service Medal Recipients:

David Weston White

Andrew Martin Johnson

Sean P. Redmond

James Alan Richardson, Jr.

D.C. Society Patriotic Service Medal Recipients

James Bowles Pender III

John D. Stonesifer

Frederick Chandler Humphreys

NSSAR Lydia Darragh Medal Recipient: Jennifer Anne Cetta-Hinzman

Martha Washington Medal Recipient: Rachel Norman, Regent, Emily Nelson Chapter, DCDAR

NSSAR Medal of Appreciation: Rachel Hicks

NSSAR CAR Bronze Medal of Appreciation Recipients:

Mia & Miah Malur

Rachel Hicks

Dylan Zimmer

Hillary Fisk

Maddie McAnulty

Carol Leon

Silver SAR / CAR Silver Medal of Appreciation Recipients:

Chip Nordlinger

Sarah Nordlinger

Lorraine Nordlinger

Kathryn Orta

NSSAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal: Charles Hart Nalls

Silver Roger Sherman Medal: Geoffrey L. Newman, 3^rd VP DCSAR

State Medal of Distinguished Service: William O. Ritchie Jr., Sr. VP DCSAR

Patriot Medal: Lane Douglas Brooks, Immediate Past President DCSAR

Daughters of Liberty Medal: Cindy Shelton Hays, DCDAR State Regent (oak leaf cluster)

The Honorable Mark S. Norris, Judge, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee and Immediate Past President, Tennessee Sons of the American Revolution, gave the oath of office during the installation of the 2021-2022 DC Society Officers. Principal officers included President Joel P. Hinzman, Senior Vice President William O. Ritchie Jr., 2^nd Vice President Thomas A. Readmond, 3^rd Vice President Geoffrey L. Newman, Secretary Paul M. Hays, Treasurer James B. Pender III and Registrar William L. Miller.

After leading a toast to the newly elected officers, President Hinzman presented the DC Society Honor in Service Medal to Judge Norris.

The invocation and benediction were offered by Rev. John Stonesifer, Chaplain.

Wreath Laying at the Jefferson Memorial

Joel Hinzman — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 15:00:00 GMT

The 278th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson was celebrated on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at his Memorial in the Nation Capital. In every year but two since the dedication of the Jefferson Memorial in 1943 on the 200th anniversary of his birth, the District of Columbia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”), in cooperation with the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Military District of Washington, has sponsored a commemorative ceremony at the Jefferson Memorial. It was cancelled in 1945 because of Franklin Roosevelt’s death, and during 2020 because of the pandemic.

This year DCSAR resumed the tradition but - because of continuing limits on in-person participation - with none of the normal pomp and circumstance. Wreaths were presented without ceremony on behalf of: the Secretary of the Interior by Park Ranger Samuel Yancho; the University of Virginia by alumnus Mark Tonacci (class of ’79); the Sons of the American Revolution by D.C. Society President Joel Hinzman; the Daughters of the American Revolution by D.C. State Regent Cindy Hays; the Children of the American Revolution by D.C. Senior State President Lorraine Nordlinger; and the Society of Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by President General Lucy Duke Tonacci. Videographer: Rachel Hicks.

Video of the event can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/DCSSAR/

2021 Annual Membership Meeting

William Ritchie — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 21:00:00 GMT

The 2021 Annual Membership Meeting was held virtually on February 21, 2021. DCSAR President Joel P. Hinzman called the meeting to order and welcomed all including the SAR Atlantic Middle States Association (“AMSA”) Vice President General Ernest L. Sutton. The invocation was offered by Rev. John D. Stonesifer who also provided the benediction when the meeting concluded. The slate of SAR Officers for the 2021-2022 period was presented by the nominating committee. The list was approved by the membership and the election meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2021.

Upon concluding the discussion of normal business reports, VPG Sutton offered words of appreciation to DCSAR on the virtual presentation of the AMSA conference last August. He also advised that the 2021 conference is tentatively scheduled to be held in Annapolis during August. It will be determined later if this conference will be live or virtual.

VPG Sutton administered the oath during the induction of two new compatriots. Rev. Dr. Alyn Errick Waller, a resident of Penn Valley, PA is Senior Pastor, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. Compatriot Waller’s patriot is his 6^th great grandfather, William Parks, who was shot, killed and scalped by the Indians working for the British during May 1776 while defending the frontier. His sponsor is William Ritchie.

Compatriot Gregory Ronald Switzer lives in Arlington, VA. He’s a 6th great grandson of Abraham Kendrick, who served as a Private 1^st Class, 4^th Battalion, Lancaster County Pennsylvania Militia. His sponsor is Fred Humphreys. Both were virtually welcomed to DCSAR.

George Washington Birthday Remembrance

William Ritchie — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Today, while COVID may have kept us from holding our annual George Washington Birthday luncheon, we could not allow the 289th birthday of George Washington to pass by without marking the occasion. Joel P. Hinzman, President, DCSAR, accompanied by Cindy Hays, Regent, DCDAR and Chip Nordlinger, President DC C.A.R. laid a wreath at the Washington Monument that was erected in his honor. The video of the brief ceremony held in near freezing temperature, can be found on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DCSSAR/. Videographer DCDAR Rachel Hicks.

2020 Holiday Dinner

William Ritchie — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 23:30:00 GMT

DCSAR held its annual Holiday Dinner on December 3, 2020 at 6:30 PM. The virtual dinner was highlighted with a presentation by Dr. Jim Ambuske on the Richard H. Brown Revolutionary War Map Collection which was recently donated to the Library. Featuring over 1,000 individual objects that date between 1740 and 1799 – including manuscript and print maps, bound atlases, watercolor views sheds, and other documents – the collection will offer new opportunities for researching and teaching the history of the American Revolution, Early Republic, and eighteenth-century cartography.

The maps, some of them one-of-kind, drawn in pen, ink and watercolor, come from the collection of Richard H. Brown, a businessman, author and expert on Revolutionary War-era maps and images.

The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington’s recent acquisition of the Richard H. Brown Revolutionary War Map Collection positions the Library as one of the world’s leading centers for the study of cartography in the era of the American Revolution.

Dr. Ambuske is the Digital Historian at the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon. He leads the Center for Digital History at the Washington Library, and directs a number of projects, including the Digital Encyclopedia of George Washington.

Dr. Ambuske discussed the watercolor collection of Charlestown, MA by British officer Richard Williams, done shortly after the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775. He focused on the ink and watercolor manuscript panoramic view depicting the area around Boston during the siege after the Battle of Bunker Hill, as seen from across the river at Beacon Hill. The maps are useful to communicate events of the early Revolutionary War period since we do not have any photographs.

In Honor of our Veterans

Joel Hinzman — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 23:32:11 GMT

Dear Compatriots,

As descendants of the Patriots who won the American Revolution and secured the freedoms with which we’re blessed, one of our foremost duties is to remember and honor our nation’s first veterans and their service. I hope you have had the chance today to pause for a moment and consider the sacrifices and risks your ancestors took to create a new nation.

The SAR was conceived as a fraternal and civic society composed of lineal descendants of the patriots who wintered at Valley Forge, signed the Declaration of Independence, fought in the battles of the American Revolution, served in the Continental Congress, or otherwise supported the cause of American Independence. As members of the SAR we strive to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom. We should continually remember what Nick Lampson said, “There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country,” and share the importance of honoring our nation’s veterans this and every day.

So on behalf of the DCSAR, I’m honored to express my sincere thanks to all of our veterans. “America’s Veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world (John Doolittle).” As members of the DCSAR, and descendants of the first American Veterans, let us work diligently to preserve the freedom our veterans secured for us, and continue to honor them with gratitude for their sacrifice.

Sincerely,

President

Yorktown Victory Celebration Picnic

William Ritchie — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

A scenic area within Fort Ward Museum and Park located in Alexandria, VA was the location of the 1^st Yorktown Victory Celebration Picnic sponsored by DCSAR. The picnic commenced at 11:00 am on October 18, 2020 where all guests wore mask and practiced social distancing. The event celebrated the 238th anniversary of the American Victory at Yorktown and the major contributions to its success by France and French Heroes to the Revolution. Guests either brought their own lunch or were served a picnic box.

DCSAR President Joel P. Hinzman provided the following overview: “On September 28, 1781, General George Washington, commanding a force of 17,000 French and Continental troops, began the siege known as the Battle of Yorktown against British General Lord Charles Cornwallis and a contingent of 9,000 British troops at Yorktown, Virginia, in the most important battle of the Revolutionary War. With the opening of forty-one Allied guns on October 9, 1781, Cornwallis' position, already tenuous, was made so indefensible that surrender negotiations started less than a week later on October 17.

The surrender of over 7,000 British troops on October 19, 1781 did not end the war. The end came in 1783 after Washington moved back to New York City, with the Peace of Paris signed by a British government installed largely as a result of Washington's victory.

In truth, Washington commanded an allied army, in which the French component was very important. A French army expeditionary force had been stationed in New England since 1780, and soldiers from this French contingent (when combined with others brought up from the West Indies) comprised nearly half of Washington’s forces. Cornwallis refused to attend the surrender ceremony, citing “illness” so his second in command, Brigadier General Charles O’Hara led the British army on to the field. In a symbolically important gesture, O’Hara had tried to surrender to the Comte de Rochambeau, the French commander, only for Rochambeau diplomatically to insist that he was merely an American auxiliary. The reluctant O’Hara therefore offered his sword to Washington, who in turn insisted that his second-in-command should take the British surrender. Rochambeau followed military etiquette to the letter, but by doing so created a misleading impression of the French contribution.

Not only did French heavy artillery relentlessly pound Cornwallis’s defensive works, but French troops played a key part in capturing an important British redoubt. But before this moment, the French navy had sealed Cornwallis’s fate by leaving him trapped and without realistic hope of help.

So today, the day before the 238^th anniversary of the American and French forces victory at Yorktown, we celebrate the triumph of the alliance that is still strong to this day, that of the United States and France.”

Two new members were inducted during the celebration. Timothy Maurice Reardon of Alexandria, VA is the 3^rd great grandson of Jared Ingersoll, who served as a member of the Continental Congress in 1780 and 1781 and also an aide-de-camp to the Governor of Pennsylvania. Douglas Bunton Tomb of Falls Church, VA is the 4^th great grandson of Private Josiah Moody, who served in Col. John Stark’s New Hampshire Regiment. They are pictured below with DCSAR President Hinzman, DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays and Mrs. Beverly Tomb, a member of the Eleanor Wilson Chapter, DCDAR. Masks were temporarily removed during the photo shoot.

The posthumous memorial inductee was Daniel Pierson Redmond (d. July 2018) who was the 4th great grandson of Moses Felt, a private in two different companies of the Massachusetts militia. Compatriot Sean Redmond was presented with his father’s certificate.

Compatriot Tom Readmond was presented with certificates representing seven approved supplemental applications bringing his total proven Patriot Ancestors to fifteen.

Concluding, guests joined President Hinzman in raising a glass in a toast to France, General Rochambeau, the Marquis de Lafayette and the French Forces, General George Washington, and to the United States.

2020 Public Safety Awards

William Ritchie — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 21:00:00 GMT

Press Release

During a socially distancing program held at the Tactical Training Center, the Metropolitan Police Department held its Annual Awards Ceremony on September 22, 2020 commencing at 4:00 pm. DCSAR Senior Vice President William Ritchie was invited to present the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal to Third District Officers Kfir Gamliel and Joseph Young. Chief of Police Peter Newshum accepted the award on behalf of the two officers who were unable to attend. The event was originally scheduled for March 17, 2020 but was postponed until today associated with the Covid-19 Pandemic.

On July 14, 2019, at approximately 2:57 AM, officers responded to an accident in the rear of 1301 U Street, NW. Upon arriving on scene, they observed a pedestrian unconscious, under the vehicle. The officers called for DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (“DCFEMS”). While awaiting their arrival, Officer Young used the jack in the vehicle to lift the vehicle. When the vehicle was high enough, Officer Young pulled the pedestrian out from underneath the vehicle.

Officer Gamliel arrived shortly after and realized the pedestrian was not breathing. He inserted an issued nasal device, as well as applied the issued mouth cover before administering CPR. He was able to resuscitate the victim and keep him breathing until DCFEMS arrived on the scene and took over the medical needs of the victim. Based on their dedication and quick action, Officers Young and Gamliel were able to remove a victim from harm, and keep him alive for further medical attention.

The MPD Tactical Village is a pre-engineered, metal building that houses four one- and two-story masonry structures intended to replicate an urban neighborhood setting and streetscapes for use in police training. The facility was constructed for training new cadets and re-certification for officers on duty. The streetscapes includes an entry street, a main street, a cross street and two alleyways on which five training modules have been constructed. It is an impressive training facility.

Sons of the American Revolution Honors One of DC's First Black Officers

Joel Hinzman — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 22:00:00 GMT

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/sons-of-the-american-revolution-honors-one-of-dcs-first-black-officers/2352217/

July 4 Celebration and Commemoration at Congressional Cemetery

Joel Hinzman — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Founded April 19, 1890 - Our 131^st Year

1801 E Street, Southeast, Washington, D.C. 20003

pio@dcssar.org

PRESS RELEASE

The District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”), the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”), the Children of the American Revolution (“C.A.R.”) and members of many other lineage and patriotic organizations gathered on the Fourth of July 2020 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.

Elbridge Gerry was born in Marblehead, Massachusetts, on July 17, 1744, one of Thomas and Elizabeth Greenleaf Gerry's 11 children. A former ship's captain who emigrated from England in 1730, Thomas Gerry was a pillar of the Marblehead community, serving as a justice of the peace and selectman and as moderator of the town meeting. Gerry was elected to the second Continental Congress in December 1775, serving until 1780 and again from 1783 to 1785. He was one of four delegates chosen by the Massachusetts legislature to attend the 1787 Constitutional Convention. Gerry served in the United States House of Representatives during the First and Second Congresses (1789-1793). A conciliatory and moderate legislator, he supported Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton's proposals to fund the Revolutionary War debt and to establish a national bank.¹

The vice presidency had been vacant for nearly a year by the time Gerry took office as the nation's fifth vice president on March 4, 1813. His predecessor, died in office on April 20, 1812. Gerry would die in office before the end of his term in 1814. After Gerry's interment at Congressional Cemetery, the United States claimed victory over Great Britain. The young nation received few tangible concessions from the British under the Treaty of Ghent, but a new generation of leaders viewed America's "victory" in the War of 1812 as a reaffirmation of the ideals that had animated and sustained Elbridge Gerry since the summer of 1776.¹

During the program, two new members were inducted into DCSAR by State Secretary Paul Hays. Compatriot Jonathan Carothers is a

fifth great grandson of Magdalena Adams, who as a widow paid the Pennsylvania Supply Tax in 1782 and therefore qualifies as a patriot ancestor in her own right. Compatriot Brian Jack, is a fifth great grandson of Jonas Nicholas, a Private in the 1^st Regiment of New York Levies.

DCSAR 1st Vice-President William O. Ritchie, Jr. presented the 2020 SAR Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal to the Family of Officer Robert Fleet.

On August 20, 1874 at about 0129 hours Washington Metropolitan Police Department Officer Robert Fleet of the Second Precinct while on duty observed a building fire while standing on the corner of 15^th and Q Streets NW. Reportedly, the officer ran to fire box #79 to turn in an alarm. He sounded the alarm using a key to the old-fashionedtelegraph system two alarm boxes with a telegraphic key that were used to report neighborhood fires. He immediately fell dead with his key still in the alarm box. It was opined that the exertion of running and excitement caused the rupture of a blood vessel. Others attribute his death to apoplexy, which is unconsciousness or incapacity resulting from a cerebral hemorrhage or stroke.²

Officer Fleet was the second person of color appointed to the police force on October 29, 1869 and served over three years in the fourth precinct. During April 1873, he was transferred to the second precinct where he served until the time of his death. The funeral of Officer Fleet took place on August 24th at his residence of 2039 K Street NW. The remains were attended by a detail of police, under Lieutenant Cornelius Noonan, and were interred in Harmony Cemetery. Reportedly, there was hardly an officer on the force more generally liked, being of quiet, unassuming manners, and faithful and discreet in the discharge of his duties. As was remarked by some of the officers who had been his colleagues, he was a gentleman.²

Officer Fleet is listed as a member of the department in the US Interior Department MPD roster on September 13, 1871.

Robert Fleet was found to have enlisted in the US Navy on May 30, 1859 and served in the capacity of a waiter. On July 25, 1863 was listed in the U.S. Colored Troops, 22^nd Regiment Company C and held the rank of Private and the position of feed merchant. He was discharged at some point after the conclusion of the Civil War.

Officer Fleet was survived by his wife and two children. During August of 2019 two of Officer Fleet’s second great grandsons, Clayton and Simeon Deskins and second great granddaughter Donna Shoulders were identified via genealogy by DCSAR. All are currently living in the Washington, DC area. The commendation is presented to the Deskins Family.

¹www.senate.gov/about/officers-staff/vice-president/VP_Elbridge_Gerry.htm

²Evening Star Article Dated August 20, 1874, Page 4

The Sons of the American Revolution (“SAR”) the largest male lineage organization in the U.S., consists of 50 state-level societies with more than 500 local chapters, several international societies (including Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom), and over 34,000 members. The Missions of this Society are declared to be patriotic, historical, and educational; to unite and promote fellowship among the descendants of those who sacrificed to achieve the independence of the American people, to inspire them and the community-at-large with a more profound reverence for the principles of the government founded by our forefathers; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom.

Installation of Officers

Joel Hinzman — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 20:52:36 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

The District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution held its Installation of Officers ceremony on Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 7:45 pm. The black-tie-with-regalia virtual event was simulcast to each member’s home through the marvels of modern technology, specifically the Zoom application. The ceremony was preceded by a brief cocktail period.

The meeting was called to order by DCSAR President Lane D. Brooks followed by the invocation offered by Assistant Chaplain Rev. Dr. John D. Stonesifer. Cindy Hays, DC DAR State Regent-elect, presented the American flag from her living room, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by DCSAR Vice President William O. Ritchie. NSSAR Vice President General Ernest L Sutton administered the oath of office to the newly-elected officers. Brief remarks were made by incoming DCSAR President Joel P. Hinzman, who then led the membership in a toast appropriate to the occasion.

Results of the recent DCSAR on line elections

Joel Hinzman — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 20:56:25 GMT

DCSAR Events and the Covid-19 Virus message from the DCSAR President is attached

Joel Hinzman — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 20:57:46 GMT

Sweethearts and Patriots Ball

Joel Hinzman — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 21:58:46 GMT

The Embassy of France in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC was the location of the District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution 2020 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala for the second consecutive year. The sixth annual Gala occurred on February 8, 2020. The 2020 gala beneficiaries are the Code of Support Foundation and Terre Fraternité.

His Excellency, the French Ambassador to the United States, Philippe Noël Marie Marc Étienne joined the 2020 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala as Honorary Chair.

Guests were greeted and welcomed by DCSSAR President Lane D. Brooks and were treated to a rendition of the French National Anthem by Colonel Remi Bouzereau, Military Attaché at the Embassy of France.

The most captivating presentation was made by D.J. Skelton, Chairman of the Defense Language Foundation, who served in the US Army from 1996 to 2018. He was severely wounded in 2004 while leading a rifle infantry platoon in Fallujah, Iraq. After his recovery, DJ dedicated himself to advancing the causes of wounded veterans. He served as a military advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and as a Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, advising on wounded warrior policy and veterans issues. He talked about his many personal challenges as wounded warrior and his gratification to the many organizations that support disabled veterans such our Code of Support and Terre Fraternité.

Among the attendees was Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient Dawn Halfaker, who is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Halfaker (https://www.facebook.com/Halfaker/) and Associates, one of the Gala Corporate Sponsors.

Pictures from the Gala are in the album.

Our 2020 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala Corporate Sponsors.

Joel Hinzman — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 22:00:13 GMT

2019 Holiday Dinner

William Ritchie — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:47:17 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

December 14, 2019

In this excellent account of Monticello's ownership after Thomas Jefferson's death, Leepson, who has written for the New York Times, Preservation and Smithsonian, turns the spotlight on a family that contributed to the preservation of history but heretofore went unnoticed. When Jefferson died in 1826 his enormous debt forced his heirs to sell the beloved estate. Unfortunately, James Turner Barclay, a Charlottesville, Va., druggist who paid $7,000 for it, let the house decline during the few years he owned it. In 1834 the house was purchased by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Uriah Phillips Levy, a wealthy, bold, passionate admirer of Jefferson who quickly poured money into its repair. Thus began this Jewish-American family's nearly 90-year proprietorship of Monticello.

After being briefly appropriated by the Confederacy during the Civil War, it again landed in the hands of a Levy, Uriah's nephew Jefferson Levy. Monticello became a kind of surrogate child for this extremely successful, unmarried businessman and sometime politician. When the patriotic New York socialite Maud Littleton began her campaign to make Monticello a government-owned shrine in 1911, the battle that ensued in Congress and the newspapers was as emotional as any child custody battle, but more compelling for the dynamic lives and personalities involved. Through extensive research and with fascinating detail, Leepson uncovers the facts surrounding Monticello's owners and preservation involving great wealth, patriotism, anti-Semitism, and social and political influence. Leepson's absorbing account is an overdue chronicle and homage to the national treasure and its memorable saviors….Publisher’s Weekly.

Our guest speaker at the District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution Holiday Dinner, held at the Capitol Hill Club on December 12, 2019 in the National Capital, was Marc Leepson, a journalist, historian and author of nine books. Those books include "Ballad of the Green Beret, a biography of Army Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler” (2017), "What So Proudly We Hailed: Francis Scott Key, A Life" (2014), "Lafayette: Idealist General" (2011), "Desperate Engagement, the story of the Civil War Battle of Monocacy and the Confederate attack on Washington, D.C." (2007), "Flag: An American Biography, the history of the Stars and Stripes from the beginnings to the 21st century" (2005), and "Saving Monticello" (2001).

During his presentation, while guest dined on Crab Cakes and Petite Filet Steak, Leepson highlights his book “Saving Monticello” that offers the first complete post-Jefferson history of this American icon and reveals the amazing story of how one Jewish family saved the house that became a family home to them for 89 years -- longer than it ever was to the Jefferson.

Our next event will be the 2020 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala, to be held at the Embassy of France on February 8, 2020. The beneficiaries for this event will be the Code of Support Foundation (https://www.codeofsupport.org) and l’AssociationTerre Fraternité (http://www.terre-fraternite.fr). More Information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/SweetheartsandPatriots/.

2019 Yorktown Luncheon

William Ritchie — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 11:43:52 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

DCSAR luncheon guest were treated to an excellent presentation by Robert Watson, Ph.D.,Distinguished Professor of American History at Lynn University, about Alexander Hamilton's relationship with George Washington and his role in the victory at Yorktown. His presentation covered the early life of Alexander Hamilton to his becoming an important advisor and confidant to General Washington. The October 26, 2019 Yorktown Luncheon was held at the prestigious Army and Navy Club in downtown Washington, DC., celebrating the 238^th anniversary of the American Victory at Yorktown and the major contribution to its success by France and French Heroes of the Revolution.

Professor Watson is an award-winning author who has published 40 books and hundreds of scholarly articles and chapters on topics in history and politics as well as two multi-edition encyclopedia sets on the presidents and first ladies. His recent books include Affairs of State (2012), America’s First Crisis (2014)--winner of the Independent Publisher’s Gold Medal in History, The Presidents’ Wives (2014)--which is in 2nd edition, The Nazi Titanic (2016)--which is being made into a motion picture, The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn (2017)--which won the John Barry Book Award and John Lyman Book Award and is the subject of a National Geographic TV special, and George Washington’s Final Battle, forthcoming in 2020. Several of his books are in international translation, have been nominated for book awards, and were featured on Book TV and at prominent literary festivals.

Guests received greetings from Colonel Remi Bouzereau, Military Attaché, Embassy of France, who led a toast on behalf of the people of France.

Knight Essay Contest Awardee

William Ritchie — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 20:16:58 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Knight Essay Contest Awardee

Ms. Shannon Elliott captivated the audience who were in attendance at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC on July 4, 2019 with her essay about one of the forces/motivations behind the American Revolution; taxation without representation. Entitled "Taxation without Representation: History Repeated", Ms. Elliott, standing alongside the grave of Vice President Elbridge Gerry, the only signer of the Declaration of Independence buried in the Nation’s Capital, compared this wrongdoing to the current taxation without representation of District of Columbia residents.

The George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest is open to any student in grades 9-12 in any public, parochial, private or home school within Washington DC. The student must write and submit an original researched and proven paper. The topic of the essay shall deal with an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Ms. Elliott received a $1000 prize as the 2019 contest winner from DCSAR President Lane D. Brooks alongside her mother, Ms. Sheila McCree.

Shannon Elliott is a long-standing District of Columbia resident. She recently graduated from McKinley Technology High School on a NAF certified Informational Technology Computer Science track and will be attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in this fall majoring in civil engineering. A growing number of top national and global companies have committed to NAFTrack Certified Hiring, a promise to give special consideration to college students and eventual job applicants who, as high school graduates, earned NAFTrack Certification.

Annual July 4th Independence Day Event

William Ritchie — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 20:08:51 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

C.A.R. led the way at 9:00 AM, laying a wreath at the grave of Revolutionary War drummer boy John Hunter. At 10:00 AM guest moved the short distance to the grave of Vice President Elbridge Gerry; to honor and remember not only Gerry himself, but all the other Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Vice President Gerry is the only Signer buried in Washington, D.C.

During the program, new members were inducted into DCSAR. Compatriots Inocencio Orta and Christopher Dartagnan Orta are both descendants of the Revolutionary War Patriot Joseph Ingraham. Inocenio is a former DC C.A.R. State President and Christopher is a former NS C.A.R. Newsletter Chairman.

The posthumous memorial inductee was William O. Ritchie Sr., (1926-2001) a business icon and community leader formerly of Beckley, WV. Mr. Ritchie was the former managing partner of the Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor Inc., in Beckley. He also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Beckley Housing Authority where he was a proponent of ensuring equitable and affordable housing for deserving residents. The Lewis-Ritchie Apartments were co-named in his honor.

On February 27, 2014 he posthumously received the Certificate of Recognition for extraordinary service to the citizens of West Virginia in the battle for absolute equality and civil rights for all from the Honorable Earl Ray Tomblin, Governor of the State of West Virginia. Governor Tomblin stated “It is important to remember our past as we look toward our future. You… have made this country a better place to live and it is because of your efforts, and your service to the great State of West Virginia, that we enjoy the level of diversity we have today. It is on your shoulders that we stand. Your commitment and passion to the struggle for equality and justice will not be forgotten.” Mr. Ritchie’s great grandfather, Harvey A. Reynolds, was born into slavery on August 15, 1828.

On this day that we celebrate our nation’s independence, Mr. Ritchie’s induction will be the fourth generation of his family that has proven their bloodline to the Revolutionary War Patriot Lieutenant Isaac Rucker, a member of the Amherst County Virginia Militia. Other family are William Ritchie Jr (son) and Delante’ Joiner (great-grandson) both members of DCSAR, Arian Ritchie Joiner (granddaughter) member of DCDAR and Devin and Destiny Joiner (great-granddaughters) members of C.A.R. Delante’ accepted the certificate for his late great grandfather.

2019 Annual Installation of Officers and Awards Dinner

William Ritchie — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 11:39:54 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

2019 Annual Installation of Officers and Awards Dinner

Awarded the 2019 Sons of the American Revolution (“SAR”) Fire Safety Commendation and Medal, District of Columbia Fire/EMS Battalion Chiefs Queen Anunay and Kishia Clemencia were recognized during the Annual Installation of Officers and Awards Dinner on June 4, 2019. The District of Columbia Society SAR event was held at the prestigious University Club in the Nation’s Capital. The recently promoted Battalion Chiefs have been cited as pioneers having risen through the ranks in a historically male dominated department. They have become an inspiration in their leadership roles to other female firefighters and women in general.

Guests were also treated to a presentation by the Honorable Robert L. Livingston the former 11 term congressman from the State of Louisiana, who discussed his memoir “The Windmill Chaser”. Congressman Livingston gave his views on the current climate in Congress and ways it can be improved. He has earned multiple degrees from Tulane University and honors from other institutions of higher learning. He established the Livingston Group during 1999.

DCSAR President Lane Douglas Brooks presented a host of awards and commendations to members and guests during the dinner.

· Silver Good Citizenship Medal to Congressman Robert Livingston for his career of public service

· Eagle Scout Scholarship Award – Eagle Scout Daniel Bayliss

· Knight Essay Award - Shannon Elliott

Certificates of Appreciationannounced at the 2018 SAR Congress

· Paul Hays for serving as Vice Chairman of the NSSAR Community Engagement Committee 2017-2018

· Carl Bedell for serving as Chairman of the NSSAR Operation Ancestor Search Committee 2017-2018

· David Boring for serving as Vice Chairman of the NSSAR Investment Committee 2017-2018

· David Boring for serving as Vice Chairman of the NSSAR Protocol Committee 2017-2018

DC Honor in Service Medal

· Ann Schaeffer – for support of the Junior ROTC clothing drive

· Fred Humphreys – for service as Assistant Registrar and as NSSAR new-member state point of contact

· James Pender – for service as Treasurer

· Tom Readmond – for program support and as member of Board of Management (“BOM”)

· Sean Redmond – for program support and as member of BOM

· Bill Ritchie – for service as 2^nd VP and public information officer

· Ed Rodriguez, Jr. – for service as Sweethearts & Patriots fundraising chairman and on the BOM

· Charles Roe – for program support as member of BOM (+ four oak leaf clusters for his Service to Veterans Medal for multiples of 3,000 “USS Stark Award” points)

· Bethany Horyn - for service on Sweethearts & Patriots Steering Committee

· Charles Nalls – for service as Chaplain

· Rachel Norman - for service on Sweethearts & Patriots Steering Committee

· Bart Smith – for program support as member of BOM

DC Patriotic Service Medal

· Steve Cramner – for service as Assistant Secretary and on Operation Ancestor Search

· Colin Timbers - for service on Sweethearts & Patriots Steering Committee and BOM

· Randy Teague – for program support as member of BOM

· Steven Rodriguez - for service on Sweethearts & Patriots Steering Committee and BOM

Lydia Darragh Medal

· Catherine Timbers – for co-chairing Sweethearts & Patriots Gala

Martha Washington Medal

· Marcia Guzauskas – for support to DCSAR as DCDAR State Regent

Liberty Medal announced at the 2018 SAR Congress

· Fred Humphreys – for sponsoring 11 new members

· Carl Bedell – for sponsoring 10 new members

· Michael Rawlings – 1^st oak leaf cluster, for sponsoring 23 new members

· Brock Bierman – 2^nd oak leaf cluster, for sponsoring 30 new members

· John Sinks - 5^th oak leaf cluster, for sponsoring 61 new members

· Paul Hays – 11^th oak leaf cluster, for having sponsored 122 new members

Silver Good Citizenship Medal

· Cindy Hays – for decades of community service, promotion of international democratic institutions, & support of hereditary societies

Silver Roger Sherman Medal

· Jadan Horyn – for co-chairing Sweethearts and Patriots & BOM service

· Larry Miller – for over a decade as Registrar, and as Vice President

State Meritorious Service Medal

· Dick Patten – for service as Vice President, President, National Trustee and Potowmack Ball Chairman

Chapter Medal of Distinguished Service – given only by the President, only once a year, to a truly outstanding Compatriot only once in his lifetime

· John Sinks – who’s received just about every medal there is to give, including last year the Minuteman Award. He received the State Medal of Distinguished Service from Virginia in 2004 from VA SAR, so we may not give it to him again, but he’s never been given the Chapter Distinguished Service Medal. So, since we’re both a State and a Chapter, we choose John Sinks as the 2019 DC SAR recipient of the Chapter Medal of Distinguished Service.

DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays gave the oath to new members Kent Charles Boese, Tyler Robert Crowe, and Charles Mehdi Malekzandi who were inducted during the dinner.

DCSAR Officers were installed by C. Louis Raborg, NSSAR Vice President General.

2019 Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal Ceremony

William Ritchie — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 11:37:26 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

DC SAR 2019 Law Enforcement Commendation Award

The Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) invited DC SAR 2^nd Vice President and Public Information Officer Bill Ritchie to the MPD 2019 Annual Awards Ceremony to recognize Third District Officer Jose Jimenez with the Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Commendation Medal for his swift and courageous response to a violent assault in progress. The ceremony was held on March 19, 2019 at the ARC in SE Washington and moderated by NBC4 News Anchor Meagan Fitzgerald.

Briefly, on July 27, 2018, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Officer Jimenez, who was off-duty and with his wife in the 3600 block of 14th Street, NW, observed two subjects engaged in a violent struggle in the street. Despite being off-duty, in plain clothes, and with his family, Officer Jimenez confronted the two subjects and ordered the assailant to discontinue his assault. Upon confronting them, the victim fell to the ground bleeding while the assailant held a screwdriver, which he had just used to stab the victim multiple times.

Officer Jimenez ordered the assailant to drop the screwdriver and detained him while calling 911 for on-duty assistance. The victim was transported to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Officer Jimenez’s swift and courageous response resulted in the arrest of the suspect who was charged with Murder II while Armed.

2019 Birthday Celebration for George Washington

William Ritchie — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 12:30:52 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Annual George Washington Birthday Luncheon

"The Indispensable Plan"

George Washington and Pierre L'Enfant plan the New Capital City

Artist Peter Waddell discussed his discoveries about the early history of the Washington's Federal District while creating two large birds’ eye views of the city. Through his artistry, luncheon guest observed what Pierre L'Enfant saw as he viewed it the first time, and then saw it as it was in 1825. New Zealand born, Peter Waddell, came to the United States in 1992 enamored with America and its history. His paintings are hung in the White House, U.S. Capitol, Mt Vernon, Tudor Place, Octagon House and many galleries. And his historic scenes now adorn historic fire and police call boxes around the National Cathedral and Kalorama neighborhoods. He is artist in residence at Tudor Place.

Mr. Waddell’s artistic presentation highlighted the 287^th Birthday Celebration of George Washington held at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in historical Old Town Alexandria, Virginia on February 16, 2019. The event was hosted by the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”) in cooperation with the District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”) and the District of Columbia Children of the American Revolution (“DCCAR”). The Chairman of the event was Cindy S. Hays, State Vice Regent DCDAR. Guests were welcomed by Marcia Guzauskas, State Regent DCDAR.

During the luncheon new members were given the oath and inducted into the DCDAR, the DCSAR and the DCCAR.

2019 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala

William Ritchie — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 12:22:53 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

2019 Sweethearts and Patriot Gala

The Embassy of France in all of its elegance in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC was the location of DC SAR’s 2019 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala. The February 9 event was attended by more than 450 guests in support of the gala’s two beneficiaries, Disabled American Veterans (“DAV”) and l’Association Terre Fraternité. Among the honorary host committee was His Excellency Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France to the United States; The Honorable Charles Rivkin, U.S. Ambassador to France (2009- 2013) and Chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America; Congressman Michael Gallagher (WI); Congressman Michael Waltz (FL); and Jan Cousteau, Co-Founder of Earth Echo International.

Guests mingled and took photos with reenactors of the Marquis de Lafayette, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and other notable Francophiles between dances to live music and dining on French cuisine and wine.

More than thirty thousand dollars was raised in support of the two beneficiary organizations, DAV and Terre Fraternité. DAV provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. The organization provides nearly 615,000 rides for veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with more than 250,000 benefit claims annually. In 2017, DAV helped attain more than $4 billion in new and retroactive benefits to care for veterans, their families and survivors. DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible.

Terre Fraternité was organized following the November 2004 bombing of the French detachment at Bouaké (Côte d'Ivoire), which left ten dead and 40 wounded. Under the leadership of General Bernard Thorette, then chief of the general staff of the French Army, the Association Terre Fraternité was born with the aim of supporting those wounded in service of the army, their families, and the families of dead soldiers. Terre Fraternité lives by donations and receives no public subsidy, which leaves it great autonomy.

Catherine Timbers, DC DAR, and Jadan Horyn, DC SAR, co-chaired this 5^th annual Gala. The Honorary Co-chairmen were DC SAR President Doug Brooks, DC SAR Secretary Paul Hays, and DC DAR State Vice Regent Cindy Hays.

America's Founding Documents Presentation to JROTC Cadets

William Ritchie — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:32:14 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

January 28, 2019

The St. John’s College High School, a prestigious Catholic parochial school in Northwest Washington, DC was the first school to sign-up to utilize the America’s Founding Documents curriculum for its sophomore and junior classes of the JROTC cadet students. Today, JROTC Cadets were presented certificates for successfully completing the study by DCSSAR President Lane Douglas Brooks during a ceremony at the school.

America’s Founding Documents is a 20-session fully developed course which addresses the four key documents that established the United States of America: The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance, and the Constitution of the United States of America. The principles expressed in these documents created a government unlike any which had existed before. Our government is structured to recognize and protect our inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our government institutions have structured safeguards to limit their operations to accord with the consent of the governed. The freedoms these documents brought to life and wove into the fabric of our government have allowed America to grow, prosper, and become a world leader.

The Sons of the American Revolution is pleased to present this course to the nation’s schools. The workbook includes the unabridged text of America’s Founding Documents and the first inaugural addresses of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. It traces America’s history from the early colonies to the early 1800’s. It further examines our nation’s deep historical roots in ancient Greece, the Roman Republic, The Magna Carta, the Glorious Revolution in England, and the English Bill of rights.

Victory at Yorktown Luncheon

William Ritchie — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 13:57:45 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Captain Christopher Pasco, Deputy Defense Attaché, Embassy of France was the Guest of Honor and Speaker at the Yorktown Victory Day Luncheon sponsored by The District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution. The celebration of the 237th Anniversary of the American Victory at Yorktown was held at Patton Hall on the grounds of Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia on October 27, 2018. Some of the heroes honored included Major General Gilbert, Marquis de Lafayette; Lieutenant General Jean Baptist, Comte de Rochambeau; and Admiral Francois Joseph Paul, Comte de Grasse.

Captain Pasco was introduced by Vice President General Peter Arrott Dixon. The Captain spoke of the historical significance of the French intervention during the Revolutionary War and of the continuing friendship and cooperation on matters of mutual concern between the people of France and the United States of America. Past President Dixon presented to Captain Pasco the SAR Certificate of Appreciation.

During the luncheon, four new members were introduced and administered the oath by DC SAR Secretary Paul Hays. The new members are Jamal Michael Habibi, 29, Government Affairs Director for the national PTA; Lt. James Wolcott Rice, 32, a Navy surface warfare officer; and father and son, Bradley Jason (39) and Dylan Gatliff Zimmer (15). Bradley is a medically retired Army Ranger who now serves as a Senior Intelligence Operations Specialist for the Department of Homeland Security. Following the induction ceremony, Bradley was also awarded the SAR War Service Medal for his tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terror.

On February 9, 2019 The Embassy of France will host the annual DC SAR Sweethearts and Patriots Gala benefitting organizations supporting veterans. The beneficiaries for this event will be Disabled American Veterans and l’AssociationTerre Fraternité. For more Information to go: https://www.facebook.com/SweetheartsandPatriots/

Memorial Day Parade

William Ritchie — Mon, 28 May 2018 20:33:54 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

May 28, 2018

District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution joined members of the Virginia Sons of the American Revolution during the Memorial Day Parade held in the Nation’s Capital on May 28, 2018. Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation, while also honoring those who serve today.

Held annually along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., the National Memorial Day Parade is "our nation’s largest Memorial Day event" with over 250,000 spectators gathering in the National Mall area to show support for our armed forces while cheering on parade floats, youth groups, marching bands and more. Organized by the American Veterans Center & World War II Veterans Committee, the event was in its 14^th year running.

2018 DCSSAR Public Safety Awards

William Ritchie — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 20:25:54 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

2018 DCSSAR Public Safety Awards Announced

Officer Euri Hernandez received the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Award during the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department awards program on March 27, 2018 that was held at the THEARC in southeast Washington, DC.

Briefly, on June 1, 2017, Officer Hernandez and his partner received a call for service at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital for a combative patient who was armed with a large make shift weapon. When they confronted the patient they found him extremely agitated and demanded that the officers shoot him. In law enforcement parlance this is considered an attempted suicide by cop. Officer Hernandez was trained in the sort of crisis intervention required to abate the situation with the use of little or no force. The officer successfully calmed the patient down and he self-disarmed. Through his patience and persistent efforts, the officer successfully deescalated the situation without any harm to the patient, hospital staff and other police officers.

DC Firefighter/EMS Jeffrey Beach received the SAR Emergency Medical Services Award during the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Management Services awards program on April 27, 2018 that was held on the campus of Gallaudet University.

Briefly while off duty and in his personal vehicle, EMS Beach witnessed a motor vehicle accident on MLK Highway and Lottsford Vista Road in Lanham Maryland that occurred during the late evening hours on May 9, 2017. He stopped to render aid at which time he found Brittany Crowell trapped inside her overturned vehicle. EMS Beach gained access to Miss Crowell by using a pocket knife and his bare hands to cut through the windshield. He found that the victim’s arm had been amputated at the elbow. Relying on his EMS training, he used his belt and applied it as a tourniquet. Upon the arrival of paramedics, the victim was cut from the vehicle and flown to a local trauma center by the Maryland State Police Medivac helicopter. EMS Beach was credited with saving the life of Ms. Crowell and ultimately saving her arm.