Again, I hope all is well with you and yours. As I compose this month’s President’s message the outcome of the Presidential election is unknown. Thanks to our patriot ancestors we are blessed to live in a country where one is free to express one’s beliefs without fear of repression.
Due to the continuing pandemic the chapter meeting in November will be another Zoom meeting. Please try and set this time aside and join us in our virtual meeting. At the October meeting we showed Part 1 of a video made by the SAR French Society which relates the involvement of France in the American Revolution. We had improved attendance and hope more of you can participate at this month’s virtual meeting.
This month the chapter would normally hold an election of officers to serve on the Board for 2021-22. Also, due the pandemic, the Board decided to follow the lead of the NSSAR, not hold an election and have the current elected officers continue to serve in their present role until December 2021.
On November 11th our nation celebrates Veteran’s Day. Let’s all reflect on the importance and contribution of our veterans in protecting the freedoms we enjoy as a country. The USA is constantly under attack by its enemies. Thankfully, our Armed Forces are there to keep the enemy at bay.
This month we also celebrate Thanksgiving. This year the family gatherings will likely be different due to the pandemic but still a time to give thanks for family, friends and country. As a descendant of one of the passengers on Mayflower the holiday has an extra special meaning.
The November 17th chapter virtual meeting is the last meeting for 2020. Wishing you all remain safe, stay healthy and enjoy the holiday season as best we can with the restrictions on social gathering. Please pray for an end to the pandemic and a resumption of a near normal life in 2021.
Please stay safe everyone.
In patriotism,
R. Scott Whitman
South Coast SAR Monthly Meeting
7:00 PM, Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Zoom Video Conference Instructions
We will be using the Zoom Videoconferencing application for the South Coast SAR Monthly Meeting
Members will be emailed a meeting link, meeting ID and passcode.
State and National SAR News
November 13-14, 2020: The 145th Fall CASSAR Fall Board of Managers meeting planned for Rohnert Park, CA has now been canceled. The California Society will hold a Zoom virtual Board of Managers meeting on Saturday, November 14, 2020, beginning at 9:00 AM Pacific Time.
Upcoming Dates and Events.
Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11: National holiday established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to commemorate the armistice that ended World War 1 on November 11, 1918.
November Zoom Meeting – Tuesday, November 17: See Page 1 for details
Thanksgiving Day – Thurs, November 26: Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. We are grateful for the many blessings that we have as Americans.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – Monday, December 7th: Let’s remember and honor those who lost their lives on December 7th, 1941.
Christmas Day – Friday, December 25th. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Please remember our servicemen and women who cannot be home because they are defending our country.
New Year’s Day- Friday, January 1st: Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.
January Dinner (or Zoom) Meeting – Tuesday, January 19, 2021.
Washington Crossing the Delaware
Here are 10 facts about General George Washington and the Continental Army’s famous crossing of the Delaware River on December 25-26, 1776
(From mountvernon.org)
Washington crossed the Delaware River so that his army could attack an isolated garrison of Hessian troops located at Trenton, New Jersey.
Washington’s attack plan included three separate river crossings, but only one made it across.
Spies and deserters had informed the British and Hessians that Trenton was likely to be attacked.
Washington’s force used a collection of cargo boats and ferries to transport his men across the Delaware.
Experienced watermen from New England and the Philadelphia area ably guided the boats across the challenging river.
The crossing was made worse by the arrival of a strong storm that brought freezing rain, snow, and terrifying winds.
Washington’s carefully planned timetable was woefully behind schedule and Washington contemplated canceling the attack.
The Continentals brought a great quantity of artillery across the river.
The Delaware River is less than 300 yards wide at the point where the army crossed.
One of the most famous American paintings shows Washington and his army crossing the Delaware River.
Hope all is well with you and yours. The pandemic is still upon us impacting our daily lives and our opportunity to meet as a group. Sadly, the Zoom meeting held on September 15th was poorly attended. This month we have more time to provide the notification which should help enhance the attendance. Please seriously think about attending the Tuesday, October 20th meeting which will need to be another virtual on-line video meeting. Instead of a featured speaker at the last meeting we showed a historical video on the Battle of the Chesapeake. Likely, we will do something similar at the October meeting. If you are like me, I enjoy learning of American Revolution history and its impact on the formation of the USA.
As noted last month it’s is important that we attempt to continue to meet, albeit virtually, to maintain connections to the chapter and its membership. I look forward to “seeing” you on my computer screen.
The good news is the chapter’s financial health is solid and the membership count is stable. The initiative to revise the Chapter Bylaws was voted on and passed. This is the first change to the chapter by-laws since formation of the chapter in 1986.
Columbus Day is on October 12th, and commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. It was in 1937 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed Columbus Day a national holiday, largely as a result of intense lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, an influential Catholic fraternal organization. Columbus’ reputation is tarnished of late due to his association with slavery.
Herewith is another plea to the membership to volunteer to fill any of the open positions on the chapter board. If you feel the calling to support your SAR chapter as a board member please contact me and we will find a position that fits your particular interests.
The in-person Fall meeting of the CASSAR was recently cancelled due to the pandemic and will now be a Zoom meeting. I plan on attending.
Stay safe everyone.
In compatriotism,
Scott Whitman
South Coast SAR Monthly Meeting
7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 15, 2020
Zoom Video Conference Instructions
We will be using the Zoom Videoconferencing application for the South Coast SAR Monthly Meeting
Members will be emailed a meeting link and meeting ID.
on Tuesday, October 15, at 7:00 PM. If you are new to Zoom, below is a link to an online tutorial for new users on How to Join a Zoom Meeting. I am also providing a list of a few helpful tips to get you started using Zoom before the day of the meeting.
This is an excellent up-to-date short walk thru of many of the ZOOM features.
Helpful tips:
View the tutorial (above)
Don’t wait until the evening of the meeting to Install the Zoom application or test it. Do it now.
Install the Zoom application on the device you plan to use for the meeting: Desktop computer, laptop, tablet or cell phone. For tablets and cell phones go to your device App Store. For Desktop and Laptops go to Zoom.com
Test the Zoom application to make sure it is working before the meeting: Zoom Test
On the evening of the meeting, find a quiet, private room or area where you will not be disturbed, and where there will not be dogs barking, people talking, dishes clattering, or TV’s blaring.
This is a video meeting so wear appropriate clothing: a shirt with shorts, jeans, or slacks
About 5-10 minutes before the Open Forum begins, join the meeting using a link or meeting ID.
You may need to wait online before being admitted to join the meeting at 7:00 PM.
If you are not talking, please MUTE the microphone on your device. (Mute button or key in *6)
DO NOT CONNECT to the Zoom meeting using 2 devices located in the same room. The audio feedback will disrupt the entire meeting.
If you have a question that cannot wait for the Q&A, then UNMUTE and ask to interrupt.
Always stay on topic, be concise, and get to the point without telling a story.
Thank you for participating in the South Coast SAR Monthly Meeting!
State and National SAR News
November 13-14, 2020: The 145th Fall CASSAR Fall Board of Managers meeting planned for Rohnert Park, CA has now been canceled. The California Society will hold a Zoom virtual Board of Managers meeting on Saturday, November 14, 2020, beginning at 9:00 AM Pacific Time.
Upcoming Dates and Events.
Columbus Day – Monday, October 12:
Commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. It is still an official US Holiday despite controversy.
U.S. Navy Birthday – Tuesday, October 13: The United States Navy traces its origins to the Continental Congress Navy, which the Continental Congress established on 13 October 1775.
October Chapter (Zoom) Meeting-Tuesday, October 20: See page 1 for details.
U.S. Marine Corps Birthday-Tuesday, November 10: A committee of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern to draft a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore. The resolution was approved on November 10, 1775 officially forming the “Continental Marines.”
Veteran’s Day – Wednesday, November 11: This is the special day to remember those who served and fought in the defense of our country.
SOCCGS Family History Seminar: The South Orange County California Genealogy Society has canceled their seminar for this year, per SOCCGS’s web site:
James Freeman Blauer was born in Newport Beach on July 20,1952. He was the second son to John Winthrop Blauer and Ann Pauline Kalbus Blauer.
Jim was killed Friday, Oct 2 after the bicycle he was riding collided with a tow truck on Harbor Boulevard in Costa Mesa, California.
Jim got his vocal start by singing in the children’s choir at Newport Harbor Lutheran Church. That was the first of many choirs that would engage his beautiful voice. One of his favorite songs was the National Anthem which he sang at many a wreath laying ceremonies and SAR events. He also enjoyed scouting and aquatics. James earned his Eagle Scout award as a teenager.
Jim received an AA from Orange Coast College and a BA and teaching credential from Cal State Fullerton, majoring in Social Studies.
After college, Jim was a substitute teacher, working part-time at a pizza parlor. He worked a number of years for K-Mart, earning The Chairman Award. He then worked at Rite Aid until the time of his death.
In his spare time, Jim pursued a number of interests, including genealogy, stamp collecting, and coin collecting. He had a passion for books and collections of any kind!
Jim joined the Sons of the American Revolution in April 1981 (#118472) and was a devoted member of the Orange County Chapter, the California SAR, and the SAR Color Guard. Jim received the SAR Patriot Medal in 2005 from the California Society as well as many other SAR medals and awards over his 39-year membership. In addition to the SAR, Jim was a member of the Mayflower Society and several other lineage societies.
Jim shared his calligraphy skills with the Eagle Scouts, by preparing their certificates. In his spare time, he tended to his sweet peas and baked his famous oatmeal scotches, brownies, and lemon meringue pies to share with his many friends!
Jim is survived by his brother, John Blauer, sister in law, Kathy Blauer, nieces and nephews, Robbie Blauer, Vanessa Blauer, Chad Blauer, Shannon Blauer, and grand niece and nephew, Valentina and Sebastian Blauer. He will be greatly missed as a loving, kind, giving, cheerful, lover of life!
A memorial service was held by the Orange County SAR chapter on Saturday, Oct 11 at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge.
From CASSAR.
Surrender of General Burgoyne following the Battles of Saratoga
October 17, 1777
Moran, Percy, Artist. Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga / Percy Moran. United States, ca. 1911. (Library of Congress)
Here, in 1777, during the American War for Independence, American troops battled and beat a British invasion force, marking the first time in world history that a British Army ever surrendered. This crucial victory secured essential foreign recognition and support, instigated world-wide wars, affirmed United States independence, and changed the face of the world. The American forces were led by General Horatio Gates and included General Benedict Arnold.
The first Battle of Saratoga, also called the Battle of Freeman’s Farm, began on September 19, 1777. The initial forward action by the British encountered Colonel Daniel Morgan’s American light infantry and riflemen resulting in a fierce battle which went back and forth. Although the British were able to hold the field that day, they suffered heavy casualties including many of their officers picked off by American sharpshooters.
The second Battle of Saratoga, the Battle of Bemis Heights, occurred on October 7. With the British forces running low on supplies, a foray was sent out to observe the American position, however they hesitated at Barber’s wheat field to harvest the much-needed ripened wheat. Around mid-afternoon, the Americans, aware of the British movement, attacked. Their now 13000-man army was able to push the British back. As the British withdrew, one of their beloved Generals, Simon Fraser, was mortally wounded by one or more of Morgan’s riflemen.
After burying General Fraser and having packed up what supplies they could, Burgoyne’s army began a hasty retreat north. They trudged through cold rain, mud, and hunger until reaching the village of Saratoga. Finding themselves boxed in by American militia soldiers north, west, and east of the village, they set up a fortified camp and waited. Two days later, the Americans had completely surrounded them. After a week of negotiations, Burgoyne surrendered to Gates, on October 17, 1777. Because of the incredible impact caused by the American victory in the Battles of Saratoga, they are known as the “Turning Point of the American Revolution”, and are considered by many historians to be among the top 15 battles in world history.
It’s good to be back after the summer hiatus and re-engaging in the business and activities of the chapter. Indeed, we are in strange and unprecedented times due to the pandemic. Take a look at the situation back in 1918 with the Spanish Flu. All of the precautions and restrictions we have today were the same back then; isolation, quarantine, good personal hygiene, use of disinfectants, and limitations of public gatherings. We missed our traditional summer picnic at the Weddell’s which provided a very nice and patriotic atmosphere to gather and socialize.
Labor Day was on September 7th. Hope you all enjoyed the holiday as best one can with all of the social distance restrictions. Labor Day was set aside as a National Holiday to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.
Due to the pandemic once again, we will need to skip meeting as a group on September 15th at Mimi’s in Lake Forest. This month the chapter plans to hold a virtual on-line video meeting using Zoom. It’s is important that we maintain synergy as a chapter and try to keep things moving forward in spite of the difficult conditions. I look forward to “seeing” you on my computer screen.
As noted in the May message if any of you have any needs due to COVID or any other matter please do not hesitate to reach out to me for assistance in any way. The chapter cares about its compatriots, appreciates your membership and support of the SAR; and wants to maintain communication with its members.
I’ve been busy on the side doing data entry for the Patriot Research System (PRS). All of the South Coast chapter’s member and supplemental 600+ applications have been entered into the database in large part due to the efforts of Paul Sapp.
Another matter of interest to the chapter membership is the proposal to update and revise the Chapter Bylaws. The Chapter Bylaws have not been changed since the chapter was first formed in 1986. The primary motivation for the change to the Bylaws is to add the position of Color Guard and Sergeant at Arms.
The two-year term for the chapter’s elected officers is up at the end of this December. This means that we need to hold an election. Please let me know if you feel a calling to fill any of the positions. This is an excellent opportunity to promote patriotism in the local community and promote the ideals upon which our great country was founded.
The Fall meeting of the CASSAR is coming up in November in Northern California. I plan on attending and representing our chapter.
Try to stay positive during these trying times. Pray for the discovery of a vaccine. Pray that none of you contract the COVID. Looking forward to when we can meet again as a group.
In compatriotism,
Scott Whitman
South Coast SAR Monthly Meeting
7:00 PM, Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Zoom Video Conference Instructions
We will be using the Zoom Videoconferencing application for the South Coast SAR Monthly Meeting
Members please contact webmaster for link and meeting ID.
on Tuesday, September 15, at 7:00 PM. If you are new to Zoom, below is a link to an online tutorial for new users on How to Join a Zoom Meeting. I am also providing a list of a few helpful tips to get you started using Zoom before the day of the meeting.
This is an excellent up-to-date short walk thru of many of the ZOOM features.
Helpful tips:
View the tutorial (above)
Don’t wait until the evening of the meeting to Install the Zoom application or test it. Do it now.
Install the Zoom application on the device you plan to use for the meeting: Desktop computer, laptop, tablet or cell phone. For tablets and cell phones go to your device App Store. For Desktop and Laptops go to Zoom.com
Test the Zoom application to make sure it is working before the meeting: Zoom Test
On the evening of the meeting, find a quiet, private room or area where you will not be disturbed, and where there will not be dogs barking, people talking, dishes clattering, or TV’s blaring.
This is a video meeting so wear appropriate clothing: a shirt with shorts, jeans, or slacks
About 5-10 minutes before the Open Forum begins, join the meeting using a link or meeting ID.
You may need to wait online before being admitted to join the meeting at 7:00 PM.
If you are not talking, please MUTE the microphone on your device. (Mute button or key in *6)
DO NOT CONNECT to the Zoom meeting using 2 devices located in the same room. The audio feedback will disrupt the entire meeting.
If you have a question that cannot wait for the Q&A, then UNMUTE and ask to interrupt.
Always stay on topic, be concise, and get to the point without telling a story.
Thank you for participating in the South Coast SAR Monthly Meeting!
Service Pins Reinstated:
The chapter has resurrected the awarding of service pins. The service pin with certificate are traditionally awarded at a monthly chapter meeting. Due to the pandemic service pins with certificates were mailed in August to the following chapter members. The chapter is grateful and thankful for their continued SAR membership and support of the South Coast Chapter.
Omer Long, 50 years
Kurt Camp, 25 years
Paul Weddell, 25 years
Scott Whitman, 15 years
Robbie Jones, 10 years
Bill Yost, 10 years
Scot Durant, 5 years
State and National SAR News
The NASSAR Fall Leadership Meeting, in Louisville has been cancelled in favor of a zoom video conference on September 26.
November 13-14, 2020: The 145th Fall CASSAR Fall Board of Managers meeting will be held at DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country in Rohnert Park, CA
Upcoming Dates and Events.
September Chapter (Zoom) Meeting-Tuesday, September 15: See above for details.
Constitution Day-Tuesday, September 17: Thursday, September 17, is the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.
U.S. Air Force Birthday-Friday, September 18: We salute our members who served in the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force is the youngest of all five services. It became a separate service on Sept. 18, 1947 after President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947.
SOCCGS Family History Seminar: The South Orange County California Genealogy Society has canceled their seminar for this year, per SOCCGS’s web site:
Our chapter meetings have been the victims of the COVID pandemic lockdowns this spring. We customarily take a break during the summer and reconvene in September. In August the chapter met in a casual, patriotic setting for a summer picnic. Sadly, due to the pandemic and the risk of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus the summer picnic is cancelled as well.
During these difficult times it’s important to keep in touch with our compatriots. If the group gathering restriction persists in September then the chapter will likely schedule an on-line video conference. Please reach out to the chapter board if you have any needs, questions or concerns. The chapter cares about its compatriots, appreciates your membership and support of the SAR; and wants to maintain communication with its members.
Memorial Day was on May 25th. This day has special significance in our family as my Dad’s brother went down with his plane in the Battle of Midway in the Pacific and my Mom’s brother went down with his ship in the Atlantic. Let us never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by those defending the freedoms of our great country.
July 4th, Independence Day, is coming up. Group gatherings are likely not going to be allowed so please think about a way to show your patriotism and appreciation for the birth of our great nation and the courage, bravery and sacrifices made by our patriot ancestors to achieve independence.
The 2020 National Congress, scheduled to be held in Richmond, VA, was also cancelled. As a result there won’t be an election and the officers sworn in at the 2019 Congress will remain in office until 2021. This has happened two other times in the history of the SAR, 1918 and 1945.
Have a great summer. Make the best of the difficult situation. Stay positive. Pray for the discovery of a vaccine. Looking forward to when we can meet again as a group.
In patriotism,
R. Scott Whitman
Upcoming Dates and Events
Flag Day – Sunday, June 14: Flag Day is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation and has a proud and glorious history. As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag
U.S. Army Birthday – Sunday, June 14: Two hundred and forty-two years ago, the United States Army was established to defend our nation. The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army on June 14, 1775.
Father’s Day-Sunday, June 21: Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers.
Independence Day – Saturday, July 4 – Holiday observed Friday, July 3. Celebrate our country’s birthday and remember the sacrifices that our patriot ancestor(s) made.
U.S. Coast Guard Birthday-Tuesday, August 4: The Coast Guard, one of the country’s five Armed Services, can trace their history back to 4 August 1790, when Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling.
Chapter Meeting – Tuesday, September 15: Mimi’s Café (Hopefully)
Constitution Day – Thursday, September 17. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens.
Battle of Bunker Hill
Contributed by Kevin Forrest
On June 17, 1775, the British defeated the Americans at the Battle of Bunker Hill on the Charlestown peninsula overlooking Boston. Despite their loss, the Colonial forces managed to inflict significant casualties against the British, before being driven from their positions. The battle provided them with an important confidence boost during the ongoing Siege of Boston, from April 1775-March 1776.
Battle of Bunker Hill: The Colonials prepare for a Fight
On the evening of June 16, 1775, soon after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, American troops learned that the British were planning to send troops from Boston to occupy the hills surrounding the city. Acting on orders from Artemas Ward, colonial militiamen marched to the Charlestown peninsula to build earthen fortifications on Bunker Hill. Due to a misunderstanding, the troops took up positions on the smaller Breed’s Hill, closer to Boston and the British positions.
Battle of Bunker Hill: June 17, 1775
On the morning of June 17, 2,200 British forces under the command of Major General William Howe and Brigadier General Robert Pigot landed on the Charlestown Peninsula and marched to Breed’s Hill. As the British Army advanced in columns against the Americans, Colonel William Prescott reportedly told his men “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” Waiting until the Redcoats were within several dozen yards, the Militiamen let loose with a lethal barrage of musket fire, causing the British to retreat.
The British reformed their lines and attacked again, with similar result. Colonel Prescott’s men were now low on ammunition, and when the British made a third assault, they reached the redoubts and engaged the Americans in hand-to-hand combat. Outnumbered, the American forces retreated. However, by the end of the engagement, the British casualties of the Battle of Bunker Hill were significant. Patriot gunfire had killed 200 and left more than 800 wounded. In comparison, more than 100 Americans perished, and another 300 others were wounded. On July 2, 1775, George Washington would arrive in Cambridge, Massachusetts to take command of the fledgling Continental Army. He realized he had a formidable task ahead to prepare for war with, arguably, the most powerful nation on the planet.
Battle of Bunker Hill: Legacy
The British had won the “Battle of Bunker Hill”, resulting in the Charlestown Peninsula falling firmly under British control. Despite the loss of this strategic position, the battle was a significant morale-builder for the inexperienced American forces. In London, when news arrived, King George was convinced that the situation in the colonies had escalated into an organized uprising that would not easily be quelled. Soon after he would issue the Proclamation of Rebellion.
Citation Information:
Battle of Bunker Hill (https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-bunker-hill)
