George Washington Chapter Sons of the American Revolution Newsletter Visit us online at www.gwsar.org Volume 20, Issue 6 September, 2019 GW Chapter at Mount Vernon on the 4th of July On Bowling Green, VASSAR Color Guard Commanders Pete Davenport and Bill Schwetke and a full contingent of VASSAR Color Guardsman, and SAR members, on the way to the General's Tomb. Washington's Pohick Church on the 4th of July Reading of the Declaration of Independence On July 4, the Rev. Thomas Costa, portraying Parson Lee Massey, colonial Rector of Historic Pohick Church and a Patriot of the American Revolution, read the Declaration of Independence from the pulpit of historic Pohick Church. This is the same church that George Washington and George Mason served as vestrymen. It is fitting too that the remains of Parson Massey were reinterred under that very pulpit in the early 1900s. 115 were in attendance, which is a large increase over last year’s Independence Day observation at Pohick Church. Compatriot Paul Walden served as usher and bell ringer, and introduced Parson Massey. Compatriot Dick Hamly, a docent at Pohick Church, then gave tours to visitors after the service. (4th Con't on Page 9) George Washington Chapter Sons of the American Revolution ~ Alexandria, Virginia 1 Historical Oration Contest winner, Lauren President’s Corner Bradshaw offered her VASSAR winning Compatriots: oration speech, and Chapter President, Dave Thomas delivered a few words of We’ve had our summer patriotic thought to those gathered in the vacations, football season grove. Past President, Ernie Coggins and has arrived and the MLB compatriot John Brigden had the unique playoffs are not far away honor of presenting and laying the – soon the air will cool Chapter wreath in front of the tomb. And and a sense of fall will be we were honored this year with VADAR in the air. Before we Regent, LeAnn Turbyfill and VADAR begin to think about the Chapter’s fall Prince William Resolves Chapter, Bonnie activities, we need to take a moment to Henn laying pink carnations at the foot of review the activities the George Martha Washington’s crypt. Highlight of Washington Chapter organized and the event concluded with SAR, DAR and participated in during the summer. C.A.R. compatriots having an opportunity Two of the Chapter’s hallmark events take to lay red carnations and pay individual place during the summer break – the respects at the foot of George and Martha National Memorial Day Parade and the 4th Washington’s crypts. After the ceremony, of July March to the Tomb and Wreath Vice President Jay Henn had the unique Laying Ceremony at Mt. Vernon. On May honor of leading over 50 new citizens in 28th the George Washington Chapter the Pledge of Allegiance at the annual Mt. organized its participation and marched in Vernon naturalization ceremony. A good the annual National Memorial Day Parade day was had by all. in Washington, D.C. This year we had the Not overshadowed by the National honor of having NSSAR President General, Memorial Day Parade and the 4th of July Warren Alter representing our unit, March to the Tomb, the Chapter actively comprised of fellow compatriots and participated in other events and activities officers from the Virginia Society, the during the summer break representing the Maryland Society, the District of Columbia Chapter with honor and distinction. Society and the president of the Children of the Sons of the American Revolution Briefly – 1) Compatriots Mike Elston and marching as a unit down Constitution Ernie Coggins attended the 2019 NSSAR Avenue. The crowds were large with Congress in California in July – compatriot thousands of individuals waving and Mike Elston received the SAR’s highest cheering us on as we marched. honor for service, the Minuteman Award; 2) on May 18th Paul Walden participated It was a very hot and humid day for the in the joint Grave Markings for Chapter’s 4th of July March to the Tomb Revolutionary War Patriot Robert and Wreath Laying Ceremony at Mt. Thurman and 1812 Patriot Thomas Vernon. The Chapter had an excellent Thurman hosted by the Col. William turnout of 120 fellow SAR and DAR Grayson Chapter; 3) during a Prince compatriots and special guests who William County Police roll call on July followed the VASSAR Color Guard and 23rd, compatriots John Blair, Jay Henn rhythmic drumbeat of compatriot Don and Dave Thomas presented SAR Heroism Francisco’s march to George and Martha Awards and Law Enforcement Washington’s Tomb. VASSAR President, Commendation Awards to 14 Officers for Peter Davenport and VADAR Regent, their unwavering service during a life LeAnn Turbyfill offered their greetings threating event. During a confrontation, with GW Vice President, Jay Henn Officer John Yenchak in pursuit of a performing an excellent job as master of ceremonies. VASSAR Joseph H. Rumbaugh (President's Corner Con't. Next Page) George Washington Chapter Sons of the American Revolution ~ Alexandria, Virginia 2 dangerous individual, was shot in the chest Looking forward. The George Washington by the suspect, fortunately he was saved Chapter is delighted to announce that it has by his vest. After being shot, Officer been selected to host a black-tie VASSAR Yenchak, along with supporting officers, Gold Good Citizenship Medal gala on continued to pursue the suspect until the Saturday, November 9th at the Belle Haven situation was resolved and the public was Country Club in Alexandria, VA. The Gold out of danger; 4) on June 20th, GW Vice Good Citizenship Medal is the highest SAR President Jay Henn presented the Chapter national award for outstanding public and wreath at the Commemoration of the patriotic service of national importance, Adoption of the Fairfax Resolves in 1774 -- and on November 9th the Gold Good the event was hosted by the Fairfax Citizenship Medal will be presented to Resolves Chapter; 5) compatriots Richard General Gordon R. Sullivan, Vice Rankin, Tom Roth and Paul Walden Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, United participated in the Fairfax Resolves States Army, (Ret.). In the weeks ahead Chapter Wren-Darne Grave Markings; 6) more information about the gala will be and on June 14, Flag Day – compatriot Paul communicated to the Chapter membership Walden presented a SAR Flag Certificate to and others, so save the date on your the U.S. Department of Commerce, calendar now. Director of the Office of Facilities & This past summer was a busy one for the Environmental Quality recognizing the Chapter at the community, State and flag flown over the Herbert C. Hoover National levels. I’m so honored by the Building in Washington, D.C. Fifty dedicated participation by our fellow employees attended the ceremony to hear Chapter compatriots to represent and compatriot Walden discuss the evolution project the image of this Chapter, the of our flag from the American Revolution Virginia Society and the larger SAR to our to present day. Further on Memorial Day local communities and citizens. the Chapter recognized 10 veterans and presented to them the SAR Certificate of Thank you, Appreciation at the Sunrise at Mt. Vernon Dave Thomas, President Assisted Living Facility in Alexandria; and George Washington Chapter compatriot Edgar Bates presented the Chapter wreath during a ceremony at the VASSAR Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider of the American Revolution. Participating in three separate events, it was a busy Memorial Day for the Chapter. George Washington Chapter Sons of the American Revolution ~ Alexandria, Virginia 3 GW Chapter Meeting in May Above: The Guest Speaker for the May meeting of the GW Chapter was Andrew Och ("The First Ladies Man"). Right: Mr. Och is presented with a replica Houdon bust of General George Washington by GW President Dave Thomas. (Continued Next Page) President David R. Thomas: 703-583-8791 Vice President Jay M. Henn: 703-447-0820 Treasurer Thomas Roth, III: 703-739-8811 Secretary Richard Rankin: 703-538-5805 Registrar Richard Sherman: 301-654-6319 The George Washington Chapter was chartered in its present form on April 2, 1954. With over 250 members, it is Virginia’s largest SAR chapter. Meetings are held at 11:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month (June, July & August excepted) at the Belle Haven Country Club, 6023 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, Virginia. Immediate Past President: Ernie Coggins: 703-241-2807 Ride Share: Members in need of a ride to a chapter meeting or a chapter sponsored event may contact the Amenities Committee Chairman, Don Reynolds, at (703) 765-4947. This newsletter is edited by Pete Farley. Inputs from chapter officers, committee chairmen, and fellow compatriots are always needed. Please send your inputs and comments to [email protected] or call 703-585-3163. George Washington Chapter Sons of the American Revolution ~ Alexandria, Virginia 4 GW Chapter Meeting in May (con't) Above -- GW Chapter compatriots including new member Peter-Anthony Pappas (middle in picture) and to his right, GW Registrar Richard Sherman and Past President Paul Walden. Left--Rand Pixa, GW Secretary Richard Rankin, GW President Dave Thomas and GW Chaplain Don Reynolds who leads the members in prayer. Right: Paul Wagoner, Mary Walker, David Walker, Jamie Callender. David Walker is a former GW Chapter President, former Comptroller of the United States (head of the GAO), and GWC Past President Emeritus. (Continued Next Page) George Washington Chapter Sons of the American Revolution ~ Alexandria, Virginia 5 GW Chapter Meeting in May (con't) Above: Bill Wilson and his three granddaughters. Right: Past Chapter President Scott Wagoner and Rand Pixa. (May Meeting con't on Page 11) Dedication of Plaque at the Mount Eagle Mansion Site On June 1, a plaque was dedicated marking the site of the Mount Eagle Mansion on the Montebello Condominium grounds in Alexandria.