President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

Happy New Year!  I hope all of you had a very merry Christmas.  Looking forward to 2020 with goals to increase chapter membership, increase participation in our monthly chapter meetings, providing interesting and relevant speakers at our chapter meetings, adding members to our chapter color guard, participating in more color guard events and increasing our SAR presence thru support of local school presentations.  Thanks to our chapter volunteers we made good progress in supporting these goals in the second half of 2019. 

We are still in need of a ROTC/JROTC committee chairman.  I have the relevant information and can work with whoever steps up to fill this very important position.  The SAR is staunch supporter of ROTC/JROTC and makes awards to worthy cadets at five (5) local high schools. 

You all may have some ideas on how to improve our chapter meetings and operations.  If you do, please share those with me and we will discuss the idea at our next board meeting.   We are always on the lookout for speakers for our monthly chapter meetings.  Maybe one of you has something interesting to share with the membership. 

My wife and I attended the Wreaths Across America ceremony at El Toro Memorial Park on December 14^th.  This is a very moving event where wreaths are placed on every grave of every veteran buried in the cemetery on the same day at the same time as in 1,600 locations across America.  I highly recommend participation in this patriotic event. 

Thank you all for your continued membership in our chapter.  Please promote SAR membership to your friends and acquaintances. 

In compatriotism,

Scott Whitman

Chapter Activities

November Dinner Meeting:  LTC Galo Pesantes of the California Military Department and the California Military Museum Command spoke on the  “Role of the California State Guard to preserve the Military History of our State.” It was an interesting talk and accompanied by some historical weapons from the museum. Here, LTC Pesantes receives our Certificate of Appreciation.

Chapter Registrar, Leon Smith, inducted new member, Thomas Temple into our chapter.  Thomas’s patriot ancestor was John Temple, Jr. who supported American Independence by serving as a Corporal, in the Reading, MA Militia under Captain Easton’s Company, Colonel Green’s Regiment, which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775. We want to welcome Thomas into our chapter and hope to see him at our chapter dinner meetings and functions. Thomas’s son Jason, was inducted into our chapter in October 2019

Congress Award: Jerry Hereford received a Certificate of Appreciation for exemplary service during the NSSAR 129^th Congress this past summer in Costa Mesa.

Two New Members:  We want to welcome two new members to our chapter.  They are William J. Reals, Jr. and his son William Joseph Reals, III.  They recently transferred from the SAR Kansas Society.  We hope to see them at our chapter dinner meetings and functions.

South Coast Chapter Membership:  Our membership has grown.  At the beginning of 2019, our membership was at 40 members.  At the beginning of 2020, our membership was at 55 members.  Our membership comprises of 43 regular members, 6 CASSAR life members, 1 emeritus member, and 5 junior members.  Also, we want to thank everyone for submitting their dues in a timely manner.  It helped with the reconciliation process and ensured that we could submit the required reports by the required due date.

JROTC/ROTC Chairman:  We are still in need of a JROTC/ROTC Chairman.  Minimum effort is required in this position. The JROTC/ROTC Commander at each school (1 college and 6 High Schools) recommends a cadet to our JROTC/ROTC Chairman.  The chairman coordinates with the schools and has the cadets names printed on the SAR provided certificates.

We normally have volunteers that present the certificates and if a volunteer is not available, the certificate/medal is mailed to the JROTC/ROTC Commander for presentation.  All presentations are done in the April to early June time frame.  If you can volunteer for this important position, please contact Chapter President Scott Whitman.

Upcoming Dates and Events

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 20:  This is the day for official observance this year.  His actual birthday is January 15.

January Dinner Meeting-Tuesday, January 21:  See Page 1 for details.

Revolutionary War Reenactment – Saturday and Sunday, February 15-16:

The Huntington Beach Historical Society is proud to host this reenactment of the American Revolution in Huntington Beach Central Park, behind the library, on the site of their annual Civil War Days reenactment.

As always, these events are absolutely free to the public.  For further details please see: https://www.hbhistory.org/revolution.

Lincoln’s Birthday – Wednesday, February 12:  Abraham Lincoln was the 16^th President of the United States.  His birthday is observed on Presidents Day, Monday, February 17.

Valentine’s Day – Friday, February 14:  Remember the flowers, cards, etc. for your loved ones.

Massing of the Colors & Salute to Our Armed Forces – Sunday, February 16:  The largest celebration of its kind in the western United States, 2020 will be the 38th annual celebration of George Washington’s birth sponsored by the Sons of Liberty Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. This upcoming event will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, February 16, 2020, at Hall of Liberty, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles. 

For further details go to the Sons of Liberty Chapter website at:  http://www.sons-of-liberty-sar.org/massing-of-the-colors/

President’s Day – Monday, February 17:  This day is set aside to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln plus all of our former Presidents.

Dinner Meeting – Tuesday, February 18

George Washington’s Birthday – Saturday, February 22^nd:  On this day let’s remember the life and work of George Washington, the first president of the United States.  His birthday is observed on Presidents Day, Monday, February 17.

The Battle of Princeton – January 3, 1977

The Battle of Trenton had been a surprising and a significant victory for the Americans and a crushing defeat for the Hessian army. American morale rose and the patriots were ready to face another conflict, fighting for their independence from British rule. General William Howe sent Lord Charles Cornwallis with a strong military force to destroy the American rebels.

George Washington and the main part of the Continental Army was encamped on the south side of the Assanpink. Lord Charles Cornwallis was positioned on the other bank at Trenton. George Washington left some of his troops to build some fortifications over the Assanpink and led the major force toward Princeton, New Jersey. General Charles Cornwallis had left 1,400 British troops under the command of Lt. Colonel Charles Mawhood in Princeton. George Washington was able to mount a night attack and defeat the British troops at Princeton and get out before General Charles Cornwallis could arrive with reinforcements. George Washington then led his army to the safety of highlands of New Jersey where he set up a winter encampment at Morristown. The weather conditions that winter were terrible but the coming of warmer weather also brought an additional 9,000 soldiers when new troops volunteer to fight. The British abandoned nearly all their posts in New Jersey and retired to New York. The Siege of Fort Stanwix & Battle of Oriskany was the next bloody conflict. General William Howe and General George Washington would fight again at the Battle of Brandywine.

Text Reference: https://www.landofthebrave.info/battle-of-princeton.htm

Unveiling of Grand Union Flag

First National Flag of United States of America

Unveiled by George Washington January 1, 1776

By Hoshie, Yaddah. – Made by Hoshie, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=574763

President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

From November 1-2 I attended the CASSAR Fall Board of Managers meeting representing our chapter as a voting member of the assembly.  This was the second CASSAR meeting that I’ve attended.  The meeting was very informative.  I’m always amazed at the extent of the patriotic recognition programs sponsored by the SAR.  At the awards luncheon on Saturday three (3) of our own chapter members, Leon Smith, Steve Steinberg and Curtis Porter, were recognized for their volunteer efforts at the SAR Congress held last July and were awarded the Bronze Congress Appreciation Medal.   The featured speaker at the luncheon was Melissa Wolking, a CASSAR Valley Forge Teacher award recipient.  She spoke about her trip to Valley Forge and Philadelphia that was sponsored by Freedoms Foundation.

I am very pleased to share the good news with our chapter members that our Color Guard is once again on the march.  Thanks to the efforts of Kevin Forrest, our chapter Color Guard Commander, the South Coast SAR Color Guard presented the colors at the South Orange County California Genealogical Society meeting held at Mission Viejo City Hall.  Shane Gates, a ten year old junior member of our chapter, was the drummer and as you can imagine he was a huge hit.  Another initiative of my presidency is to increase our presence and promote patriotism in our youth by making elementary school presentations to 5^th and 6^th graders studying US History.    Kevin Forrest heard the call to arms so to speak, took the initiative here and made a presentation at a local grade school last month.  Please be on the lookout for grade school speaking engagement opportunities.  

