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

President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

May is a very meaningful month for SAR, one that is filled with important commemorative times including Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Mother’s Day. Armed Forces Day, which falls this year on Saturday, May 16, honors our active-duty service members and their ongoing efforts to serve and protect our nation. Later in the month we will observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, calling upon us to remember our heroes who have served our nation and given their lives in its defense. Finally, May is the time we observe Mother’s Day, which this year falls on Sunday, May 10. This is the time for celebrating the love, encouragement, guidance and inspiration given to us by our mothers. While my mother and mother-in-law are no longer living, I am grateful for their many contributions to my life as well as the support provided by my wife Denise.

As we observe these very important occasions this month, let us continue to live the mission statement of SAR, promoting patriotism and honoring our patriot ancestors through serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our country.

I look forward to seeing you at our May dinner meeting.

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels

President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

The shot heard around the world; April 19th  marks the 250th anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, a pivotal event that set our nation on a path to independence.  One of my patriot ancestors answered the call for Massachusetts minutemen at the battle of Lexington, as no doubt did the ancestors of many of you.  

Evidently, I didn’t pay enough attention in school as until I joined SAR I viewed our war of independence as being primarily focused on the eastern seaboard, from Virginia north.  I wasn’t aware of the assistance of Spain, the full extent of the involvement of France nor the extent of involvement of those from Ireland or of Irish descent.

This past couple weeks I had the pleasure of spending time along the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina, and had the opportunity to expand my awareness of certain aspects of the battles and efforts of patriots and loyalists in those states.  Previously I had no idea why South Carolina had included a palmetto tree on its state flag (following its declaration of secession from the Union). The palmetto was important in reference to a battle with the British in 1776.  In building a new fort on Sullivan’s Island the colonists used sand faced with palmetto logs.  With only two walls constructed, the British Fleet faced off against the fort in a 16-hour battle on June 28, 1776.  Palmetto logs are certainly fibrous, but about 70% water.  When the British canon balls hit the logs they simply bounced off and did very little damage.  The colonists, in fact, collected the canon balls and shot them back at the fleet.  Frustrated, the British fleet left, saving Charleston from conquest for four years.

On April 24th and 25th the California Society will hold its annual meeting in Visalia.  Even if you are not registered you are welcome to sit in on the business meetings, where it is a great opportunity to learn what is going on in other chapters across the state.  Please Join Scott Whitman, Kevin Forrest and me at the meeting.

I look forward to seeing you at our April dinner meeting.

In patriotism,
Barry Michaels

President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

This month we can look forward to the first day of Spring on March 20 and St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. I can’t say I look forward to an hour less sleep when daylight savings goes into effect on March 8.

As I’ve mentioned previously, CASSAR President Ferris is encouraging all chapters to actively promote awareness of SAR through the presentation of Flag Certificates. Historically we have presented a few each year but we can do much better. Please join me in identifying neighbors who proudly and regularly display the American Flag, and presenting them with one of our certificates. If each of us presented only one certificate we could stand tall among our fellow chapters. Compatriot Jim Hernandez presented this year’s first Flag Certificate to a local business owner. Let’s all look for worthy recipients in our area.

I look forward to seeing you at our March dinner meeting.

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels