The Magazine Williamsburg Chapter Society Sons of the By signing the Declaration of Independence, the fifty-six Americans pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. Nine died of wounds during the Revolutionary War, Five were captured or imprisoned. Wives and children were jailed, mistreated, or left penniless. Twelve signers’ houses were burned to the ground. No signer defected. Their honor, like their nation remained intact. Vol. XXVI

I am happy to announce that based on the member survey regarding the resumption of in-person meetings, your Board of Managers has agreed that we will hold our May 8 luncheon meeting in-person at the Fords Colony Club. To ensure the safety of all members and to meet current guidelines, the following ground rules will be in effect: 1. Members must be masked when entering and exiting the facility and until the meal is served. 2. A maximum of six members will be seated at a table that normally holds 10. 3. All servers will be masked. 4. Members must RSVP and pay by check in advance. 5. Meeting attendance will be capped at 50. Payment at the door will not be allowed. We hope you will take the opportunity to enjoy a fine meal, get reacquainted with your fellow compatriots and listen to our fine speaker. Given the 50-person limit, please send in your RSVP and checks promptly. Details follow in the newsletter.

Our April speaker was member Gary Dunaway, who discussed the Nelson Family and provided some very interesting little-known facts about the family and the house. Our May speaker is Gregory Burkett. He will be discussing James Monroe and his bio can be found later in this newsletter.

The judging of our Youth Brochure Contest is complete. First and second place winners for both the 6th and 7th grades were chosen. An overall winner was then selected to represent the chapter at the Virginia state level. Thanks to the 7 members that supported this important part of our Youth Programs.

Four members represented the chapter at the 278th Anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday at his boyhood home, Historic Tuckahoe on April 11. I presented a wreath at the virtual national event for the 245th Anniversary of the Halifax (NC) Resolves on April 12 and I attended the 263rd Anniversary of James Monroe’s Birthday Celebration at Highland on April 24.

While there will not be a parade this year, we will be commemorating Memorial Day in-person at 10 am on Monday, May 31 at the Governors Palace in CW. More details will follow. Next, we will commemorate the Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary on June 26 at Freedom Park.

With the easing of Covid restrictions, I look forward to seeing you again at the upcoming Chapter activities.

Roger W Cross, III

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 1 Chapter News

Thomas Jefferson’s birthday at historic Tuckahoe

Monday May 3, 2021 10:00 BOM meeting by ZOOM Saturday May 8, 2021 11:30 Social 12:00 Chapter meeting Fords Colony CC (reservation on last page) Wreath presentation by Chapter President Roger Cross III Monday May 31, 2021 Memorial Day Celebration 10 AM Governor’s Palace Colonial Williamsburg Monday Jun 7, 2021 10:00 BOM meeting by ZOOM Saturday Jun 12, 2021 Invocation by Chapter Chaplin Jim Morford 11:30 Social 12:00 Chapter meeting Fords Colony CC Saturday Jun 26, 2021 Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary Freedom Park.

PHOTOS BY Dave Westenberger

Chapter Compatriots in attendance

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 2 CHAPTER EVENTS James Monroe Birthday at Highland

Chapter President Roger Cross III presenting our James Monroe’s Birthday Celebration wreath at the 263rd Anniversary of James Monroe’s Gun salute Birthday Celebration at Highland.

May 8TH meeting

Fords Colony CC ST 11:30 Social MEMORIAL DAY MAY 31 12:00 meeting 10 AM at the Governors Palace – Colonial Williamsburg

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 3 Wm. Gregory Burkett, Companion of the Rappahannock Area Son’s of the American Revolution, founding member & Past Secretary, is a passionate Historic Preservationist and currently serves on the James Monroe Memorial foundation board of Trustees. A native of Virginia, and a veteran of the Navy, he also is a active Mason, who currently resides in King William County.

Topic James Monroe : Patriot and President

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 4 Registrar's Corner

Did You Know: A member in good standing can apply to NSSAR for a life membership. watch the You Tube video https://youtu.be/LW6mvBp4Lqk. The cost of life membership is based on age and does not include chapter annual dues. Membership applications are submitted to the Virginia Society Secretary and then the NSSAR for approval. If interested I will be glad to help.

We have had one new member, John Stuckey, recently approved, and have four new member applications and one supplemental waiting for approval.

Hunt Berryman Registrar Email: [email protected]

Seeking your assistance and hopefully possible input for our monthly meetings. "Speakers Wanted" If you have heard or know of a speaker who you think the membership (and guests) would be interested in hearing at one of our luncheons next year, please contact VPres. Steve Mcguffin at [email protected] Your serious interest and potential response to this matter will be greatly appreciated!

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 5 Sgt. Moses Adams Brochure Contest Winners

The 1st and 2nd places for both the 6th & 7th grades have been chosen along with an overall winner that was our entry in the Virginia state society contest.

The winners will receive certificates and cash awards later in the school year.

