President’s Message

Greetings Compatriots,

November 11th is Veteran’s Day where the SAR and the nation celebrates and honors its veterans. As a patriot society whose members trace their ancestry to a person who supported the cause of the Revolutionary war, the SAR honors the first veterans of the United States of America.  

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day to celebrate the end of World War I. Beginning in 1919, the country acknowledged the end of the war on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 am.  Businesses at that time were to stop operating for two minutes in a moment  of silence. Unfortunately, World War I was not the war to end all wars; President Eisenhower signed a proclamation changing Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day. We now honor veterans who fought for the USA and our freedoms in WW I, WW II, Korea, Vietnam, and the wars in the Middle East. 

It’s that time of the year again.  Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 6th.  Remember to set your clocks back one hour.

In the past several years the South Coast Chapter has supported the Wreaths Across America event which is also a sanctioned SAR event.  There is information provided in this website on how you can contribute to the cause by purchasing wreaths.  The South Coast Color Guard will be at El Toro Memorial Park at 9am on December 17th to present the colors and assist in the placement of wreaths on the gravesites of the veterans buried there.  You are all welcome to join us and I can assure you that you will be blessed by doing so

We are dark in December (no meeting or newsletter) so I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  

In Compatriotism,

R. Scott Whitman

President, South Coast Chapter

President’s Message

Greetings Compatriots,

It was great resuming our in-person chapter meetings after being dark during the summer months.  We met in Mimi’s Irvine Bistro Room which is a little bit roomier but also a bit noisier as it is closer to the kitchen.  Thanks to our members and guests who attended and supported our September SAR chapter meeting.  The guest speaker, Ellen Bell, provided an informative talk on the history of the Irvine Ranch.

Our chapter membership is increasing which is a blessing considering the COVID times and a struggling economy.  For those of you who are new members please consider volunteering your time to assist with the chapter duties. We are always looking for additional Color Guard members.  Contact a board member or myself you would like to share your time and skills for the benefit of the chapter.

Thank you all for your membership in the SAR and support of its patriotic mission.  Please consider attending our October chapter meeting on October 18^th.  

In compatriotism,

R. Scott Whitman

President’s Message

Greetings Compatriots,

Thankfully, the COVID has settled down and it was possible to enjoy a near normal summer this year.  We will resume our monthly chapter meetings on Tuesday, September 20th at Mimi’s in Irvine at 7pm.  I did contact the COVID in early June but the symptoms were mild thanks to being vaccinated and boosted. Hope all of you were able to maintain your health during these weird and trying times.  I have a nice set of face masks which I hope I will never have to use again.

The success of the chapter is dependent upon its volunteers, and our chapter is served by some fine gentlemen.  We still need some more Color Guard members. Please let me know if you have desire to present the colors at local patriotic events or march in local parades.  Color Guard is a great way to make our presence known in the local community.   

Thank you all for your patriotism and your membership in the SAR.  Looking forward to seeing you all at the September chapter meeting.  

In patriotism,

R. Scott Whitman

President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

As we head into summer the South Coast Chapter will not meet again as a group until September. The next newsletter will be issued around the first week of September with details of the September meeting. The OC Chapter has invited our chapter members to participate in their annual picnic on Saturday, August 13th at Mile Square Park. See additional details later on in the newsletter. I attended this picnic last year and plan to do so again this year.

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. So, please proudly fly your flag on Tuesday, June 14th.

Wishing you all a safe, enjoyable and COVID free summer. My wife and I just tested positive for COVID even though we are both vaccinated and boosted. Symptoms are mild. So, stay safe remain diligent.

In patriotism,
R. Scott Whitman