Presidents’s Message
Dear Compatriots,
I sincerely hope this message finds that you all are safe and not adversely impacted by the COVID. As for myself I am in the virtual waiting room to get my COVID vaccine. The chapter still needs to refrain from social gathering so once again we will hold a Zoom chapter meeting on Tuesday, February 16th. Hope you can find the time to connect to the virtual meeting. For the dinner “speaker” part of the meeting agenda we have been showing short YouTube videos that have American Revolution significance.
We start off this month with a new POTUS and are in anticipation of how our lives will be impacted by the new administration. Now more than ever we need organizations like the Sons of the American Revolution to keep promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and teaching American history to future generations. Truly hard to believe that the San Francisco Board of Education voted last month to remove the names of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other iconic Americans from the city’s public schools.
On February 15th we honor President’s Day. Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is on February 12th and George Washington’s birthday is on February 22nd. Let’s take a moment out of our busy lives to reflect on the contributions of these great men. In its modern form, Presidents’ Day is used by many patriotic and historical groups as a date for staging celebrations, reenactments and other events. A number of states also require that their public schools spend the days leading up to Presidents’ Day teaching students about the accomplishments of the presidents, often with a focus on the lives of Washington and Lincoln.
This month our Color Guard would normally be supporting the Massing of the Colors event at Forest Lawn cemetery in Los Angeles. Sadly, the event is canceled due to the pandemic. Looking forward to when we will be able to march again.
Praying that you all remain safe and stay healthy.
In patriotism,
R. Scott Whitman
February 16 Chapter Zoom Meeting
Tuesday, February 16 at 7:00 PM
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we will be conducting our monthly meetings using Zoom teleconferencing for a while. Our next meeting is on the third Tuesday, February 16 at 7:00 PM.
Members will be emailed a meeting link, meeting ID and passcode.
Upcoming Dates and Events.
Lincoln’s Birthday – Friday, February 12: Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States. His birthday is observed on Presidents Day, Monday, February 15.
Valentine’s Day – Sunday, February 14: Remember the flowers, cards, etc. for your loved ones.
Massing of the Colors & Salute to Our Armed Forces – Canceled this year. Usually held at Hall of Liberty, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles.
President’s Day – Monday, February 15: This day is set aside to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln plus all of our former Presidents.
Chapter Zoom Meeting – Tuesday, February 16
George Washington’s Birthday – Monday, February 22nd: On this day let’s remember the life and work of George Washington, the first president of the United States. His birthday is observed on Presidents Day, Monday, February 15.
Genealogy BASH – Saturday, March 6: The Orange County California Genealogy Society is having a virtual genealogy seminar on Saturday, March 6 from 11:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. (The Book Faire is canceled this year.) The guest speaker is forensic investigator and research expert Michael L. Strauss, AG. Topics covered will be: (1) Women’s Suffrage: Their Rights, Roles, & Limitations; (2) Reconstructing the Past: Dealing with Military Record Loss; (3) Influenza: The Twentieth Century’s Deadliest Pandemic; and (4) Decoding Secret Societies: Researching your Fraternal Ancestors.
There is a fee to attend the virtual seminar. Visit OCCGS website for details: https://www.occgs.com .
Dinner (Zoom) Meeting – Tuesday, March 16: Likely another virtual meeting due to COVID pandemic.
SAR PRS Progress:
The Patriot Research System (PRS) has become a useful tool for recruiting new members; we have connected 100% of our current (1985-Jul 2020) membership to their patriot and transcribed 69.4% of the applications for the same group.
PRS Chairman’s List – Most applications transcribed by society (+/- sign shows change from last month)
- Texas 7872 + 367
- California 6575 + 955
- Florida 5862 + 316
- Ohio 5406 + 478
- Georgia 4348 + 742
- North Carolina 3629 – 1
- Virginia 3542 + 288
- Pennsylvania 3532 + 449
- South Carolina 2789 – 1
- Indiana 2681
- Arizona 2348 + 4
- Maryland 2318