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Fellow Compatriots,
There is something fitting about the fall season for an organization like ours. As the leaves turn and the air sharpens, we naturally find ourselves reflecting on heritage, on sacrifice, on the debt we owe to those who came before us. For the Sons of the American Revolution, that reflection is not seasonal. It is our calling. But autumn has a way of making it feel especially vivid, and as I look at everything our California Society has on the horizon, I find myself more energized than ever about the work ahead.
This has been a year of extraordinary activity, and I want to begin by simply saying: I see you. I see the chapters organizing ceremonies and Color Guard presentations at the break of dawn. I see the compatriots standing at memorials, in classrooms, and at community events, representing this Society with dignity, passion, and pride. I see the mission being lived, not just stated, every single day across this great state. It has been one of the genuine privileges of my presidency to witness it firsthand, and my gratitude is without limit.
“The torch of liberty is not passed by accident. It is passed by people like you, who show up.”
Our Fall BOM in San Francisco is fast approaching, and I am pleased to report that we are in the final stages of putting together an agenda and schedule of events worthy of the occasion. This is no ordinary Board of Managers meeting, it is a celebration of our Society’s 150th anniversary, a gathering of the finest compatriots in the nation, and an opportunity to close out a historic year together in the city by the bay. The details will be with you very soon. If you have not yet registered, please do so now. I look forward to seeing you there and celebrating all that we have accomplished together in 2026.
As we move deeper into the fall, our chapters will turn their attention to some of the most meaningful service work on our calendar. Wreaths Across America reminds us that the debt to those who served is never fully paid and that every wreath laid on a veteran’s grave is a small act of keeping faith with the fallen. Honor Flights carry our nation’s heroes to the memorials built in their honor, often for the first and only time, and the opportunity to support those missions is one we should embrace wholeheartedly. These are not peripheral activities for our Society, they are expressions of exactly who we are.
And beyond those signature programs, our chapters continue to find creative and meaningful ways to educate their communities about the ideals enshrined in our founding documents; the principles of liberty, self-governance, and human dignity that our patriot ancestors pledged everything to establish. In a time when civic knowledge is too often taken for granted, the work of education and remembrance has never been more important. Every compatriot who stands before a classroom, a civic organization, or a community gathering to tell that story is doing something that matters deeply and lastingly.
As I write this, I am struck, as I so often am, by the sheer scope of what this organization does. Not just in California, though California gives me endless reason for pride. But in the way the Sons of the American Revolution, chapter by chapter and compatriot by compatriot, keeps the spirit of 1776 alive and present in American life. We are custodians of something rare and precious, and I believe we are rising to that responsibility.
Thank you for everything you do for this organization, for your chapters, and for your communities. Thank you for showing up when it would be easier not to. Thank you for caring about history at a moment when caring about history takes real conviction. And thank you for making me proud, every single day, to serve as your president.
Fall is here. San Francisco awaits. Let’s finish this historic year strong.
Yours in patriotism and service,
Randy Dhindsa
137th President, California Society
Sons of the American Revolution
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Sue Fitzpatrick Receives SAR America 250 Gold Medal
Congratulations to Sue Fitzpatrick, Honorary Senior State President of the California Society, Children of the American Revolution, and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Sue received the SAR National America 250 Gold Medal for her support of SAR's America 250 programs.
This is no small honor. Nationally, SAR has approved only 1,041 America 250 gold medals, and just 99 of those have gone to people outside the Society. That puts Sue in very select company.
Past State President John Ferris presented the medal on September 26 at the Huntington Library, joined by Executive Vice President Brandon Villardi. The presentation took place during a joint meeting of the Society of Colonial Wars and several other lineage societies. It was long overdue, and it was a pleasure to finally see the medal in Sue's hands, surrounded by friends from across the lineage society community.
Sue's work with C.A.R. and DAR has made her a steady supporter of our America 250 efforts, and the California Society congratulates her on a well-earned honor.
Photo: Executive Vice President Brandon Villardi, Sue Fitzpatrick, and Past State President John Ferris at the Huntington Library.
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Dispatches from the Front: October 1776
A fleet sacrificed on Lake Champlain, a stubborn retreat through Westchester, and a mission for San Francisco
In October 1776, Washington's army was still on the run. The British tried twice to trap it on Manhattan, and both times small groups of determined Americans held them off long enough for the army to slip away. Up north, Benedict Arnold's homemade fleet lost a battle but bought the Revolution another year. And in Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin quietly set sail on the most important diplomatic mission of the war.
October 9: In California, Frs. Francisco Palóu and Pedro Benito Cambón dedicate a small chapel as the Mission San Francisco de Asís. It's better known today as Mission Dolores, after a nearby creek, and it came just three weeks after the Presidio was dedicated. Its adobe church, finished in 1791, is the oldest building in San Francisco.
October 11: At the Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain, Benedict Arnold's small fleet, crewed mostly by untrained soldiers, faces a better-armed British squadron. Arnold hides his ships behind the island so the big British vessels can't sail upwind to reach him. The fighting lasts from late morning until dark. That night, Arnold slips his battered fleet past the British lines in silence, following the shaded stern lantern of the boat ahead.
October 11: Thomas Jefferson declines his appointment as a commissioner to France.
October 12: About 4,000 British troops land at Throg's Neck in the Bronx, trying to get behind Washington's army at Harlem Heights. The "neck" turns out to be nearly an island. Col. Edward Hand and about 25 riflemen tear up the bridge to the mainland and pin the British down behind a woodpile until reinforcements arrive. Howe's men are stuck there for six days.
October 13: The British catch Arnold's fleet near Split Rock. Rather than surrender, Arnold runs his flagship and several gunboats aground and burns them, then leads his men ashore. He burns the buildings at Crown Point and falls back to Fort Ticonderoga. It's a British victory, but the fleet did its job. With winter coming, the British invasion from Canada is delayed until 1777.
October 18: The British land again, this time at Pell's Point. Col. John Glover and about 750 Massachusetts men are waiting for them, including his Marblehead fishermen who had rowed the army to safety off Long Island in August. Glover hides his regiments behind stone walls along the road. They fire, fall back to the next wall, and fire again, holding off a force more than five times their size for most of the day. The delay lets Washington's army get off Manhattan and head north.
October 18: Congress commissions Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a young Polish engineer, as a colonel of engineers at sixty dollars a month. He would go on to design the defenses at Saratoga and West Point.
October 22: Congress elects Arthur Lee to replace Jefferson as a commissioner to France.
October 26: Benjamin Franklin, now 70, quietly boards the Continental brig Reprisal under Capt. Lambert Wickes at Marcus Hook, downstream from Philadelphia, with his two grandsons. He slips past the British warships watching the Delaware and heads for France. Along the way, Wickes captures two British merchant ships.
October 28: At the Battle of White Plains, Howe marches about 13,000 men toward Washington's lines. He then sends several thousand men and a dozen cannon against Chatterton's Hill, on the American right. Maryland, Delaware, and Connecticut troops stop the first assault, but the British take the hill. It's a British victory, but heavy rain delays Howe's next move, and Washington pulls his army north to stronger ground.
October: On the southern frontier, Col. William Christian's Virginia and North Carolina troops march into the Overhill Cherokee towns in what is now eastern Tennessee. The Cherokee fled without a fight, and most of their towns agreed to terms. Together with the Carolina campaigns of the late summer, the expedition devastated the Cherokee Nation and led to large land cessions the following year.
Throg's Neck, Pell's Point, Valcour Island: not one of them was an American victory, and all of them helped keep the Revolution alive. October 1776 showed that sometimes buying time is winning.
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Patriots in Your Pocket: Daily Reels Bring America's Founding Story to Every Phone
The Sons of the American Revolution exists to keep alive the memory of those who won American independence and to pass that story on. The Revolution's 250th anniversary is an opportunity we won't see again, and many Americans will first meet this history on a phone screen.
To reach them there, California SAR posts a short history reel every day on Instagram and Facebook as part of our America 250 commemoration. Each reel tells one story from the Revolution, from well-known battles to people history has overlooked, and every reel lists its sources in the first comment so viewers can keep learning.
Chapters can put the reels to work right away. Share them on your chapter's Facebook page, open a meeting with one, use them in school and community programs, or send them to prospective members who want to know what SAR stands for. Every share carries the story further.
We have also launched a weekly Chapter Spotlight series. The Coachella Valley Chapter SAR was featured first, and each week we will add another chapter. These posts show our mission in action: color guards, grave markings, youth recognition, and community service across California.
Please follow, share, and learn more about the history of the American Revolution:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALIFORNIASAR
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/california_sar/
James Bunker, Co-Chair, America 250 Committee, California SAR
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Five Doctors and a Declaration
Submitted by Fr. Peter Malin - Harbor Chapter
Everyone knows John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence first. Fewer people know who signed second: Dr. Josiah Bartlett, a physician from New Hampshire. Bartlett was one of five doctors among the 56 signers. That's roughly one in eleven, a share of medical men in national leadership the country hasn't seen since.
Most colonial doctors never set foot in a medical school. They learned by apprenticing with an established physician, and many of them became the natural leaders of their towns. So when the colonies chose delegates for the Continental Congress, it's not surprising that several doctors made the trip to Philadelphia.
Dr. Benjamin Rush, Pennsylvania. Rush was the exception to the apprenticeship rule. He earned his degree at Edinburgh in 1768 and came home a committed patriot. He's the one who urged Thomas Paine to write Common Sense and gave the pamphlet its name. When the fighting came, Rush went with the army. He crossed the Delaware with Washington in December 1776, cared for the wounded at the Second Battle of Trenton and at Princeton, and in 1777 took charge of military hospitals as Surgeon General of the Middle Department. His 1778 guide on soldiers' health made a point every commander needed to hear: "a greater proportion of men have perished with sickness in our armies than have fallen by the sword." After the war he stayed out of elected office and focused on education, medicine, and public causes, including the abolition of slavery. He also patched up the friendship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
Dr. Josiah Bartlett, New Hampshire. After signing right behind Hancock, Bartlett became chief justice of New Hampshire's superior court and later its first governor. He also helped start the New Hampshire Medical Society.
Dr. Matthew Thornton, New Hampshire. Thornton was one of the last to sign. Earlier in 1776 he chaired the committee that wrote New Hampshire's constitution, which was the first constitution ratified by any of the colonies.
Dr. Lyman Hall, Georgia. Hall grew up in Connecticut and started out as a minister before switching to medicine and moving south. In Georgia he led the push for independence, then served as judge and governor and helped found the University of Georgia.
Dr. Oliver Wolcott, Connecticut. Wolcott trained in medicine for two years before public service took over his life. He was a sheriff, judge, legislator, militia leader, and governor. He's also one of just 16 men who signed both the Declaration and the Articles of Confederation, along with Bartlett.
Unfinished Business
Rush never thought independence was the end of the job. In 1787 he wrote that the war was over, "but this is far from being the case with the American revolution," and that only "the first act of the great drama" had closed. Two hundred fifty years later, it's worth remembering the doctors who helped write that first act.
Adapted from "Declarations of Independence — Physicians and the U.S. Body Politic, 1776–2026," by Scott H. Podolsky, David S. Jones, and Justin Barr, New England Journal of Medicine, July 2, 2026 (DOI: 10.1056/NEJMp2600945).
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Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution Exhibition
Submitted by Mike Van Auken - South Coast Chapter
I had the fortunate opportunity to visit the Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution exhibition at the Cabildo in New Orleans this summer. The Cabildo is a historic building located next to Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Louisiana was claimed by France in 1682 and then ceded to Spain in 1762. France then retook control of Louisianna in 1803 order to sell it to the United States of America. The French built a police station on the site in 1725. The Spanish then replaced the police station with a Cabildo Chambers in 1769, which became the New Orleans City Hall in 1803.
The exhibit focuses on Spain’s support for the United States after the Declaration of Independence and then Spain’s formal declaration of war against Great Britain in June 1779, until the Treaty of Paris in 1783. The exhibit was inspired by a new book entitled An Under Appreciated Victory by Stephen L. Kling, Jr and Kristine L. Sjostrom. The exhibit shows the many uniforms and dresses of used by the Spanish, Americans, British, and Native Americans in this period, as well as weapons and other artifacts.
| | Bernardo de Gálvez and his wife Marie-Félicité de Saint-Maxent and daughter in New Orleans 1777-78 | | A Treaty of Paris Medal, 1783 | | Kling and Sjostrom’s book comprise over 600 pages, including numerous maps, illustrations, appendices, and endnotes for the historian and genealogist. The appendices include lists of soldiers in the Spanish and allied regular armies and militias. | | |
NSSAR Surgeon General Health Minute
by Matthew S. Bowdish MD, NSSAR Surgeon General 2026-2027
CA SAR State Surgeon 2026-2027
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...
COPD and related lung disease rank high as causes of death and breathing difficulty for the demo of our compatriots, especially for current and former smokers. Family history of lung disease and/or a condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin disease can increase susceptibility. Diagnosis involves taking a detailed history & physical exam, as well as performing pulmonary function testing and chest imaging. Screening can be performed with pulmonary function testing, especially for those compatriots with a smoking history. Treatments include smoking cessation, inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy. Your breathing should never feel labored. Contact your primary care doctor for a lung assessment and personalized plan. Early intervention can dramatically improve quality of life and time spent with family and loved ones.
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Western District News:
Save the Date for Our Upcoming Western District Zoom Meeting
I’m pleased to announce our upcoming Western District “hybrid” meeting, which will take place on November 7 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific. This meeting is part of the California SAR’s Board of Managers meeting in San Francisco, and we hope to have a good turnout of California SAR members at the meeting, as well as other Compatriots in the Western District who will participate via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found on the Western District’s website, wdsar.org. I plan to talk about the various initiatives underway to further the goals and objectives of the National Society’s Strategic Plan, including our District’s own initiative, “Getting to YES.” I will explain the concept during the Western District meeting, take your questions, and listen to your concerns.
This last month I’ve been engaged in ongoing discussions with members of our District’s three state societies, and I’ve held Zoom calls with the leaders of the California and Nevada societies. I also have visited the Gold Country and Sacramento chapters, and I plan to visit the San Francisco and Thomas Jefferson chapters in the near future. My hope is to identify ways in which the Western District can help our members achieve success in their efforts to tell the story of the American Revolution, and to engage with members of the public in highly visible ways. Our America250 commemorations don’t stop in 2026—we still have seven more years to go, and major events to commemorate, like this December’s 250th anniversary of the Battle of Trenton and the “Ten Crucial Days.” Let’s seize every opportunity to remind our citizens of the courage and conviction of our Patriot ancestors, and of the sacrifices they made for the cause of liberty.
By the time you read this, I will have attended this Fall’s Leadership meetings in Louisville, where a number of big topics will be discussed and voted upon. I will report to you on those matters during the Western District meeting on November 7. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to ask themselves, “what can I do to help my chapter?” Maybe it’s joining your chapter’s Color Guard. Maybe it’s helping the chapter host a signature event. Maybe it’s engaging with young people and talking about your Patriot ancestors. Maybe it’s helping a friend or family member apply for membership. There are so many ways you can make a difference. If you’re not engaged with your chapter, there’s no time like the present to raise your hand and volunteer.
Let me close by thanking all the state society leaders with whom I have been communicating on these important topics. We have much to do in the coming months, and if we all work together, we can accomplish great things. See you in November!
| | ★ WESTERN DISTRICT MEETING AND CANDIDATES FORUM ★ | | | | |
Saturday, November 7
2:00 PM Pacific: Western District Meeting held at the Ca SAR Board of Manager meeting room.
3:00 PM Pacific: Candidates Forum in person or via zoom.
All are welcome to attend.
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Sneak Peek: Southern Campaign Films for the
NSSAR Education Center and Museum
We've been given an early look at some of the new films being made for the NSSAR Education Center and Museum. Compatriot Dan McKelvie is Project Manager for the SAR Museum's construction phase and Chairman of the Education Center and Museum RFP and Construction Committee. He shared the first five videos in a series on the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution.
The Southern Campaign doesn't always get the attention that Lexington, Saratoga, or Valley Forge do, but much of the war was decided there. Each short film follows the campaign on a map, so viewers can see how the armies moved and why places like Camden, Kings Mountain, Cowpens, and Guilford Courthouse mattered on the way to Yorktown.
Dan asked that we enjoy them and share them with our families, and he says more are on the way. Take a few minutes to watch:
These films show the kind of storytelling visitors will find in the Education Center and Museum. We'll pass along the rest of the series as it's released.
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151st California SAR
Fall Board of Managers Meeting
San Francisco - November 5–7, 2026
DEADLINE TO REGISTER October 16th
Compatriots,
Mark your calendars — the 151st California SAR Fall Board of Managers Meeting is coming to San Francisco this November, and it's shaping up to be a gathering you won't want to miss. We're celebrating 150 years of the Sons of Revolutionary Sires alongside America's 250th anniversary, and there's no better place to do it than the city where it all began for our Society.
Here's a quick look at the schedule:
Thursday, November 5 –Arrival, check-in, and evening fellowship
Friday, November 6 – 150th Anniversary Dinner Cruise on the Bay (boarding 6:00 PM, departing 6:30 PM) — a three-course dinner with live music and unforgettable views
Saturday, November 7 – Full day of Board of Managers meetings and Society business
Whether you're joining us for the meetings, the tours, the cruise, or all three, we'd love to have you there. And this isn't just for members — all Compatriots, family, and friends are welcome. Bring your spouse, bring your kids, come meet fellow members and officers, and be part of the history and camaraderie that make this Society what it is.
Register Here:
https://fallbom.cheddarup.com
Hotel booking:
https://app.marriott.com/resview2?id=1783379451035&key=GRP&app=resvlink
Prefer to pay by check?
A downloadable registration form is also available.
Come be part of the history. Come be part of the celebration. Come be part of the camaraderie. We look forward to welcoming you to San Francisco!
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Alcatraz Tour Canceled: Park Service Closes the Island for Dock Repairs
Members planning to attend the 151st Fall Board of Managers meeting in San Francisco, November 5–7, will be disappointed to learn that our private tour of Alcatraz Island has been canceled. On Monday, September 28, the National Park Service announced that the island will close to all visitors from October 26 through November 18 so crews can replace the pilings that secure the ferry dock. Our meeting falls right in the middle of that window.
