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

President’s Message

Greetings Compatriots,

One of the initiatives of the CASSAR associated with the America 250 campaign is to have an America 250 Minute.  So, here’s the America 250 Minute for this month.  It was on May 10, 1775, that the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with John Hancock elected president. Also on May 10, 1775, American forces led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured Fort Ticonderoga and its artillery in New York. On May 15, 1775, the Second Continental Congress placed the colonies in a state of defense.

May 30th is Memorial Day.  Let us all take time to honor those who served and sacrificed their lives while fighting in the U.S. Armed Forces.  This includes my mother’s brother and my father’s brother who both died in the line of duty during WWII.  It’s a holiday steeped in somber American history and tradition. The holiday began as “Decoration Day,” following the Civil War, when mourners placed flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. 

The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute to honor those who died in service to the United States.

As your Chapter President I attended the 147th Annual Meeting of the California Society held April 21-23 in downtown Sacramento.  As at most of these meetings I came back with a few ideas to enhance our own chapter which I will be sharing with the board members at our next board meeting.  

Hope all is well with you and yours.  Hope to see you at our next chapter meeting, Tuesday, May 17th at Mimi’s in Irvine.  

In patriotism,

R. Scott Whitman