News

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.

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.

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

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

² Evening 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. 

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.

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.

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/.