Paul Huchko

WHO WAS SGT. MOSES ADAMS? A Soldier of the American Revolution November 30, 1748 – June 13, 1778 In 2011 the Sons of the American Revolution [SAR] named one of its National Youth Programs “The Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest,” honoring a representative Soldier of the American Revolution who made the ultimate sacrifice. Moses Adams of New Marlborough, Massachusetts joined with his brothers and neighbors and marched with their Minute Man Company in response to the Alarm of Lexington and Concord, April 21, 1775. He then joined the and rose to the rank of Sergeant in the 13th Massachusetts Line. He died at Valley Forge June 13, 1778. The SAR dedicates its annual middle school program, as a living memorial, to honor the thousands of men and woman who, like Sgt. Adams, gave their lives for the cause of freedom, and also to their families who suffered their loss for generations.

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 6 Compatriots,

Mark your calendars for the Martin's Station National Commemoration on Saturday, May 8th, at 1pm. The event this year will be held in a new location in Martinsville, VA, where General Joseph Martin resided. This will be an onsite wreath laying ceremony at the General Joseph Martin Monument at the Historic Henry County Courthouse in Martinsville.

See the attached flyer for more information. The event this year is co-hosted by the Martin's Station and Col. George Waller chapters and sponsored by the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society. To register for this event, email your name, title and chapter to Andy Doss at [email protected] by Saturday, May 1st, stating if you will participate in the event (yes/no), wreath laying (yes/no) or Color Guard (yes/no).

In Patriotism, Jeff Thomas President Virginia SAR

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 7 The History Channel Leads American Raid on Whitehaven, England

At 11 p.m. on April 22, 1778, Commander John Paul Jones leads a small detachment of two boats from his ship, the USS Ranger, to raid the shallow port at Whitehaven, England, where, by his own account, 400 British merchant ships are anchored. Jones was hoping to reach the port at midnight, when ebb tide would leave the ships at their most vulnerable. Jones and his 30 volunteers had greater difficulty than anticipated rowing to the port, which was protected by two forts. They did not arrive until dawn. Jones' boat successfully took the southern fort, disabling its cannon, but the other boat returned without attempting an attack on the northern fort, after the sailors claimed to have been frightened away by a noise. To compensate, Jones set fire to the southern fort, which subsequently engulfed the entire town. Commander Jones, one of the most daring and successful naval commanders of the American Revolution, was born in on July 6, 1747. He was apprenticed to a merchant at the age of 13 and soon went to sea from Whitehaven, the very port he returned to attack on this day in 1778. In Virginia at the onset of the revolution, Jones sided with the Patriots and received a commission as a first lieutenant in the on December 7, 1775. After the raid on Whitehaven, Jones continued to his home territory of Kirkcudbright Bay, where he intended to abduct the earl of Selkirk, then exchange him for American sailors held captive by Britain. Although he did not find the earl at home, Jones' crew was able to steal all his silver, including his wife's teapot, still containing her breakfast tea. From Scotland, Jones sailed across the to , where the Ranger captured the HMS Drake after delivering fatal wounds to the British ship's captain and lieutenant. In September 1779, Jones fought one of the fiercest battles in naval history when he led the USS Bonhomme Richard frigate, named for , in an engagement with the 50-gun British warship HMS Serapis. The USS Bonhomme Richard was struck; it began taking on water and caught fire. When the British captain of the Serapis ordered Jones to surrender, Jones famously replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!” A few hours later, the captain and crew of the Serapis admitted defeat and Jones took command of the British ship. Jones went on to establish himself as one of the great naval commanders in history; he is remembered, along with John Barry, as a Father of the American Navy. He is buried in a crypt in the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel at Annapolis, Maryland, where a Marine honor guard stands at attention in his honor whenever the crypt is open to the public.

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 8 The Culpeper fought for the patriot side in the Flag Recognition first year of the American Revolution, and are A continuing review of our flags remembered for their company flag: a white banner from the Revolution to the present. depicting a rattlesnake, featuring the phrases "Liberty or Death" and "Don't Tread on Me". The Culpeper participated in the in December 1775. The battle was a complete American victory. There were accounts of the battle that suggested the British were unnerved by the reputation of the frontiersmen. , the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, was a member of the original Culpeper Minutemen.

The Williamsburg Chapter, VASSAR, presented a NSSAR Flag Recognition certificate the Joseph and Shirley Suzadial on 14 November 2020. The Suzadial's proudly display and care for the flag of our great nation at their home in James City county. Mr. Suzadial is a US Navy veteran. Pictured L to R is Shirley Suzadial, Joseph Suzadial and George Corbett, chair of the chapter Flag recognition committee. Photo by Karen Corbett NOTICE Compatriots, I will be sending our latest updated SAR Roster out after the 1ST of May. 4 amendments have been done following your Jan-Apr input. Please take a look at it and if any corrections are needed let me know at [email protected] Thank you for your assistance in helping to keep our Chapter’s roster up to date. David Westenberger Editor / WEB

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 9 From the Chaplain Jim Morford In the Christian Bible there are only two saints that are specifically named. One is Gabriel, known as God’s messenger. The other is Michael who, among other attributes, is deemed to be the patron saint of police officers, paramedics, and the military. This stems from the medieval practice of offering prayers for the protection of St. Michael. Knights and armies in the Middle Ages would pray for his protection before going into battle.