The problem goes back to January, when one of the five pilings supporting the island's floating ferry dock failed. An inspection found that two of the five needed repair. The island closed briefly in April while crews reinforced the three sound pilings as a temporary fix. This fall's work is the last phase: driving new piles into the Bay floor and fully replacing the two damaged ones.
The timing isn't flexible. The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission does not allow in-water work like pile driving after November 30, so the repairs have to be finished this fall. The Park Service had said more work would be needed at some point, but the actual closure dates weren't set until this week's announcement, well after our tour was booked.
The good news is that the finished dock is expected to last 20 to 30 years. The ferry operator, Alcatraz City Cruises, is covering the full cost, with no taxpayer money involved.
We won't be scheduling a replacement tour. For members with free time in the city, we recommend the Presidio of San Francisco, which is marking its own 250th anniversary this year. El Presidio de San Francisco was founded on September 17, 1776, just weeks after the Declaration of Independence was signed on the other side of the continent. Its history runs from the Ramaytush Ohlone people through Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. Army eras to today's national park. The exhibits at the Presidio Officers' Club and the Presidio Visitor Center are free, and there are self-guided walks throughout the grounds. If you're staying through Sunday, November 8, National Park Service rangers will lead a free one-hour "250 Years on the Presidio" walk at 11:00 a.m., starting from the Visitor Center at 210 Lincoln Boulevard.
We know many of you were looking forward to seeing The Rock, and so were we. But there may be no better way to mark America's 250th in San Francisco than standing on ground that was founded in 1776. We look forward to seeing you there.
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A Living Link to Palo Alto's Namesake:
SAR and DAR Dedicate Redwood Grove
On September 12, 2026, the California Society SAR and the El Palo Alto Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, dedicated a grove of coast redwoods with deep local roots. The trees were grown from seeds of El Palo Alto, the towering redwood that gave the city of Palo Alto its name. The tree served as a landmark for the Portolá expedition in 1769 and still stands along San Francisquito Creek today. A commemorative plaque, sponsored by California SAR and the El Palo Alto DAR chapter, now marks the grove, so future generations will know where these trees came from and who planted them.
Color guard members from the San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Redwood Empire, Delta, and Orange County chapters presented the colors. At the invitation of former Commandant Bill Nay, who is also an SAR compatriot, members of the Marine Corps League J.C. Breckinridge Detachment #010 joined the flag line and added a fine touch of ceremony to the day.
Congressman Sam Liccardo and San Mateo County Supervisor Jackie Speier addressed the gathering.
Special recognition goes to Compatriot John Dedo of the San Francisco Chapter SAR, Past State President John Ferris, and Catha Hall of the El Palo Alto Chapter DAR, who organized the dedication and brought both organizations together to make it happen.
| | Youth Programs Hightlights and Updates | | |
Americanism Poster Contest
2026–2027 School Year
The Americanism Poster Contest is back for another school year, and it's a great time to revisit the theme guidance from our National Society — one that catches folks off guard if they haven't seen it spelled out recently.
2026-2027 School Year Theme: "Any Person or Persons of the American Revolution."
That's it — no narrower topic, no required angle. NSSAR Americanism Poster Contest Chairman Lou Raborg confirmed in an August 4, 2026 communication that the choice of subject is entirely up to the student. No state, chapter, school, or chairman may narrow the theme further — Chairman Raborg was direct that doing so risks disqualification. In fact, this has been the rule for several years, so it's worth restating.
Why an open theme?
Because the goal is to let students create a poster about a person or persons they feel inspired by — whether a founding father, a battlefield general, a local militia company, a woman of the era, a daring band of privateers, a secret spy ring, or any other person(s) connected to the American Revolution. This flexibility has consistently produced an exciting range of subjects, and the SAR is eager to see that creativity continue.
Good to know for future years: This theme structure alternates:
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Odd years (like 2026–2027): "Any Person or Persons of the American Revolution"
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Even years (like 2027–2028): "Any Event of the American Revolution"
How your chapter can help:
- Share this open-theme guidance with local schools, teachers, and homeschool groups — it may be a welcome clarification for educators used to a narrower prompt
- Encourage students to pick a figure that genuinely interests them, rather than a "safe" choice or one of someone else's choosing
- Volunteer to help judge chapter-level entries
For full contest rules, poster specifications, and judging criteria, visit SAR Poster Contest – California SAR and
SAR Elementary School Poster Contest – National Society Sons of the American Revolution
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The American Revolution,
One String at a Time
Review: Puppets of the Revolution
Last spring the California SAR donated to Puppets of the Revolution, a Girl Scout Gold Award project put together by Julia H. On September 27 I finally got to see it for myself at one of the free shows at the Blinn House in Pasadena.
To be honest, I didn't know what to expect. A marionette show about the American Revolution? I figured it would be cute for the kids and that would be about it. I was wrong. There were over 100 people there, pretty evenly split between kids and adults, and the show had all of us paying attention. It's well written, it looks great, and the history holds up.
There are ten acts, and they walk you through the Revolution from 1770 to 1783, starting with Yankee Doodle and ending with the Liberty Bell. You get the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere and Joseph Warren, the Declaration of Independence, and Washington crossing the Delaware. But I was glad to see the show also spends time on people most kids never hear about, like Molly Corbin, Polly Cooper at Valley Forge, and Deborah Samson. The marionettes were made by the Bob Baker Marionette Theater here in Los Angeles, and they're beautiful.
What I really like about this project is the reason behind it. Kids back East can take a field trip to Lexington or Philadelphia and stand where it all happened. Our kids in California don't get that chance. This show brings the story to them, and it tells them this is their history too. With America turning 250 this year, I can't think of a better time for it.
It's also a great way to reach kids outside of our own organizations. A lot of what we do in the SAR reaches people who are already involved. This show gets in front of families who may never have heard of us, and the kids walk out wanting to know more.
If you're looking for something to bring to a local school, take a look at this program. It fits right in with what kids are learning in elementary and middle school, and teachers will love it. Chapters could introduce it to schools in their area or even sponsor a performance as part of their America 250 work. To schedule a show, reach out to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater at bobbakermarionettetheater.com. And if there's a public show near you, go, and take the kids or grandkids. The project website, puppetsoftherevolution.com, also has a "Dig Deeper" section with books, films, and links for each act, which is handy for teachers and parents.
Congratulations to Julia on a fantastic Gold Award project. I'm proud the California Society got to be a part of it.
— Brandon Villardi, Executive Vice President, CASSAR
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LADIES AUXILIARY CORNER
October 2026
Gentlemen: We are looking forward to a successful Board of Managers Meeting in San Francisco the first weekend in November, November 6 – 8. Since it is just 6 weeks away it is time to remind everyone to bring an item for the raffle on Saturday evening. You all have time to think through your donation and put it on your shopping list. Historical books, fine spirits, beer or wine are popular, but gift cards and quality candy are the favorites.
If shopping on the internet, there is time for delivery. Or your donation may be at the candy store, or restaurant for a gift card, or local wine store, where you can just pick it up. Consider items you would like to own yourself. I know some of us have brought items in the past that we liked so much we didn’t want to part with them. Buying lots of tickets and putting them in one box does increase your chance of winning!!
The Ladies Auxiliary genuinely appreciates your generosity in bringing raffle items and buying tickets. Your generosity is obvious by the donations we received at the Spring Conference. Let’s keep that momentum going and set a new record!
We are so looking forward to seeing you in San Francisco. Til then…. it’s time to shop!
Liz Glidden Ferris
President
| | California SAR United Chapter Events | | South Coast, Harbor, and OC Chapter members joined the San Clemente Island Chapter DAR today for the annual Constitution Day bell ringing at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Joint color Guard with CSSDAR State Regent Christine McMahan. | | |
Jim Hernandez - South Coast | Dyke Dooley - Orange County
Kevin Forrest - CASAR CMDR, South Coast | Christine McMahan - CSSDAR Brandon Villardi - CASAR EVP, Harbor | Lucas Villardi - Harbor
Scott Whitman - South Coast
| | Chapter Color Guard Events & News | | |
On Saturday, September 26th, the Delta Chapter SAR was proud to co-host a special program with the El Toyon Chapter DAR in Stockton, California.
Our featured speaker, Compatriot Kevin Knapp, President of the General George Washington Chapter SAR, presented "The History of Special Forces – The Green Berets," an engaging look at the origins and legacy of one of America's most storied military units. Kevin then joined Brick Taylor, U.S. Army Reserve, and Nestor Davila-Carranza, U.S.M.C., for a Veterans Panel Discussion, where each shared his own experiences and reflections on service.
Our sincere thanks to Kevin, Brick, and Nestor for sharing their stories so generously, to Dina Primack, Regent, and the ladies of the El Toyon Chapter DAR for partnering with us, and to everyone who spent their Saturday with us honoring those who have served.
| | General George Washington Chapter | | |
Members of the 1776 Ladies and North State Minutemen of the General George Washington Chapter SAR proudly supported the Freedom Truck during its stop in Chico, California, on Monday evening, continuing their commitment to bringing the story of America's founding to life for students, families, and the community.
During the evening, Chapter President Kevin Knapp had the honor of recognizing three individuals whose work has made a meaningful contribution to preserving and sharing our nation's history.
