President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

It was great to see many of you at our October dinner meeting as we heard from compatriot Al Rattan on his research approach obtaining patriot ancestor information as well as his authorship relative to that process. During our November dinner meeting we will meet and greet President Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by film and television actor and professional re-enactor Robert Broski. I hope you will join us at that last dinner meeting of 2026.

November 11th is Veterans Day, which is set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military although largely intended to thank living veterans for their service. Please join me in honoring those who have served.

Also remember Wreaths Across America is coming up in December. I encourage you to participate in the program, whether that be through the donation of one or more wreaths and/or placing those wreaths on the graves of veterans. Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Our color guard will be at El Toro Memorial Park on Saturday, December 19th. You can sponsor one or more
wreaths through the website wreathsacrossamerica.org.

As always, thank you all for your patriotism and your membership in the SAR. Please know you and your membership are important to us.

Please remember we will not have a December dinner meeting. In patriotism,

Barry Michaels

President’s Message

Dear Compatriots

It was great seeing you again at our September dinner meeting.  It was nice to see so many new members inducted that evening and I’m pleased to report our chapter membership has grown to more than 125 as of that dinner.  It is heartwarming to interact with new members as they honor their patriot ancestors.

Please remember all are invited to attend the 151^st California SAR Board of Managers meeting in San Francisco this coming November.  Kevin Forest, Scott Whitman and I will attend and we’d love to have you join us.  The meetings are striving to add more “fun” time going forward.  If you join us you will have the opportunity to join a historic tour of Alcatraz as well as an evening dinner cruise around the bay.

Reflecting on significant revolutionary war events, October 7th marks the 161st anniversary of the second Battle 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.

Please join us at our October dinner meeting.

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels

President’s Message

Welcome back from our summer break! I look forward to seeing you at our September 15th dinner meeting.

This summer was busting at the seams with opportunities to exhibit our patriotism as the nation celebrated its 250th birthday. I hope you had fun celebrating that awesome milestone. As detailed elsewhere in this newsletter, our color guard was active throughout the summer.

Leon Smith, our Registrar, has been busy and we will be able to recognize a number of new members and approved supplementals this fall. I extend my congratulations and welcome to all new members and encourage you to speak with me or one of the other officers about opportunities to join any number of committees. We can use your time and talent in achieving our chapter goals and I can guarantee you will be rewarded with better connectivity to your patriot ancestor.

Three committees need one or more volunteers now. First we need an editor for our newsletter to work beside and learn from our current editor, Bruce Deaner, who needs to pass the baton in a few months due to personal reasons.

Secondly, we need to rebuild our youth program committee. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) sponsors several annual awards programs that allow students and educators to become more involved and engaged in the American Revolutionary period. These awards encourage civic responsibility and duty, creative and effective teaching practices for the classroom, and a deeper understanding of the complicated issues surrounding the war for American independence. Please consider taking a chapter leadership role in creating awareness and participation in these opportunities within our local communities.

Awards of interest include:

• Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest
• Sgt. Moses Adams Middle School Brochure Contest
• High School Essay Contest
• Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest
• CAR Activity Award

National winners of three of those programs receive a cash award.

Last but not least, we’re establishing a committee to recognize outstanding first responders from the communities served by our chapter. Please contact me to discuss the various programs and how you can assist.

Finally, just a reminder that September starts our process for renewing annual membership in the chapter, state and national societies. The state has moved up our timeline to complete the process so you will be receiving renewal details soon.

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels

President’s message

Dear Compatriots,

As a reminder the chapter does not meet in the months of June, July or August. This means that the next time we meet will be on Tuesday, September 15th.

In looking ahead June 14th is both the 251st anniversary of the birth of the U.S. Army as well as Flag Day, so please display a flag on this day. June 15th marks the 251st anniversary of John Adams nominating George Washington as General and Commander-in-Chief. Of course, July 4th marks the 250th anniversary of our declaration of independence from England. It has been heartwarming to see the ramp up across the media in recognizing America 250 and I’m proud to note that our chapter has been active in promoting that significant milestone throughout our community. Please continue to promote patriotism in your community and social circles. Also, please consider awarding a Flag Certificate to a local neighbor or business who proudly displays the American flag. Contact Jim Hernandez or me if you have a candidate to receive a certificate.

This summer please consider stepping up to lead our youth program committee. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) sponsors several annual awards programs that allow students and educators to become more involved and engaged in the American Revolutionary period. These awards encourage civic responsibility and duty, creative and effective teaching practices for the classroom, and a deeper understanding of the complicated issues surrounding the war for American independence. Please consider taking a chapter leadership role in creating awareness and participation in these opportunities within our local communities. Contact me or any other member of our Board to explore involvement in these meaningful programs. An overview of the programs may be found at: Youth Brochure-Large.pub

Awards of interest include:

• Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest

• Sgt. Moses Adams Middle School Brochure Contest

• George S & Stella M Knight Essay Contest

• Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest

• CAR Activity Award

National winners of three of those programs receive a cash award. Wishing you all a terrific, safe summer.

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels