President’s Message

Greetings Compatriots,

It boggles my mind that it’s September already!  How the summer has come and gone so quickly is an unsolved mystery. I presume it went quickly for Denise and I because we were having a great time enjoying travels and get-togethers with friends.  I hope summer was fun for you, as well.  That said, Autumn is my favorite season, and I look forward to seeing you at our September dinner meeting.

SAR is a volunteer-driven organization, and we could use your skills and life experiences to achieve the mission of SAR. Please consider taking a chapter leadership role to expand awareness of SAR and participate in the various available Chapter opportunities to support and educate our local communities.

The two-year 2024-25 Board of Director’s 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, 2026-27.  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 or championing a worthwhile activity outside of Board involvement.  Please reach out to me if you have a desire to serve in this very worthwhile, patriotic organization. Your involvement and participation make a positive difference perpetuating the victory our Patriot ancestors secured 250 years ago.

The Board would like your feedback on how we can improve your enjoyment of the South Coast Chapter and SAR as a whole.  

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels

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 16th.  

In looking ahead June 14th is both the 250th 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 250th anniversary of John Adams nominating George Washington as General and Commander-in-Chief.  Of course, July 4th 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. 

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,

First and foremost, I extend my thanks to the many chapter members, members of the CASSAR Ladies Auxiliary, and spouses who supported the CASSAR Annual Meeting, which happened to be the 150th anniversary meeting of CASSAR.  I hope every volunteer took advantage of the opportunity to meet compatriots from throughout the state as well as the national society officers in attendance.

I also extend my congratulations to John Ferris, a long-time friend and supporter of our chapter, who was elected and installed to serve as CASSAR President.  One of my pleasures in being a SAR member has been getting to know John (and his wife Liz, who is President of the CASSAR Ladies Auxiliary), who I now consider a friend.  I look forward to working with John over the next year and believe he will create incremental improvements for the state society.

As compatriots we have a variety of motivations for joining SAR, but beyond those initial motivations the lasting satisfaction will come from creating and building new friendships.  Indeed, it is about people whether that be our patriot ancestors or contemporary compatriots.  I can guarantee you will gain more from your membership through active involvement. 

As a reminder, our May dinner meeting will be our last until September.  I wish you all a great summer and look forward to seeing you once again in the Fall.  In the interim do not hesitate to reach out if I or other officers can be of assistance.

With warm regards and in patriotism,

Barry Michaels

April 2025

Dear Compatriots,

For our chapter, April will be an outstanding month as we host the 150^th meeting of the California Society of SAR.  Thank you in advance to the many chapter members who have volunteered to assist with registration, hosting at the hospitality suite, and other duties.  As our chapter President, I will be attending the working sessions of the meeting as will Scott Whitman, who will be attending as an officer of the California Society (Vice President and Membership Chair).  I hope many of you will be able to join us, given this event is local to us this year.

April 19^th marks the 250^th anniversary of the “shot heard around the world”, that is 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 minutemen at the battle of Lexington, as no doubt did ancestors for many of you.  

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

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels