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

President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

First and foremost, it was great to see those of you who attended our January dinner meeting and I extend my appreciation to John Ferris and Brandon Villardi for attending the meeting.

2026 will be a year of opportunities to spread the awareness of SAR as we continue toward America’s 250th anniversary. Please take advantage of this milestone to spread awareness of our chapter throughout the communities we serve. An easy way to do that is through the presentation of flag certificates to those neighbors who proudly and regularly display the American Flag. If someone comes to mind please contact Jim Hernandez who keeps our inventory of certificates.

Reflecting on events leading to the Revolutionary War that occurred in February, most notably the Stamp Act (passed Feb. 17, 1765) comes to mind. The act imposed a direct tax on the colonies, leading to the rallying cry of “no taxation without representation”. The subsequent boycott against British goods lead to the repeal of the Act a year later.

Those February events highlighted the growing tensions between American colonies and Great Britain, setting the stage for further conflict that would eventually lead to the Revolutionary War. The Stamp Act and its repeal were pivotal moments that galvanized colonial resistance and unity against British policies.

I hope you join your fellow chapter compatriots for dinner at our February meeting, although I regret I won’t be able to join you due to out-of-state travel at that time. I’ll see you again in March, but in the interim wish you all good health and much joy.

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels