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Compatriots,
I wish all our SAR members, families, and loved ones, a happy and joyous Holiday Season!
We have a busy time ahead of us before we wrap-up 2024. Wreaths Across America arrives the week of December 9th with a kickoff event scheduled for 12:00 PM on the West Steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento. This is a DAR sponsored event, and the SAR will present the Colors and the SAR Proclamation. We currently have 10 CG members committed to this event and all CG or general members are invited to attend. I’d love to see this event build in a small Massing of the Colors event by December 2026. Saturday, December 14th, will be the Annual Wreaths Across America laying of the wreaths event at all VA National Cemeteries and other participating cemeteries. This is an event that all members can participate in either as part of an SAR Color Guard, as a member laying a wreath, or just donating toward the purchase or wreaths. This year’s theme is “Live With Purpose”.
By now, all chapters should have completed their annual members dues collection for CY 2025. You have until December 15th to call, email, or text those members who have yet to pay dues for 2025 to pay their dues. All members who have not paid their dues by December 15th will be dropped and will have to go through the reinstatement process in 2025 to renew their membership. It is also important to touch base with every Life Member to thank them for their membership, find out if there is anything the SAR can do to help those who are ill or need assistance, and it serves as a way to learn about those members who are deceased in the past year. Chris Cerrillo and Steve Andrews will be pulling together the reconciliation reports from our 24 chapters and getting them synced with National. Remember, to write one check that covers both state and national dues and get it to Chris with your reconciliation report by December 31.
If you participated in the three Grave Marking Ceremonies in San Diego on August 31, 2024, for the 18 Spanish Soldados, then put the evening of February 22, 2025, on your calendar to attend the George Washington Birthday Celebration at the Green Dragon Inn, Carlsbad. I have the SAR Grave Marking Medals in hand and will be handing them out at that dinner. Come in uniform, black tie, or business attire. Details will be forthcoming from the San Diego Chapter. It is sure to be a memorable and fun event!
We are coming into some great events in 2025 during which the armed conflict of the American Revolution began with Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, the Lexington Alarm, and the battle of Lexington and Concord, marking the “shot heard round the world." These events will mark their 250th Anniversary in 2025 as a build up to 2026 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. Needless to say, we have a lot of planning and work to do if we are to succeed in honoring our Patriot Ancestors who participated in these events.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
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Don Littlefield
President
California Society Sons of the American Revolution
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SAR Mission Statement
The Sons of the American Revolution honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our country.
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America 250th
Anniversary Recognition Program
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Currently: 191 Bronze, 128 Silver and 60 Gold
The California Society is second in the amount of Gold Medals that have been presented to Compatriots. Keep up the great work and enjoy learning about our Revolutionary War past!
To see your name and the recognition you have earned, go to our website Honor Roll – California SAR If you have any questions about the Honor Roll or how to enroll in the program, contact John R Ferris.
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Do you know about the NSSAR Liberty Tree Project? To date, there have been 81 trees planted across the United States. You and your chapter can take part of this historic program. Click the link Liberty Tree Project to find out how! | |
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Decade of the American Revolution
Beginning with the Boston Tea Party and ending with the Paris Peace Treaty; 1773 to 1783 is known as the Decade of the American Revolution. Click the link and find out what you can look forward to and participate in in the coming years.
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Spring Leadership
February 27- March 1, 2025
Louisville, Kentucky
| Registration for lodging now open. Click here to go to the SAR Spring 2025 Leadership page. | |
Congress
July 12–July 18, 2025
Mohegan Sun Resort, Uncasville, CT
| Registration for lodging now open. Click here to go to the SAR 2025 Congress page. | |
Revolutionary War Rarities
The Sons of the American Revolution harks back to a wonderfully rich history that many of us are not completely aware of. Revolutionary War Rarities brings those odd and rarely told stories of the American Revolution to life in a short, interesting and entertaining format. Each episode is 10-15 minutes.
The current episode: During the American Revolution there was “A Man Named Beverley” who played a pivotal role in Loyalist activities. Today, the Provinces of Eastern Canada are heavily populated with descendants of Tories / Colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown. Click on the link below to learn more about “A Man Named Beverley”, the prominence and wealth of his family, and the impact that he had on the Loyalists, on Benedict Arnold, and even on George Washington.
Give it a watch today! Click
And don't forget to subscribe and click the like button! Doing so will help the entire SAR become more accessible to the American public.
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250th Celebration of the
Battle of Lexington and Concord
Hosted by the Massachusetts Society
and the New England District
Friday, April 18, 2025 - Sunday, April 20, 2025
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Surgeon General's Notebook, Volume VII
Compatriots:
Today's article is about joint replacement, a subject that is very close to me as I type this with one hand. My left arm is still in a sling after shoulder replacement; thank goodness for voice recognition.
Wishing everyone a happy holiday season!
John Turley, MD
Surgeon General 2024-2025
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SAR Education Center and Museum | |
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The SAR Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of our founding fathers and ensuring that the story of our nation's founding is remembered. The SAR Education Center and Museum will be more than just a building. It'll be a beacon of our history!
The Education Center and Museum is set to open in July of 2026. Construction is well underway, and we are making great progress. However, we need your help to make it to the finish line. Please consider making a donation to support the buildout of the SAR Education Center and Museum. Every dollar makes a difference!
Watch the video to see our progress and learn how you can support the project!
Click Here to Support the SAR Education Center and Museum
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TIME TO REGISTER!
150th Annual Meeting
April 25-26, 2025
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California Society Sons of the American Revolution Webpage | |
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Sons of the Revolutionary Sires
150th Anniversary
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In the Summer of 2007, an article written by Compatriot Jim Faulkinbury, appeared in the California Compatriot titled, "The Sons of the Revolutionary Sires and the Origens of the Sons of the American Revolution." The article appears here as the second of two articles giving the history of the Sons of the Revolutionary Sires as it approaches its 150th anniversary.
Click here to read the article.
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Video Contest Reminder!
As this is the first year CASSAR is participating, it is important to remember a few dates:
- Chapter contest deadline: January 1, 2025
- State contest deadline: January 22, 2025
- Submit entries to brucewearda@gmail.com
All information may be found here:
Youth Video Contest – National Society Sons of the American Revolution (sar.org)
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Save the Date!
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM PST, David Morrow, Genealogist, will host a webinar for chapter registrars, genealogists, and state leadership. An email will go out in early January notifying such of the Zoom link.
For more information contact David at davidmorrowla@gmail.com
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The Coachella Valley Chapter turned out in force for the local Veterans Day Parade.
L-R: James Pardee, Curt Lane, Barry Opdyke, William Haines, Ed Oehler, Christopher Cerillo, Ray Allen, MEGATRON (Horse) Dave Arthurs and Buddy Liblin (Coach Driver) of Savannah Rose Carriage.
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Delta Chapter participated in a local Veterans Day ceremony in Modesto. Pictured is President Scott Elliott with the Mayor of Modesto, Sue Zwahlen. | President Scott Elliott with U.S. Congressman Tom McClintock during the Modesto Veterans Day celebrations. | |
At the Eagle Chapter November meeting, President Benny White presented the Military Certificate to Tom Rentz and thanked him for his service. | |
Mark LeTourneau giving a video presentation for the chapters America 250 Minute. Steve Wright is in the foreground. | |
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A Flag Certificate was presented to Houchin Blood Bank. An American 250 Minute was also presented at the same time.
L-R: Arnie Burr, John Bautista, CEO of Houchin Blood Bank, Kerry Adams (marine uniform) Bruce Wearda, Rick Meredith.
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A Flag Certificate was presented to Wendy and Mark Cohen.
L-R: Kerry Adams, Wendy Cohen, Mark Cohen, Bruce Wearda, Rick Meredith.
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The Kern Chapter participated in the Bakersfield Veterans Day Parade. An America 250 Minute was given to SAR, DAR, and C.A.R. in attendance and parade goers sitting by the staging of our start
L-R: Arnie Burr, Luke Villardi (HC), Mike Davis, Brandon Villardi (HC), Kerry Adams (militia), Bruce Wearda, Will Flickinger, Ed Davis
| L-R: Bruce Wearda, Addie Armistead (CAR), Sophia Kaufman (SAR) National Curator, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh. | The Brighton Parks (Senior Living Community) hosts a celebration every year the Saturday before Veteran's Day. They honor residents that live there that are veterans and retire the flag on the Commons. | L-R: Brian Claxton (drum), Dale Mackall (minuteman), Larry Carroll (minuteman), Mike Davis, Arnie Burr, Bruce Wearda (obscured), Rick Meredith. Veterans standing in background. | Bruce Wearda presenting an America 250 Minute to the attendees. | |
On November 14th, California Society President, Don Littlefield presented Jack Franke the Silver Meritorious Service Medal. | |
On November 14th, California Society President, Don Littlefield, presented Peter Tansill the Silver Meritorious Service Medal. | |
Gene Bell was unable to attend either the Mother Lode October Banquet or the November meeting. In lieu of that, Gene was presented his award via Zoom. | |
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Brian Sonner, (Captain, US Coast Guard, Ret.) is a member of the Mother Lode Chapter and a 45-year member of the SAR. He was serving as a Commander in the Coast Guard stationed in London when the SAR sought to establish a UK Society. He became the founding President, United Kingdom Society, NSSAR, while stationed in London, England.
The following are three photos of the presentation of the charter and the presentation of the membership certificate to Lord Hailsham of St. Marylebone, and the letter he sent confirming his attendance to the presentation. He was the Lord Hight Chancellor of Great Britain at the time.
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On November 8, the OC Color Guard presented the Colors at Covenant Christian School in Orange.
L-R: John Ferris, Jim Klingler, Mike Miller, John Blake, and Dyke Dooley
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On November 11, the OC Color Guard presented Colors at the Meridian Senior Center.
L-R: Dan McKelvie, John Ferris, John Blake, Dyke Dooley, and Mike Miller.
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On November 13, the OC Color Guard presented and posted Colors at Salem Lutheran School.
L-R: John Ferris, Mike Miller and Dyke Dooley.
| On November 20th, California SAR Executive Vice President, John Ferris presenting a Flag Certificate to Shirley Kohlmeir of the Meridian Senior Center. | Orange County Chapter Website. | |
Bill Nay assisted the SFVAHCS CDCE at the Santa Rosa Clinic in setting up and serving a Thank You BBQ to about 200 Veterans. A significant amount of the BBQ was donated by Tim Biasotti from a local business BBB Barbecue By Biasotti. I had the honor of presenting Tim with a SAR Veteran Service Coin. | |
On November 8th, the President of the Thomas Jefferson Chapter, Dan Shurtz joined Redwood Empire Chapter member Bill Nay for the WWII Repatriation Mission of MIA / KIA First Lieutenant Herman J. Sundstad, US Army. | |
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At the November Riverside Chapter meeting, CASSAR America 250 SAR Chairman, John Ferris, presented Silver and Gold Medals to members.
L-R: John Ferris, John (Silver), Daivd Leonard (Silver), Roger Cooper (Gold), Mike Henkenlaible (Silver).
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In memory of Charles Lampman, past Riverside Chapter President, past CASSAR President and National Color Guard Commander, the Riverside Chapter took up a collection to purchase an 18th century cutlass and presented it to the SAR Museum. | |
The Riverside Chapter hosted the CASSAR Color Guard in its annual participation of the Riverside Veteran's Day Parade...with live musket fire! | |
Front page of the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. | |
Musket bearers prepare to fire. | |
Alexa Villardi giving the America 250 Minute before the parade. | |
A picture of the Riverside Chapter Expo that was set up to greet visitors after the parade. | Riverside Chapter webpage. | |
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Martha Washington, Betsy Ross and Abigal Adams with CASSAR President, Don Littlefield. The ladies are from the DAR Major Pierson B. Reading Chapter in Redding, CA.
L-R: Judy Bauer, Patty Ward, Don Littlefield, and Diania Weaver
| California Society President Don Littlefield | |
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Veterans Day
Chapter members Doug Wright, Alan Winters, Duncan and Carolyn Campbell hosted our Chapters booth at Balboa Park on Sunday, November 10th. The House of USA sponsored a veterans day program and invited our Chapter to participate.
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Alan Winters in the foreground with Duncan and Carolyn Campbell inside the booth. | Doug Wright takes a selfie! Doug recently became the new SD Chapter Color Guard Commander. | |
San Diego's newest member, Zack Polanco, being sworn in by chapter President, Jim McAdory. | Special Agent Stacy Moy, in charge of the San Diego Office of the FBI gave a great preseentation and the SD Chapter meeting. | |
Stacy Moy and Marie Charron being presented the SAR Law Enforcement Medal by Chapter President McAdory. | Chapter members received the Patriot Grave Marking Pin for their participation in the August ceremonies. L-R: Doug Wright, Andrew Fagen, Peter Fagen, Bryan Bagnas, Duncan Campbell, Jim McAdory. | |
Robert Fagaly being presented the Bronze America 250 Medal by Chapter President McAdory. | |
Chapter President McAdory (right) presented Ted Parsons (left) and Fred Hall {Doug Wright (center) accepted for Fred Hall} the Silver Henry Knox Medals for their extensive effort in putting together the Patriot Grave Marking ceremonies. | |
Ben Hobbins and Ashley Hobbins (not pictured) were presented a Certificate of Appreciation by CASSAR for their work on the Patriot Grave Marking project. Ben was also presented with the Patriot Grave Marking pin. | |
Talbot Hayes, Fire Chief – Fire Management Officer, Cleveland National Forest was presented with the SAR Fire Safety Medal. | |
Talbot with family and friends in attendance for his award. | |
Color Guard from the South Coast, Orange County, and Harbor Chapters proudly presented the colors at the Exchange Club's "Under God We Trust" event in Laguna Hills, CA, on November 20, 2024. L-R: Brandon Villardi, John Ferris, Scott Whitman, and Jim Hernandez. | |
The guest speaker for the November South Coast Chapter meeting was the President of the San Diego Chapter, Jim MdAdory, who spoke on the background of identifying the Spanish Patriots involved in the American Revolution and the recent grave markings that were held in San Diego to honor them. Chapter Vice President-Programs, Norm Broadhurst, presented Mr. McAdory with a Certificate of Appreciation. | |
During the meeting, Color Guard Commander and Chapter Chairman America 250 SAR Kevin Forrest awarded Chapter Compatriot, Steven Alves an America 250 Bronze Medal and Certificate. | |
Also, during the meeting, South Coast Chapter Registrar, Leon Smith, inducted a new member, Kenneth Smith, whose patriot ancestor was John Hughes. Compatriot Smith was accompanied by his wife, Hang Phung Smith. | |
The Yosemite Chapter participated in the Central Valley Veterans Day parade on November 11 with their first float (see below). The chapter had a local Boy Scout troupe hand out America 250 challenge coins to members of our Armed Forces wearing uniforms. | |
L-R: Jim Riley, Jackson Dhindsa, Scott Nichols, John Russell, Harlie Smith, Randy Dhindsa. | The Yosemite Chapter Color Guard plus members of the Yosemite Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. | |
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Upcoming Color Guard Events
Open to all Guardsmen
12/14/2024 Wreaths Across America
03/08/2024 Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade
03/22/2025 Swallows Day Parade – San Juan Capistrano
04/19/2025 Lexington & Concord ***Musket Firing Event & Parade***
04/25/2025 CASSAR 150th Annual Meeting, Costa Mesa
05/17/2025 Armed Forces Day Parade - Torrance
For details on these and many more click Color Guard Schedule
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Color Guard Magazine
The October issue of the Color Guard Magazine may be found at SAR Color Guard Magazine. The next issue will come out in January.
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For questions concerning upcoming events or inquiries into joining the Color Guard please contact:
Brandon Villardi, SAR California Color Guard Commander
Scott Nichols, SAR California Color Guard Adjutant North
Kevin Forrest, SAR California Color Guard Adjutant South
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Every member who participates in SAR programs and interacts with youth under 18 years of age
is required to successfully complete SAR Youth Protection Training. Training is online, takes about 20 minutes, and is valid for 3 years.
Send your certificate of completion to Dan McKelvie: mckelvie@sbcglobal.net.
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"We will remember our compatriot brothers with thanksgiving."
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Eagle - Steve J Wright - #197013
Silicon Valley - Douglas Quinn Bergtholdt - #170481
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Cyber Scams
If you receive an email, text, or voice mail from a purported Officer or Compatriot seeking any kind of financial transaction, consider it a hoax. Phishing messages are very sophisticated and may include the unauthorized use of the SAR logo, a compatriot's name, or a pseudo SAR email address. Stop — Think — Verify !!!
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CALL FOR ARTICLES — December 25, 2024 Deadline
Please send news of events and high-resolution digital photos to:
John R Ferris at jrf1776@outlook.com
— RELEASE FORMS —
All photos or other materials that show or name any
minor under the age of 18
must be accompanied by a signed Release Form.
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The California Compatriot is the official newsletter of the California Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Unless explicitly stated, the opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the California Society SAR.
Editor: John R Ferris
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