In America today a virulent and deliberately poisonous element condemns all police for the abuses of a few. Members of SAR honor not only the sacrifices of our founding patriots but all who have served and those who continue to serve to protect our lives and our property.

It is true that there are a few bad actors among police forces just as there are bad actors in every element of society. Whenever discovered they must be exorcized, but we must not allow the few be used to condemn the many.

There are more than 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers now serving in the United States, but that number is diminishing due to the hostile environment driven by a malevolent and divisive segment. The overwhelming majority of the men and women in blue leave their homes and families each day dedicated to serve and protect.

In addition to law enforcement there are about 1.3 million active-duty military personnel, an estimated 1.1 million career and volunteer firefighters, and over a quarter million emergency medical technicians and paramedics in the United States.

In this month of May we set aside the last Monday to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the US Military. Let us also remember the many police, firefighters, and first responders who gave their lives to save others.

As we honor the dead let us also honor those who live to protect us.

A prayer for those who protect us – our lives, our property, our freedom Lord, as we honor the memory of those who, from the birth of our nation to this day gave their lives in the service of their country, let us also remember those who have lost their lives while bravely serving our communities.

We ask that You cover with Your protection those who serve in the military at home and abroad, the men and women in blue who protect our communities, the firefighters and medical first responders who defend us from danger. We pray that You will draw them to You as each day they face danger in a dark world, for You are the Truth, You are the Way, You are the Light.

When the voices of hate rise against them, we ask that You quiet it. When the forces of evil rise to strike them down, we ask that You obstruct it.

We pray that You are the wind beneath their wings, the power behind their efforts, the heart behind their service.

Lord bless all those who wear this nation’s uniforms, who serve our cities, our nation, our people. And thank You that we are assured that You never leave us, that You are with us always, in this life, and the next. AMEN

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 10 IN MEMORIAM

Nancy Lou Losee, wife of retired Marine Colonel Ronald M. Losee, passed away in Williamsburg on March 31, 2021. She was 87 years old. Mrs. Losee was born in 1933 in Oak Park, Illinois. She graduated from Oak Park High School and attended the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University until she married her loving husband in 1954. A devoted wife and mother, she dedicated her life to her family and her enthusiasm and generosity were unwavering characteristics. As a young mother, she became active in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, local PTA groups, and numerous similar organizations. She concurrently involved herself with community, church and military activities wherever the Marines sent the family. For years she volunteered with Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, helping young servicemen in need. She was a leader of a POW-MIA recovery organization at Quantico, Virginia and was named Quantico Marine Base Wife of the Year in 1972. She maintained membership in many Officer Wives Clubs, serving as President or on the board of directors at several Marine installations. Mrs. Losee was active in church choirs, developed a reputation as an exceptional cook and hostess, and in later years mastered the art of quilting, becoming a certified instructor, member of Who's Who in Quilting, founder of several quilt guilds and membership groups and collector of Civil War era quilts. Many of the exquisite quilts she made were selected for competition in California, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Virginia local and international shows, some winning major awards. She frequently spoke to groups about the history of quilting and identification of antique quilts, and her quilts were featured in several national magazines. Never too busy to help a friend, she frequently visited those who were in ill health, delivering meals and compassion, offering any assistance she could provide. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Virginia Consortium of Quilters, American Quilt Study Group and local guilds. Her volunteer duties for over 15 years at Colonial Williamsburg included preservation of historic fabrics, garments and quilts. She was a member of the Jamestown Presbyterian Church. In addition to her husband of nearly 68 years, she leaves to mourn her death two daughters, Diana Johnston of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jo Ann Marchant, with her husband, Mike of Scottsdale, Arizona, and a son Charles "Mike" Losee of Jacksonville, Florida and his wife Lisa. She also leaves five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Plans are underway for a private family funeral service. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 11 Williamsburg 2021 Chapter Officers

President Roger Cross [email protected] Registrar Hunt Berryman [email protected] Newsletter&WEB David Westenberger [email protected] Vice-President Stephen McGuffin Secretary Milt Holt Asst Secretary Duncan McIver Jr. Treasurer Jeff Wooldridge Public Relations Harley Stewart Historian Steve Perger Jr. Chaplain James Morford Sergeant-at-Arms Stephen Holm Past President William Greaf At-Large James Swords At-Large Gerald Sailors Color Guard John Lynch

May 8th Chapter meeting at Fords Colony CC Social at 11:30 Meeting at 12:00 RSVPs and checks must be received by Monday, May 3rd. H

Reservation for the Saturday May 8. 2021 Luncheon Meeting Name(s) Please reserve regular meals at $21.00 Special need______Please make checks payable to “Williamsburg Chapter SAR” Mail to: Jeff Wooldridge – Chapter Treasurer 101 Peach Tree Williamsburg, VA 23188 (315) 725 -4754 [email protected]

www.williamsburgsar.org Page 12 SAR apparel is available at (502) 589-1779 or on the National SAR WEB site at: https://store.sar.org/storefront.aspx

Personal Name Badge link is: https://store.sar.org/categories.aspx?Keyword=personaliz ed%20name%20badge%20(name%20tag%20)