17 December 2024
Chapter recognizes Alexandria Fire Department with Public Safety Awards

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - (Dec. 17, 2024)—The George Washington Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) recognized two members of the Alexandria Fire Department with the SAR’s Fire Safety Commendation Medals and award certificates.  The SAR awards were presented to Captain Nathan Krause and Firefighter/Paramedic Leslie Palucho at a ceremony was held at the Alexandria Fire Department Headquarters at 900 Second St.

The SAR recognizes and honors citizens and individuals in our public service sectors of Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, and Emergency Medical Services for their contributions to the community and for heroic acts with a commendation and medal. The Fire Safety Commendation Medal is presented to an individual for accomplishments and/or outstanding contributions in an area of fire safety and service.

Captain Krause serves as the Captain of Fire Station 204 B-shift, but he also volunteers to serve as Chaplain. The commendation recognizes that he has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the community we serve and to his fellow firefighters. His dedication extends beyond the call of regular duty, exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism and embodying the core values that define our agency’s mission.

Captain Krause’s selflessness have not gone unnoticed. Whether exercising his traditional duties as a Fire Captain, providing spiritual support as our Chaplain, or officiating a department funeral, Captain Krause consistently goes above and beyond expectations. His selfless contributions, tireless efforts, and constant modeling of positive behavior enhances our department and truly set him apart as a deserving candidate for this award. Captain Nathan Krause embodies the qualities and values that this award seeks to honor.

Leslie Palucho joined the Alexandria Fire Department in 2016 and has become a valued co-worker and trusted friend. The SAR award recognizes that she has earned certifications as a paramedic and public educator while raising a young family.  In 2023, she began working in Community Outreach, using her interpersonal skills to teach fire safety and engage the community. Leslie coordinates fire safety education for children, smoke detector installation drives, and participates in various community events.  As a first-generation Salvadoran American, she works hard to inspire young people to consider careers in fire service. Leslie’s fluency in Spanish and American Sign Language and her experience with special needs children help her reach underrepresented communities. The Alexandria Fire Department is proud of her dedication, which is in the highest tradition of the Department.

Photo from left:  Scot Bryant (George Washington Chapter President), John Blair (George Washington Chapter Public Safety Awards Committee Chairman), Tom Roth (Virginia SAR Historian), Firefighter/Paramedic Leslie Palucho, Captain Nathan Krause, and Scott Walker (former Chapter President). (Photo by Vickie Bryant/Nelly Custis Chapter NSDAR.)

2024 July 04
63rd March to the Tomb & Wreath Laying
at George Washington's Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, Va., Thursday, July 4, 2024 — The 63rd Annual Independence Day March to the Tomb and Wreath-Laying Ceremony at George Washington's Mount Vernon was a beautiful day to honor our George Washington, General & Commander in chief of the army of the United Colonies and of all the forces raised or to be raised by them, during the American Revolution, and later our Nation's first President. 

The George Washington Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) organized the annual event which showcased compatriots in colonial attire and SAR  summer khakis, marching in unison across the Mount Vernon Lawn with members of Virginia and Maryland SAR Color Guards, the Virginia Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Virginia DAR), and the Virginia Society of the Children of the American Revolution (Virginia C.A.R.).

Also, in attendance was Sergeant Chef Gwénaël Foulgoc, wearing his regimental officer's uniform of the French army during the American Revolution.  Foulgoc is a member of the Ministry of Armed Forces (France) [French: Ministère des Armées] serving with NATO Administration and Human Resources [French: OTAN responsable ressources humaines], from Norfolk, Virginia. 

Prior to the start of the march, Fougloc received the Baldwin–Jones–Tabb Medal presented by the George Washington Chapter from chapter president Scott Walker.  Five other first-time participants received the medal from chapter secretary David Harrity   

The Master of Ceremonies Scot Bryant, Chapter Vice President, led honored members and guests through the day's ceremonies before the wreath laying. Highlights included Past President General and chapter compatriot Joe Dooley conducted a new member induction ceremony for John Holland, in a stirring review of Dooley's Patriot ancestor Corporal Jacob Holland (P-183535) who served at the Battle of Brooklyn Heights (1776) with the Maryland Line, always remembered as the revered line of American forces who helped allow the retreat of so many others who fought that day against the British.   One of those who retreated with his New Jersey regiment was Compatriot Dooley's patriot ancestor Corporal Morris Earle (P-152327). 

Sarah Terpenning, President Virginia Society C.A.R., gave an outstanding presentation of "Agent 1776: Spies of the American Revolution", as this year's Virginia C.A.R. state theme  and project.  Subsequently, compatriots David Harrity and Jamie Callender serving as SAR PRS Volunteers produced and provided to Joseph Terpenning, Senior President V.S.C.A.R., a listing of more than 400 Patriots listed in the SAR PRS that have "spy" in their profile or biography.

After the thoughtful remarks of Scott Walker on today's SAR , attendees transitioned to the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb led by Dr. William Greaf and Scott Walker. A procession of honored holders of carnation placed at the Tomb began with Elizabeth Greaf, First Lady Virginia SAR, and Laurie Nesbitt, State Regent and Kecia Dyer Brown, Chair of DAR/SAR/C.A.R. /S.R. Relations, both of the Virginia Society NSDAR.  

The day ended with group photographs after departing the Tomb Grove area.  Meanwhile, compatriot Richard Douglass and others served as hosts of an informational table within the lobby area at Mount Vernon, to introduce members of the public to learn more about the SAR and DAR.

#SARPatriotism, #GeorgeWashingtonMountVernon #IndependenceDay2024

2024 June 08
Declaration Day at George Mason's Gunston Hall 

Lorton, VA, June 8, 2024 — The George Mason Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), led out a beautiful day to commemorate the 248th Anniversary of the signing of the Virginia Declaration of Rights held at George Mason's Gunston Hall. 

Many of the guests attended the U.S. Naturalization ceremony held on the grounds of Gunston Hall earlier in the day as the weather was ideal for Virginia SAR President William D. Greaf, DPA and Scott Stroh, Executive Director of Gunston Hall, both welcomed distinguished guests from many chapters of the SAR, multiple DAR district and chapter representatives, and the Virginia C.A.R. President.

Our chapter stalwart and Virginia State Historian Thomas M. Roth, III, was on-hand to record the images and video of the Old Line Fife & Drum Corps 🥁conduct the musical processional to begin the ceremony on a high musical note. 🎵🎶

Members of the George Mason chapter read the 16 articles of the Virginia Declaration of Rights to the crowd gathered at the Mason Family Burial Ground.

After the presentation of wreaths from organizational representatives, and a series of individual awards were presented, the ceremony ended with a 21-gun volley and salute from members of the Color Guard.

2024 May 27
George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR Hosts Dignitaries at 2024 National Memorial Day Parade 

Washington, DC, May 27, 2024 — The George Washington Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), proudly hosted distinguished dignitaries during the nationally televised 2024 National Memorial Day Parade. The weather was ideal as SAR President General John L. Dodd, Esq., and Virginia SAR President William D. Greaf, DPA, led the contingent of SAR, DAR, and C.A.R. members.

The George Washington Chapter, celebrating its 70th anniversary, played a pivotal role in this year’s parade, honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes. As they marched, they paid tribute to the legacy of George Washington and the ideals of the American War of Independence. The parade showcased the unifying force of “e pluribus unum,” bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to honor our shared history and values.

The George Washington Chapter’s dynamic activities, including the annual July 4th wreath-laying ceremony at Mount Vernon, participation in the National Memorial Day Parade, and Alexandria’s George Washington’s Birthday Parade, exemplify their commitment to patriotism, education, and historical preservation. Whether marking local Patriots’ graves or engaging in youth contests, the chapter continues to make a meaningful impact in the community.

For more information about the George Washington Chapter, visit gwsar.org.

Alexandria, VA, Saturday, March 26, 2024 —  Under a clear sky, the Fairfax Resolves and George Washington Chapters conducted a joint grave-marking honoring patriots Robert Adam, David Black, and John Dundas at the Presbyterian Cemetery and Columbarium in Alexandria. Fairfax Resolves President Jon Rymer and George Washington President Scott Walker served as masters of ceremony for the event. Nineteen DAR, C.A.R., and SAR chapters presented wreaths, which is one of the larger experienced for a grave-marking. Compatriot Michael Elston, NSSAR Treasurer General, gave greetings on behalf of the National SAR. Darrin Schmidt, Virginia Society 2nd Vice President, represented the Virginia SAR.

• Robert Adam (1731–1789) was a prominent merchant in Alexandria. Adam served as a trustee for the town and became a justice of the peace for Fairfax County in 1758, a position he held for the remainder of his life. He was sheriff of the county in 1765 and also became a captain in the militia. He served on the Alexandria and Fairfax Committees of Safety and signed the Fairfax Resolves in 1774. In 1782, he was instrumental in founding Alexandria’s first Masonic lodge and in 1783 became its first Worshipful Master. 
• David Black (1762–1831) was a distinguished figure in the historic town of Alexandria, celebrated for his maritime prowess and deeprooted civic dedication. Before his prominence as a ship captain, Black bravely served as a drummer boy during the Revolutionary War. For five pivotal years, he was part of the First, Second, Third, and Fourth New York regiments, serving under the esteemed leadership of Colonels Goose Van Schaick, Philip Van Cortland, James Holmes, and William Allison.
• John Dundas (1759–1813) joined the Philadelphia City Militia during the American Revolution and first served in Captain Jehu Eyre's Company, 1st Battalion. Later, he rose to the rank of ensign in Captain John Kling's Company, 3rd Company, 2nd Battalion. By September 1780, he served as a lieutenant under Captain George Esterly's Company, 1st Company, 3rd Battalion, and at least through 1782 and likely remained so until the war's end.

2024 May
Chapter Meeting of the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR 

Alexandria, VA, May 11, 2024 — The Mount Vernon Country Club served as host to the monthly chapter meeting of the George Washington Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR).

The day's activities included the chapter VP Scot Bryant awarding Dr. Donald Reynolds with the Past President Emeritus Award for his long-standing leadership and many contributions to our chapter.

Next, VP Bryant showed attendees the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museums Certificate of Participation presented to the George Washington Chapter as accepted by compatriot Paul McComb.  Compatriot McComb was then awarded SAR War Service Medal and certificate.  Secretary Jaymie Cook was presented the Virginia Society Chapter Service Medal for his outstanding contributions as he departs as our chapter secretary. David Harrity has accepted the position of Secretary for the remaining 2024 year. Next, the Virginia Society's Heroism Award was presented to Deputy Michael Spaeth.  This award at the state level follows our chapter level Heroism Award from 2023 and further recognizes the selfish act of heroism from Deputy Spaeth.

Troop 1577 Eagle Scout Russell Welland was recognized by the chapter. He participated in the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest, and his essay was chosen for recognition. At their monthly meeting, he read his essay and received a $500 scholarship. [Read more from the Scouting news story.]

The George Washington Chapter’s dynamic activities, including the annual July 4th wreath-laying ceremony at Mount Vernon, participation in the National Memorial Day Parade, and Alexandria’s George Washington’s Birthday Parade, exemplify their commitment to patriotism, education, and historical preservation. Whether marking local Patriots’ graves or engaging in youth contests, the chapter continues to make a meaningful impact in the community.

For more information about the George Washington Chapter, visit gwsar.org.

2024 February
George Washington Birthday Parade

Historic Old Town Alexandria, VA, February 19, 2024 — The George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR and neighboring SAR chapters represented National SAR and Virginia SAR well again this year!

"Since 1801, the City of Alexandria has celebrated
George Washington’s birthday with a parade, making its George Washington Birthday Parade the oldest of its kind in the country."
About Us — George Washington Birthday Celebration

2024 February
Virginia SAR Annual Meeting

Richmond, VA, February 9-10, 2024 — Images from the 134th Virginia SAR Annual Meeting. 

The 134th Annual Meeting of the Virginia Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) took place at The Omni Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, from February 9-10, 2024. The event was hosted by Virginia SAR President Ernest B. Coggins, Jr., along with Virginia SAR's Richmond and George Washington Chapters.

The meeting featured a variety of activities, including a Scrapbook Contest, a Multi-Patriot Grave Marking, and a new Virginia SAR Color Guard Drumhead Muster event. 

There was also an update on the Virginia SAR & DAR Relations efforts and a Ladies Program Game Night. The first-ever Ladies Luncheon at The Historic Jefferson Hotel was held on Friday before the start of the Annual Meeting.

Saturday, the General Membership Meeting was conducted, followed by the Rumbaugh Orations Contest and Youth Awards ceremony. The event concluded with a Memorial Service, the announcement of Public Service Awardees, the installation of new State Officers, and the 2023 Chapter Winners. The weekend ended with a Black-Tie Banquet Dinner and the bi-annual Virginia SAR Color Guard Change-of-Command.

The meeting was a significant event for the Virginia SAR community, bringing together members and their guests to celebrate and honor their shared heritage and patriotism.