President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

Hope you all had an enjoyable summer.  It was milder than usual, for the most part, except for a couple of short heat spells.  As a tradition, the chapter did not hold meetings during the summer months.  But we will resume our monthly chapter meetings on Tuesday, September 19^th at Mimi’s in Irvine at 7pm

During the summer the chapter presented several Flag Certificates to local businesses who proudly fly the American flag.  You can read more about it in the newsletter.  Maybe you are aware of a business or neighbor who proudly displays the American flag.  Please consider awarding them a Flag Certificate.  

The America 250 Program is in full swing marching towards July 4, 2026.  If you attend a chapter meeting and listen to the America 250 Minute then you receive 3 points.  After attending 9 meetings you will qualify for award of the bronze medal.  Several chapter members have reached the bronze medal level, several have been awarded the silver medal.  There are two (2) chapter members, Kevin Forrest and I, who have reached the gold medal level.  

It is with great honor that I announce the appointment of Jim Hernandez as Chairman of the JROC/ROTC Program.  The chapter supports several local schools and honors worthy cadets with medals and certificates.  Jim, being retired military, is a natural to interface with the JROTC/ROTC instructors.  Jim succeeds Kevin Forrest who did an outstanding job for the chapter. 

The two-year, 2022-23 term is coming to an end in December.  The chapter will hold an election in November to determine the Board of Directors for the next term, 2024-25.  The success of the chapter is wholly dependent upon its volunteers. Perhaps one of you has thought about serving on the Board in some capacity.  Please reach out to me if you have a desire to serve in this very worthwhile, patriotic organization. It is a certainty that we need more patriotism in the USA.  

Our Color Guard can use some more members and we can likely outfit you in a uniform from our inventory.  This is the SAR South Coast chapter’s primary face in the community.  The Color Guard presents the colors at local patriotic events and marches in local parades. It is a good feeling to participate in these events and our presence is always well received. 

As always, 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 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 19^th.  

In looking ahead June 14^th is Flag Day so please display a flag on this day.  Of course, July 4^th is Independence Day which is the reason there is a Sons of the American Revolution organization.  Please do your part 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 me if you have a candidate to receive a certificate.  

Wishing you all a wonderful, safe summer.  

In compatriotism,

R. Scott Whitman

President’s message

Greetings Compatriots,

The chapter celebrated its 40^th anniversary last month at the April chapter meeting.  We are thankful to the gentlemen who had the foresight and took the initiative to establish the South Coast Chapter.

Later in this newsletter I will provide details of what transpired at the CASSAR 148^th Annual Meeting held in Costa Mesa.  The chapter won a number of awards, and I am extremely proud of our standing in the CASSAR.  

The chapter is making good progress supporting the NSSAR and CASSAR America 250 campaign.  Those in attendance at our chapter meetings and hearing the America 250 Minute receive points toward the award of a medal.  CASSAR is keen on the award of Flag Certificates.  Let’s do our part and make some awards.  A local business, friend or neighbor who flies the American Flag with pride is worthy of receiving this certificate.  Please contact me if you have any questions.  

In looking ahead, May 29^th 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.  As some of you know this includes my mother’s brother and my father’s brother who both died in the line of duty during WWII.  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.

Wishing you a wonderful no-COVID summer.  Hope to see you at our next chapter meeting, Tuesday, May 16^th at Mimi’s in Irvine.  Also please remember that there are no chapter meetings during the summer and the next meeting after May is on September 19^th.

In compatriotism,

R. Scott Whitman

President, South Coast Chapter

President’s Message

Greetings Compatriots,

In this month in American history … the Boston Massacre took place on March 5, 1770, 253 years ago.  The British levied duties on lead, glass, paper, paint, and tea upon their arrival in colonial ports.  The colonists gathered in Boston to protest the duties. There was a skirmish between British troops and the crowd in Boston. After provocation by the colonists, British soldiers fired on the mob and killed five men. The incident was widely publicized by Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and others as a battle for American liberty, and it contributed to the unpopularity of the British in the years leading up to the American Revolution.  

As a reminder for you all, Spring begins on March 20^th.  St. Patrick’s Day is March 17^th and Daylight savings time starts March 12^th.    The chapter Color Guard unit will be marching in the Patriot’s Day parade in Laguna Beach on Saturday, March 4^th. 

Last month your chapter Color Guard supported the Massing of the Colors and Salute to our Armed Forces event held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hils.  The event featured a large parade of color and honor guard units (approximately 70) from local schools, ROTC units, military branches, SAR Color Guard units, as well as representatives from each branch of the military service. 

Our chapter Color Guard unit is four (4) strong of which two (2) are junior SAR members. Our Color Guard is looking for additional members. The chapter has an inventory of uniforms and accessories and may be able to fit you in one. 

In compatriotism,

R. Scott Whitman