At the Fall Board of Managers meeting I was required to report out on the health of our chapter.  We are on solid ground.  We can always benefit from having new members so please promote our cause whenever the opportunity arises. 

We are still seeking a volunteer to fill the JROTC Committee Chair position.  This is another important chapter function in the promotion of patriotism in our community. 

Coming up on Monday, November 11^th is Veteran’s Day.  One of the most important functions of the SAR is to honor American service men and women. Our patriot ancestors who supported the cause of the Revolutionary War were the very first veterans.  Let us all take a moment to reflect on the importance of the men and women who served our country and protected our freedoms.

The chapter meeting on Tuesday, November 19^th will be the last one for 2019.  I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

In compatriotism,

Scott Whitman

Chapter Activities

Chapter Registrar, Leon Smith, inducted new member, Jason Temple into our chapter.  Jason’s patriot ancestor was John Temple, Jr. who supported American Independence by serving as a Corporal, in the Reading, MA Militia under Captain Easton’s Company, Colonel Green’s Regiment, which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775. We want to welcome Jason to our chapter and hope to see him at our dinner meetings.

In addition to inducting a new member, Leon Smith presented to Kevin Forrest two supplemental certificates for his patriot ancestors Jesse Nichols and Samuel Flint.  Patriot Jesse Nichols supported American Independence by serving as a Private under Captain Foster and Colonel Whitcomb of the Massachusetts Line.  Patriot Samuel Flint supported American Independence by serving as a Captain under Colonels Timothy Pickering, Samuel Wyllys, Henry Herrick and Samuel Johnson in Massachusetts. 

These are Kevin’s 3^rd and 4^th supplemental certificates.

October Dinner Meeting

Paul Spitzzeri, Historian and Director at the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum gave a very interesting presentation on the history of these American pioneer families in Southern California.  The tale began with the arrival of New England native John Temple in San Diego in 1827.  He later moved to Los Angeles and established the first American style store there.  Englishman William Workman arrived in the area via Missouri and New Mexico in 1841 and the families intermarried.  They have a long history here in Southern California.  Also, our compatriot, Jason Temple, is a descendant of this family.   Below, Paul receives a Certificate of Appreciation from President Scott Whitman and Registrar Leon Smith.

State and National SAR News

CASSAR Fall Board of Managers Meeting

This meeting was held in Irvine on Nov 1-2.  In this event three of our members received the Bronze Congress Appreciation Medal in recognition of their volunteer efforts for the National Congress last July:  Leon Smith, Steve Steinberg and Curtis Porter.

In addition, Leon Smith was acknowledged as a Fellow by the George Washington Endowment Fund with a certificate and Gold Lapel pin.

Upcoming Dates and Events

Veterans Day – Monday, November 11: This is the special day to remember those who served and fought in defense of our country.

November Dinner Meeting – Tuesday, November 19:  7PM, Mimi’s Cafe, Lake Forest

Thanksgiving Day – Thurs, November 28:  Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.  We are grateful for the many blessings that we have as Americans.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – Saturday, December 7^th: Let’s remember and honor those who lost their lives on December 7th, 1941.

Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25^th. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.  Please remember our servicemen and women who cannot be home because they are defending our country.

New Year’s Day- Wednesday, January 1^st:  Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

January Dinner Meeting – Tuesday, January 21, 2020: 7PM, Mimi’s Cafe, Lake Forest

South Coast Chapter Classroom Presentation

By Kevin Forrest – South Coast Chapter Color Guard Commander

On Halloween morning, the South Coast Chapter Color Guard provided an interactive Revolutionary War presentation, at the Inspire Charter School in Laguna Niguel, for the 5th-8^th grades. The students were given an overview of important dates and events that led to the birth of our country.

The discussion began with the displeasure concerning taxation, starting in the 1760’s, and how this grew into the open rebellion that started with the opening shots at Lexington & Concord. We discussed the desperate early days of the war and how the support of countries like France and Spain soon turned the tide in the favor of the Americans.

Drumming Up Troops

Enlisting a New Marine

Learning About Flags of the Revolution

After the discussion, the students got to try out the various items and ask more questions until our time concluded. The only disappointment was that they felt our time was too short.

President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

October was a significant month in the history of the Revolutionary War.  There was the Proclamation of 1763 issued by George III which prohibited all settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains without guarantees of security from local Native American nations. The intervention in colonial affairs offended the thirteen colonies’ claim to the exclusive right to govern lands to their west.  It was in October 1765 that the colony’s declared the Stamp Act unconstitutional as it was a tax levied without their consent.  Then, in October 1768 the British troops arrived in Boston in response to political unrest. 

As mentioned previously we are still in need of Color Guard members.  Our first Color Guard event since reorganizing is coming up on October 19^th at the South Orange County Genealogical Society in Mission Viejo.  So, if you feel a calling to support this very important chapter function please contact me or Kevin Forrest.  We still need a volunteer to fill the JROTC Committee Chair position.  This is another important chapter function in the promotion of patriotism in our community.

The California Society Sons of the American Revolution 144^th Fall Board of Managers meeting is coming up on November 1-2 and it’s being held right in our own backyard at the Wyndham Irvine Hotel.  Our chapter plans to have representatives at the meeting. 

In compatriotism,

Scott Whitman

Chapter Activities

Chapter Registrar, Leon Smith, inducted new member, Matthew Ricketts into our chapter.  Matthew’s patriot ancestor was Anthony Ricketts who supported American Independence by Signing the Oath of Allegiance in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Matthews wife, Laura, was present at the dinner meeting. We want to welcome Matthew to our chapter and hope to see him at our dinner meetings.

L to R: Matthew Rickets and Leon Smith

In addition to inducting a new member, Leon Smith presented to Kevin Forrest two supplemental certificates for his patriot ancestors Timothy Kennard and Isaac Pierce. Patriot Timothy Kennard supported the American Independence by serving as a Private under Captain S. Leighton in Colonel E. Francis’ Regiment in 1776 and served as a Private under Captain Silas Burbank in the 12^th Massachusetts Continental Infantry in 1777.      

Patriot Isaac Pierce supported the American Independence by serving as a Private in Captain John Haraden’s Company, Colonel Ebeneezer Bridge’s Regiment and as a Private in Captain Joshua Walker’s Company, Colonel David Greene’s Regiment (2^nd Middlesex Company).

L to R: Kevin Forrest and Leon Smith

Sept Dinner Meeting: We were treated to tales of peril and adventure by whalers on the Southern California coast by guest speaker and Nautical Historian Bob Minty.  In addition to anecdotes on the whaling industry and life aboard ship, we were introduced to myriad artifacts and (scary) devices from the whaling period.  Below, Bob receives a Certificate of Appreciation from President Scott Whitman.

L to R: Steve Steinberg, Bob Minty, and Scott Whitman

State and National SAR News

The CASSAR 144th Fall Board of Managers meeting is being held 1-2 November at the Wyndham Irvine Hotel in Irvine and is being hosted by the Orange County Chapter.  See CASSAR website for more details.

Upcoming Dates and Events

U.S. Navy Birthday – Sunday, October 13:  The United States Navy traces its origins to the Continental Congress Navy, which the Continental Congress established on 13 October 1775.

October Dinner Meeting – Tuesday, October 15:  See Page 1 for details.

U.S. Marine Corps Birthday-Sunday, November 10:  A committee of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern to draft a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore.  The resolution was approved on November 10, 1775 officially forming the “Continental Marines.”

Veteran’s Day – Monday, November 11:  This is the special day to remember those who served and fought in the defense of our country.

November Dinner Meeting-Tuesday, November 19^th

History of the Continental Marines (1775 – 1783)

In October of 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized the acquisition, and manning of two vessels for the Continental Navy. Then on November 10^th 1775, The Continental Marine Act of 1775 decreed;

That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant-Colonels, two Majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines.

While it was intended that these battalions were to be drawn from the Continental Army, and used for a planned invasion of Nova Scotia, only the First Battalion was formed by December when British and Hessian reinforcements in Nova Scotia made the amphibious invasion impossible.

The Naval Committee published the Continental Marines uniform regulations on September 5, 1776 that specified the following;

Green coats with white facings (lapels, cuffs, and coat lining), and a black leather high collar to protect against cutlass slashes and to keep a man’s head erect.

It is thought that the green color was selected as it was plentiful in Philadelphia, and it served to distinguish Marines from the Blue coats of the Continental Army and Navy. Also, Sam Nicholas’s hunting club wore green uniforms and hence his recommendation to the committee was for green.

Washington was reluctant to support this and suggested recruitment be made in Philadelphia and New York. Legend has it that the first recruiting post was at a Tavern in Philadelphia, making the Marines the only branch of the armed forces “started” in a bar. The Tun Tavern is often named as the “birthplace” although it is more likely to have been the Conestoga Wagon which was owned by the family of Captain Samuel Nichols, the only Commandant of the Continental Marines.

In December 1775 the initial 5 companies joined the Continental Navy as it headed for the Caribbean. The Battle of Nassau, March 1776, marked the first amphibious invasion by American troops. After 13 Days the Marines had captured 2 forts, the Government House, occupied Nassau and captured large stores of supplies.

In December 1776, a detachment of Marines were sent to Trenton to reinforce Washington’s troops, though their arrival was delayed for the Battle of Trenton, they did provide assistance in the American victory at Princeton. Marines continued to serve alongside the Continental Army thru the end of the war. The shipboard Marines continued to support naval engagements with the successful taking of various prize ships and an “invasion” of the British Isles.

In June 1785, as the Continental Navy and Marines were disbanded, the last official act of the Marines was to escort French crowns, loaned from Louis XVI, from Boston to Philadelphia to enable the opening of the Bank of North America. While the United States Marine Corp was re-established in 1798, they still mark their inception as November 10, 1775.

References

1.  Hoffman, Jon T. (2002). USMC: A Complete History. New York City, New York: Universe Publishing.
2. Abbot, Willis J. (1890). The Naval History of the United States. New York: Peter Fenelon Collier.
3. Millet, Allan R. (1991). Semper Fidelis: The History of the United States Marine Corps. New York City, New York: The Free Press. ISBN 1-59114-790-5.
4. Journal of the Continental Congress (9–10 Nov 1775), Committee on Nova Scotia: Proposals; NDAR, II: 972, 957–958.
5. Jackson, John W. (1974). The Pennsylvania Navy, 1775–1781. New Brunswick City, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press.

President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

Hope you all had a nice summer.  It’s hard to believe the summer is over and it’s already September.  Last month, August, the South Coast Chapter enjoyed another wonderful potluck/BBQ at the Weddell’s home.  We are grateful to Paul and Renee for volunteering to once again host the event (10 years running).  Thanks to Kurt and Linda Camp for barbequing the burgers, hot dogs and chicken kabobs.  Thanks also to their family and neighbors for helping to decorate the yard, and the setup and teardown of the chairs, tables, etc. 

