October 2024

President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

In September it was great to gather once more following our 3- month summer break.  For those that did not attend our dinner meeting, Peter Small joined us in character as Thomas Jefferson.  Peter’s re-enactment of Jefferson allowed me to reflect on my tour of Jefferson’s Monticello plantation a few years ago.  It was incredible to learn more about Jefferson and his life and I found it very humbling to walk through the home and grounds of our third president.  The man spoke English, French, Italian and Latin, and he read Ancient Greek and Spanish, with some knowledge of German and Dutch.  I have enough trouble with my native language of English.

Our Chapter continues to progress through The America 250 Program. In September three of our members were awarded the bronze America 250 medal.  If you attend a chapter meeting and listen to the America 250 Minute then you receive 3 points toward the 25 point level required for earning the Bronze Medal.  We have had numerous members qualify for the bronze medal, a few have been awarded the silver medal, and four chapter members have reached the gold medal level.

October 7th marks the 161st anniversary of the second in the Battles of Saratoga.  The battles were significant in that they were a turning point in the American Revolution. The victories convinced France that the Americans could hold their own against the British Army, leading to the alliance between America and France. Moreover, the victories persuaded Spain and the Netherlands to support the American cause against Britain.  The financial and military support of those countries were a critical hinge in our ultimate success in establishing independence from Britain.  Several patriot ancestors of our chapter membership fought in those battles.

Our October dinner meeting speaker will be Bryan Horseman, Chairman of the Honor Flight Southland.  Honor Flight’s mission is to safely transport veterans from WW2, Korea and Vietnam to Washington DC for a weekend of reflection and honor at the memorials built in their honor.

As always, thank you all for your patriotism and your membership in the SAR. I look forward to seeing you all at the October 15th chapter meeting.  

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels

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