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We join the nation in mourning the loss of life in the horrific mid-air collision in DC this week. We also keep the victims and those who lost their homes or were impacted by the California wildfires, in our thoughts and prayers. We thank our first responders and pray for their safety. Many are risking their lives in the air disaster recovery efforts or on the front lines fighting our wildfires. Our thoughts are with the families, their loved ones, and our neighbors, who have been affected.
We welcome February, as it puts us one step closer to Spring and warmer weather. Although, you would be hard-pressed to enjoy a nicer January than we had this year. Blue skies, warm days, and frigid nights.
On a more serious note, we are facing a critical shortage of members willing to help their chapters accomplish their mission to honor our patriot ancestors, educate our youth and the public about the founding principles of our nation, and serve our communities. If you joined the SAR simply to certify your lineage to a patriot ancestor, you are not earning what was gifted to you by birthright. It is not asking too much, of members who are healthy and able, to lend a hand in helping your chapters succeed. Stop making excuses and start saying “Yes” when being asked to help.
More urgently, we need to be training and mentoring members to fill open chapter Registrar and Secretary positions. These positions should NOT be outsourced to other chapters. Every chapter needs a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Registrar. When those four basic positions are not actively filled by different members of the chapter, the chapter is simply not viable.
The California Society had two chapters, Mother Lode Chapter and General George Washington Chapter, cease operations at the end of 2024. The reason was because members did not step up to fill critical officer positions. While the California Society did not lose members because of these closures, the members in those chapters now have further to travel to attend meetings and are further removed from being part of a tight-knit local community. Do not let this happen to your chapter. Engage with each of your members on a regular basis (at least monthly) and plan some form of a get together, even if it is just for coffee or a beer. Contact = Camaraderie. Remember, the more members who actively participate, the less workload it is for everyone.
On a lighter note, it was my privilege to attend the Harbor Chapter meeting on January 9, at Raffaello Ristorante in San Pedro and to swear-in their 2025 slate of officers. For Chapters struggling to make their monthly meetings both productive and entertaining, I suggest you contact Harbor Chapter President James Bunker or CASSAR Vice President South Brandon Villardi. They are terrific at running well-planned informative meetings with interesting speakers.
At the invitation of Chapter President Stephen Andrews, General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, I attended their 2nd Annual American Revolution Breakfast Club meeting on January 11, celebrating America 250. This meeting is a collaboration between the Conejo Valley Chapter NSDAR and the SAR. I was honored to swear-in the General George S. Patton Jr. Chapter slate of officers for 2025.
On January 25th, I was invited by Bobbi Bennett, Director, CSSDAR District II, to attend and bring greetings to the 225 attendees on behalf of the California Society SAR. NSDAR President General Pamela Rouse Wright, CSSDAR State Regent Christina Ramos, and Rosie Rio, Chair, US America250 Commission, were among the 27 honored guests attending.
I encourage all SAR chapters to reach out to their local and district DAR organizations, as well as all other lineage societies in their area to create opportunities to share ideas, build camaraderie among organizations, and further our respective missions. Needless to say, but I’ll say it anyway, it’s a great way to make new friends and find prospective new members.
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Don Littlefield
President
California Society Sons of the American Revolution
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SAR Mission Statement
The Sons of the American Revolution honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our country.
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America 250th
Anniversary Recognition Program
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Currently: 192 Bronze, 128 Silver and 62 Gold
The California Society is second in the amount of Gold Medals that have been presented to Compatriots. Keep up the great work and enjoy learning about our Revolutionary War past!
To see your name and the recognition you have earned, go to our website Honor Roll – California SAR If you have any questions about the Honor Roll or how to enroll in the program, contact John R Ferris.
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Do you know about the NSSAR Liberty Tree Project? To date, there have been 81 trees planted across the United States. You and your chapter can take part of this historic program. Click the link Liberty Tree Project to find out how! | |
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Decade of the American Revolution
Beginning with the Boston Tea Party and ending with the Paris Peace Treaty; 1773 to 1783 is known as the Decade of the American Revolution. Click the link and find out what you can look forward to and participate in in the coming years.
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Spring Leadership
February 27- March 1, 2025
Louisville, Kentucky
| Registration for lodging now open. Click here to go to the SAR Spring 2025 Leadership page. | |
Congress
July 12–July 18, 2025
Mohegan Sun Resort, Uncasville, CT
| Registration for lodging now open. Click here to go to the SAR 2025 Congress page. | |
Revolutionary War Rarities
The Sons of the American Revolution harks back to a wonderfully rich history that many of us are not completely aware of. Revolutionary War Rarities brings those odd and rarely told stories of the American Revolution to life in a short, interesting and entertaining format. Each episode is 10-15 minutes.
Inauguration Day Special
With this past month's inauguration of the 47th President, Revolutionary War Rarities focuses on the history of the 1st inauguration. You can watch this episode by clicking the link below. We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast from the Sons of the American Revolution.
Give it a watch today! Click
And don't forget to subscribe and click the like button! Doing so will help the entire SAR become more accessible to the American public!!
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250th Celebration of the
Battle of Lexington and Concord
Hosted by the Massachusetts Society
and the New England District
Friday, April 18, 2025 - Sunday, April 20, 2025
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Surgeon General's Notebook, Volume XII
Compatriots,
Attached is the latest addition to the Surgeon General's Notebook, Volume XII, Demystifying Diabetes. Even if you are not diabetic, this article contains important information to help you understand a disease that family members or friends may have and what you can do to help them.
Yours in good health,
John Turley MD
Surgeon General, 2024-2025
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SAR Education Center and Museum | |
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The SAR Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of our founding fathers and ensuring that the story of our nation's founding is remembered. The SAR Education Center and Museum will be more than just a building. It'll be a beacon of our history!
The Education Center and Museum is set to open in July of 2026. Construction is well underway, and we are making great progress. However, we need your help to make it to the finish line. Please consider making a donation to support the buildout of the SAR Education Center and Museum. Every dollar makes a difference!
Watch the video to see our progress and learn how you can support the project!
Click Here to Support the SAR Education Center and Museum
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TIME TO REGISTER!
Don't wait for the last minute!!
150th Annual Meeting
April 25-26, 2025
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Save the Date!
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM PST, David Morrow, Genealogist, will host a webinar for chapter registrars, genealogists, and state leadership. An email will go out in early January notifying such of the Zoom link.
For more information contact David at davidmorrowla@gmail.com
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Something from our friends
in the DAR
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American Heritage Partners Invites You
to a Special Luncheon
A Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of The Second Continental Congress, and the Beginnings of an Independent Nation of Free People
With Our Special Guest: Founding Father John Adams
North Tahoe Event Center
318 North Lake Boulevard
Kings Beach, CA 96143
Contact: Jonathon Dickey
jcdickey@me.com
SAR Sponsors:
Gold Country Chapter
Sacramento Chapter
Link to flier
| Hello from Roseville! CA SAR President Don Littlefield and CA SAR Ex. Vice President John Ferris with his wife Liz review the contents of the storage locker. | |
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CA SAR Executive VP John Ferris swears in the 2025 officers for the Coachella Valley Chapter.
L-R: Curtis Lane (Secretary), William (Bill) Haines (Treasurer), Chris Cerrillo (President).
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Chapter President Benny White presenting a flag certificate to lag Certificate to Mike Forbing | |
Chapter President Benny White presents the Liberty Medal to past chapter Registrar Bruce Plummer for bringing in 10 new members. | |
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Harbor Chapter Finds Buried Treasure
Matthew Smathers’ presentation “Where the Dragon Sleeps: The Ning Po 1753-1938” offered a deep dive into the fascinating history of the Chinese pirate ship, the Ning Po, and its pivotal role in shaping Southern California's maritime past. Through his captivating slideshow, Smathers traced the ship's journey from 18th-century China, detailing its transformation into a symbol of Chinese piracy and its impact on Pacific trade routes. He also explored the broader cultural and economic influences of Chinese maritime activity on the region. Smathers also spoke about his work with Storied Treasures, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing maritime history through storytelling, artifacts, and research. Storied Treasures focuses on uncovering lesser-known narratives, like that of the Ning Po, and bringing them to life for modern audiences. Through meticulous research, the organization seeks to shed light on the forgotten aspects of history, especially those tied to ships, pirates, and trade in the Pacific. Matthew Smathers was also inducted into the SAR and the Harbor Chapter at the end of his presentation.
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L-R: CA SAR VP South Brandon Villardi, Matthew Smathers, Harbor Chapter President James Bunker | |
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CAR President Finds Bronze Treasure at the Harbor Chapter
Elaina Men-Martin, the El Redondo CAR Society president presented an America 250 presentation on the impact of faith on the American Revolution as well as connected it to her patriot ancestor. Harbor Chapter President James Bunker presented Elaina with an American 250 Bronze medal and her certificate. California Society Executive Vice President John Ferris presented Elaina with a state society America 250 challenge coin.
| L-R: President James Bunker, Elaina Men-Martin, California SAR Ex. VP John Ferris. | |
On January 26th, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) District 15 held a 250th plaque dedication at the Kern County Museum, honoring America's upcoming Semiquincentennial. The event featured a formal presentation of colors by the Kern Chapter SAR Color Guard, under the command of CASSAR Color Guard Commander and Vice President South, Brandon Villardi. Distinguished guests included DAR President General Pamela Wright, CASDAR State Regent Christina Ramos, and DAR Vice President General Susan Brodrick, alongside many DAR Chapter, State, and National DAR leaders. Local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Bakersfield and member of Congress, were also in attendance | Drums: Brian Claxton, Will Flickenger, Lucas Villardi, Rick Meredith, Arnie Burr, Rod Goodman, Brandon Villardi, State Regent Christina Ramos, President General Pamela Wright, VPG Susan Broderick, Mike Woodard, Mike Davis, Bruce Wearda, Kerry Adams. | L-R: Brian Claxton, Will Flickenger, Lucas Villardi, Rick Meredith, Mike Woodard, Bruce Wearda, Rod Goodman, Arnie Burr, Mike Davis, Kerry Adams, Brandon Villardi. | |
California SAR Executive Vice President John Ferris swears in Larry Stratton, Orange County Chapter President for 2025. | Orange County Chapter Website. | |
At the January meeting of the Riverside Chapter all seats are full as the chapter membership is growing. Roger Cooper, past president prepares to give an America 250th Minute. | CA SAR Vice President South Brandon Villardi (right) awards Mike Mann the Silver Lafayette Medal and Certificate. | |
Unboxing an 18th Century American Cutlass with Antler Grip!
In a previous issue of the Compatriot, it was identified that the Riverside Chapter donated an American Cutlass to the SAR Museum in memory of former chapter compatriot, Chuck Lampman. The following is a video of Museum Curator, Zac Distel unpacking the cutlass: video
If you want to read more about Compatriot Lampman please click the following link.
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Annual Business Meeting
The first meeting of the new year was the SD Chapter’s annual business and awards gathering. They switched to a different meeting format and met at a new venue, the Silverback Restaurant in Vista. Both the venue and the format were well received and offered a much more sociable atmosphere.
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Claudine Moore played the National Anthem on the Fife. She was presented the Silver America 250 Medal as well as accepting the posthumous award of the Bronze Henry Know medal for her late husband and Chapter member Gene Moore.
She is flanked by Jim McAdory on the left and Doug Wright on the right.
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Judy McAdory is presented with the Martha Washington Medal by President McAdory. | |
Chaplin, Peter Fagen, was presented with the Bronze Henry Knox Medal and the 5-year membership certificate. | |
Andrew Fagen holding his 10-year membership certificate. | |
Color Guard Commander, Doug Wright, was presented the Good Citizenship Medal. | |
Chancellor, George Brewster, was awarded the Roger Sherman Medal and his 10-year membership certificate. Later this year he will be presented the 15-year certificate as well. The San Diego Chapter is catching up from prior years where longevity certificates were not presented. | Treasurer, Alan Winters, was presented the Roger Sherman Medal. | Outgoing Secretary, Bryan Bagnas, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the 10-year membership certificate. | |
New Secretary, Duncan Campbell, was presented the Meritorious Service Medal. | |
Skip Cox was presented Meritorious Service Medal and the 10-year membership certificate. | |
1st Vice President and Past President, Michael Hirman, was presented the Meritorious Service Medal and the 10-year membership certificate. | |
L-R: Jim McAdory swears in the 2025 Board of Directors. George Brewster as Chancellor, Michael Hirman as 1st Vice President, Zack Polanco as Sergent-at-Arms, Alan Winters as Treasurer, Doug Wright as Color Guard Commander and Peter Fagen as the Chaplin. Duncan Campbell volunteered to take the Secretary position after the meeting. | |
1st Vice President and Past President, Michael Hirman, swears in Jim McAdory as the President. | |
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The South Coast’s guest speaker for their dinner meeting on January 21st dinner meeting was Jake Burack who presented a cybersecurity program about online safety and how individuals and businesses can protect their data from cybercrime. South Coast Chapter Vice President, Programs, Norm Broadhurst, presented Jake Burack with a certificate of appreciation.
Their picture is shown below:
| During the meeting, two new members were inducted into South Coast Chapter. The two new members are Jeremy Davis (left), whose patriot ancestor was Alexander Harper and Nicholas Jacobus (right), whose patriot ancestor was Jonas Taylor. | |
Chapter President Barry Michaels presents Norm Broadhurst, Chapter Vice President Programs, with the Military Service Certificate. | |
South Coast Registrar, Leon Smith (left), presented two supplemental certificates to Jeremy Paye (right) for his patriot ancestors John Swan, and Nathan Millard. | |
Chapter President Barry Michaels (right) presents Compatriot Leon Smith (left) with the Liberty Medal and Distinguished Service Medal and Certificates. | |
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President Scott Nichols on right awarding the California SAR Bronze Von Steuben Color Guard Medals to the Yosemite Chapter Color Guard:
Left to right: John Russell, Randy Dhindsa, Jim Riley, Harlie Smith and President Scott Nichols. Not pictured, Color Guard member Stan Day.
| President Scott Nichols (left) awarding the National SAR Gold America 250 Medal to Rev. Robert Thompson (right), Yosemite Chapter Chaplin. | |
President Scott Nichols (right) inducting new member Ken Harris (left). Compatriot Harris is receiving two George Washington Rosette lapel pins. One for himself and one for his son, Michael Harris (not present). | |
Four chapters (Sacramento, Gold Country, Redwood Empire and Thomas Jefferson) combine forces for the DAR District II meeting. | |
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L-R Kneeling: Kevin Knapp (Sac), John Hess (Delaware Regiment), Russ Kaiser (Sac)
L-R Standing: David Beach (Sac), Bill Nay (REC), Steven Hoss (GCC), Dale Ross (GCC), Derek Brown (TJC), Steve Belden (Sac), Ron Barker (GCC), Craig Anderson (Sac), Dark Alvarado (Sac)
Sac = Sacramento Chapter
GCCV = Gold Country Chapter
REC = Redwood Empire Chapter
TJC = Thomas Jefferson Chapter
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Upcoming Color Guard Events
Open to all Guardsmen
03/08/2024 Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade
03/22/2025 Swallows Day Parade – San Juan Capistrano
04/19/2025 Lexington & Concord ***Musket Firing Event & Parade***
04/25/2025 CASSAR 150th Annual Meeting, Costa Mesa
05/17/2025 Armed Forces Day Parade - Torrance
For details on these and many more click Color Guard Schedule
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Color Guard Magazine
The January issue of the Color Guard Magazine may be found at SAR Color Guard Magazine.
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For questions concerning upcoming events or inquiries into joining the Color Guard please contact:
Brandon Villardi, SAR California Color Guard Commander
Scott Nichols, SAR California Color Guard Adjutant North
Kevin Forrest, SAR California Color Guard Adjutant South
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Every member who participates in SAR programs and interacts with youth under 18 years of age
is required to successfully complete SAR Youth Protection Training. Training is online, takes about 20 minutes, and is valid for 3 years.
Send your certificate of completion to Dan McKelvie: mckelvie@sbcglobal.net.
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"We will remember our compatriot brothers with thanksgiving."
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Central Coast - William Stewart Crewe - #209149
Orange County - Paul Garcia, Jr - #202355
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Cyber Scams
If you receive an email, text, or voice mail from a purported Officer or Compatriot seeking any kind of financial transaction, consider it a hoax. Phishing messages are very sophisticated and may include the unauthorized use of the SAR logo, a compatriot's name, or a pseudo SAR email address. Stop — Think — Verify !!!
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CALL FOR ARTICLES — February 25, 2025 Deadline
Please send news of events and high-resolution digital photos to:
John R Ferris at jrf1776@outlook.com
— RELEASE FORMS —
All photos or other materials that show or name any
minor under the age of 18
must be accompanied by a signed Release Form.
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The California Compatriot is the official newsletter of the California Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Unless explicitly stated, the opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the California Society SAR.
Editor: John R Ferris
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