In June the California Society hosted the Annual NSSAR Congress held in Costa Mesa.  Several of our chapter members volunteered to man the Registration Table.  Curtis Porter was the San Juan Capistrano Tour Lead.  Bunny Smith and I were in Colonial and Revolutionary dress and greeted the attendees flying into John Wayne airport.  Steve Steinberg and Leon Smith were nominated by the CASSAR to receive the Bronze Sam Adams Congress Appreciation Medal in recognition of their volunteer efforts.  I attended the Congress representing the South Coast Chapter as a voting delegate.  It was my first experience and very interesting.  There were business meetings during the day and formal banquets on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.  The CASSAR hosted a yacht cruise around Newport harbor for the Congress attendees and their guests.  The CASSAR was highly praised for their efforts in hosting and organizing the Congress.  Some commented that it was the best Congress ever. 

We are still in need of Color Guard members so if you feel a calling to support this very important chapter function please contact me or Kevin Forrest.  Thanks to Jeremy Paye for volunteering to relieve Paul Weddell as the chapter treasurer.  We now need a volunteer to fill the JROTC Committee Chair position as Maynard Rains is stepping down due to work priorities. 

Looking forward to seeing you at our September chapter meeting.

In compatriotism,

Scott Whitman

Chapter Activities

Chapter Potluck Dinner:  On Tuesday, August 20^th we had our annual chapter potluck dinner.  A special thanks to Paul and Renee Weddell for hosting the potluck dinner and to Kurt and Linda Camp for helping with the set up. In addition to chapter members and their guests attending, in attendance were CASSAR Vice President South Brian Stephens and his wife Diane and NSSAR Color Guard Commander James Fosdyck and his wife Un Hui Yi.

At these annual BBQ dinner events, a Revolutionary War event or individual is highlighted and details about the individual or event is provided.  This years’ Revolutionary War individual highlighted was Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, together with his counterpart Michael Kovats de Fabriczy has been called “the father of the American Calvary”. Pictures of the event are shown below:

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A fine time was had by all!

Chapter Registrar, Leon Smith, inducted two new members, Aaron Cash and Scott Davis, into our chapter.  Aaron Cash’s patriot ancestor was Nathan Warner who served as a Corporal in Captain Joseph Raymond’s Company, Colonel Israel Chapin’s Regiment, Massachusetts.  Scott Davis’s patriot ancestor was George Teagarden who supported the American Revolution by Paying the Supply Tax, Pennsylvania.  We want to welcome both Aaron Cash and Scott Davis to our chapter and hope to see them at our dinner meetings.

South Coast Color Guard

Compatriots, the South Coast Chapter is looking for members that are interested in joining the Color Guard. Our goal is to have 4-5 standing members with some alternates, as we will need to have at least 3 members present to take part in any official events. 

We currently have 3 members, but would like to add a couple more to our ranks Anyone interested in joining or if there are any questions, please feel free to contact Kevin Forrest or Webmaster.

State and National SAR News

The CASSAR 144th Fall Board of Managers meeting is being held 1-2 November at the Wyndham Irvine Hotel in Irvine and is being hosted by the Orange County Chapter.  See CASSAR website for more details.

Upcoming Dates and Events

Constitution Day-Tuesday, September 17:  Tuesday, September 17, is the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.  Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.

September Dinner Meeting-Tuesday, September 17:  See page 1 for details.

U.S. Air Force Birthday-Wednesday, September 18:  We salute our members who served in the U.S. Air Force.  The Air Force is the youngest of all five services. It became a separate service on Sept. 18, 1947 after President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947.

SOCCGS Family History Seminar-Saturday, October 19:  The South Orange County California Genealogy Society is having their annual Family History Seminar in Mission Viejo.

The guest speaker is Dr. Fritz Juengling, Accredited Genealogist through ICAPGen for a variety on European regions.  The topic of his all-day presentation is “Reinventing Your Genealogical Research”.

Details for this event can be found on SOCCGS’s web site:

www.soccgs.org

Annual 2019 NSSAR Congress

The South Coast Chapter was well represented at the Congress, held in Costa Mesa and hosted by CASSAR.  Here are some pictures of our members and friends.

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