Michele Lehane and Shelly Pritchett-Rossi each received the SAR Bronze America 250 Medal and Certificate for their exceptional service with the 1776 Ladies and North State Minutemen. Through their volunteer service and living-history programs, Michele and Shelly have turned the people and events of the American Revolution from words on a page into experiences audiences can see, hear, and remember. Their work captures the spirit of the America 250 commemoration, helping ensure that the sacrifices, ideals, and achievements of America's founding generation are remembered as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
Sandy Granicher, a fifth-grade teacher at Shasta Elementary School, received the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate for her outstanding service as an educator and her extraordinary commitment to keeping American history alive.
Sandy's efforts reach well beyond her own classroom. She organized a schoolwide Constitution Day Celebration at Shasta Elementary, giving hundreds of young people a meaningful and memorable encounter with the Constitution and America's founding history. She was also instrumental in bringing the Freedom Truck to Chico, extending that opportunity to students and community members across the area.
These awards recognize more than individual accomplishments. They honor people who freely give their time, energy, and talents so that the next generation understands the history, sacrifices, and principles on which our nation was founded.
The General George Washington Chapter SAR is proud to recognize Michele Lehane, Shelly Pritchett-Rossi, and Sandy Granicher for their exceptional service to historical education and their commitment to keeping America's history alive.
| | With DAR Constitution Day Bells Across America | | |
Harbor Chapter Inducts Nine New Compatriots,
Setting a New Chapter Record
Harbor Chapter SAR welcomed nine new members at its September 10 meeting. That's the most the chapter has ever inducted at a single meeting, beating the record of eight it set just a month earlier in August.
The September inductees were Terry Glymph, William Ice, Taylor Mauney, Patrick Mulvey, Terry Reeve, Lance Smith, Stephen Smith, Paul Stevens, and Jonathan Williams.
The evening's speaker was Richard Jalandoni of the Lomita Railroad Museum. He talked about the history of railroading in Los Angeles and how it connects to the miniature trains many of us grew up riding at Griffith Park and Wilson Park.
The museum has an interesting story of its own. It was the first railroad museum of its kind west of Denver, and it exists thanks to Mrs. Irene Lewis. She donated it to the City of Lomita in 1967 in memory of her late husband, Martin. Mrs. Lewis was a devoted railroader herself. For years she ran Little Engines, a company that designed and built miniature steam locomotives and sold them around the world, and several of those locomotives are on display at the museum today. She also chose the building's design, which is modeled on the Boston & Maine's Greenwood Station in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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"They Climbed Anyway": Harbor Chapter Marks Two September Commemorations
This September, Harbor Chapter President James C. Bunker, PhD, brought the Sons of the American Revolution's voice to two community commemorations, each one tracing a line from the nation's founding sacrifice to the duty of remembering it.
On September 11, Bunker addressed Huntington Beach's observance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. He connected the firefighters and passengers of that day to the farmers who stood at Lexington in 1775 — ordinary men with no nation yet to call their own, who stood their ground regardless, and in doing so brought one into being. Of the 343 firefighters who climbed into the towers that morning, he said only: "They climbed anyway." He closed by drawing a distinction between feeling and obligation, reminding the audience that remembrance is not a passing emotion but a duty — one that endures only if each generation hands it to the next.
Eight days later, at the Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro's Angels Gate Park, Bunker marked Constitution Day by turning the bell's own history into a lesson in the nation's. Cast, cracked, and cast a second time before it finally "rang true," the bell became a parallel for the Liberty Bell and for the Constitution itself — imperfect on the first attempt, and built to be revised. What the delegates in Philadelphia signed, he noted, was less a triumph than a compromise everyone could live with. The framers, he said, built the means to recast it directly into the document, giving every generation Article V's power to amend. As Bunker put it: "Every generation is handed the mold. No generation is ever handed the bell."
Together, the two addresses reflect Harbor Chapter's ongoing work of tying local commemorations to SAR's founding purpose — honoring those who came before, and handing their example on.
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Kern Chapter Hosts 9/11 Pentagon Responder
At the Kern Chapter's September 12 meeting, members heard from Steve Gage, a retired assistant fire chief from Bakersfield. On September 12, 2001, Gage was called to the Pentagon, where he led the California interagency response team. The day before the chapter meeting, he spoke at a city remembrance ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
| | Pictured (L–R), front row: Maggie A., Jintry B., Jesse B., Claire M., and Addie A. (Betsy Ross Society, C.A.R.); Chris Scott; and Bruce Wearda. Back row: Mike Woodward, Larry Carroll, Arnie Burr, Rod Goodman, Brian Claxton, Mike Davis, Kerry Adams, Elizabeth Cavasso (who also served on the team at the Pentagon), Steve Gage, and Mike Bradley. | | |
Color Guard Posts Colors at DAR District V Dedication in Porterville
On September 26, 2026, compatriots from the Kern and Yosemite Chapters took part in the DAR District V dedication of a Washington monument and America 250 plaque at Veterans' Park in Porterville.
| | | Pictured (L–R): Tony Cresap and Curtis Replogle (Yosemite); Arnie Burr and Kerry Adams (Kern); the Veterans Homecoming Queen; Gina Rohrbach; Emma Thompson; and Mike Davis, Bruce Wearda, and Rod Goodman (Kern). | | Color guard, commanded by Mike Davis (Kern), posting the colors (L–R): Arnie Burr, Kerry Adams, and Mike Davis (Kern); Curtis Replogle and Tony Cresap (Yosemite); and Rod Goodman, Bruce Wearda, and Mike Bradley (Kern) | | Check out the South Coast Chapter Newsletter Here | | |
Jim Hernandez, JROTC Chapter Chairman
presents JROTC Medal to Cadet Jordan Nguyen
| | Check out the South Coast Chapter Newsletter Here | | |
Yosemite Chapter Members Earn Black Powder Certification
Members of the Yosemite Chapter SAR recently completed the NRA Muzzleloader course, earning their certification in black powder firearms. The course is required before a compatriot may fire a musket at public events with the SAR Color Guard, and it covers safe handling, loading, and firing of muzzleloading arms. The class was led by Compatriot Brandon Villardi.
The newly certified members hope to make their first appearance at the Fresno Veterans Day Parade, which the city bills as the largest Veterans Day parade in the nation. Marching with the Color Guard before that crowd would be a fitting start and an honor for our veterans.
Compatriots from other chapters are warmly invited to join the Yosemite Chapter in the parade.
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Yosemite Chapter Invites you to join us in presenting colors for the next Fresno State Bulldogs game.
Email Scott Nichols travelinswimmer@gmail.com
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News from the Commander’s Tent
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Not to be dramatic, but as with all SAR roles, the Color Guard is made up of volunteers willing to give their time to help further the goal of educating the public on the amazing history that gave us this Nation.
As we enter the last Quarter of 2026, we can be proud to look back on all of the events and organizations that the State and National Color Guards have attended in support of the Nation’s celebration of America’s 250th Birthday. But the work is never done…
Looking forward there are still many events to support in 2026, as well as the ongoing “Decade of the American Revolution”, and as “The Face of the SAR” we need members. Whether it is a Color Presentation, parade, or historical presentation, the Color Guard needs members to join our ranks…
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“JOINING THE CAUSE”
Joining is as easy as reaching out to your Chapter Color Guard Commander. If your Chapter does not have a Color Guard, then reach out to me as well as your Chapter President about starting/restarting your Color Guard.
Each Chapter may have their own uniform requirements, so it is recommended that new members reach out before purchasing uniform items, but the typical uniform options are:
- Continental Army
- Continental Marines
- Continental Navy
- Militia/Frontiersman/Civilian
As with all things, costs depend on the source, and level of detail each guardsman wants to put into their “impression”. And the required level of “authenticity” will depend on the type of event you wish to take part in.
Typically, Color Guard events (Parades, Color Presentations, ceremonies, etc.) allow the use of modern clothing items, as long as the look is correct. For Guardsmen wishing to participate in Historical Reenactments and Living History Events, these require authentic clothing/footwear/accessories.
At a minimum, this is a breakdown of the items each guardsman should have (and approximate cost):
- Military Frock Coat (Wool): Est. $200-300 (Custom coat $600+)
- Rifleman's Frock (Cotton/Linen): $100+
- Civilian Frock Coast (Wool): $150-300
NOTE: Any guardsmen firing a musket must wear a Natural fiber coat (no synthetics)
- Waistcoat (Wool/Cotton/Linen): $75 – 150
- Work Shirt (Cotton/Linen): $50-150
- Breeches/Trousers (Wool/Cotton/Linen): $100-250
- Stockings (Cotton/Wool): $25-30 (Required if wearing breeches)
- Gaiters/Spatterdash: $50-100 (Half or Full depending on the Uniform choice)
- Black Leather Buckle Shoes: $150-200
- Modern Black shoes/sneakers may be used if wearing Gaiters that cover laces, and there are no White/Colors materials showing.
- Tricorn/Rifleman’s Hat: $100-300
- Accessories (Recommended items noted)
- Haversack (recommended): $50+
- Canteen: $30-100 (wood or metal)
- Cartridge Case (required for musket carriers): $100-200
Clothing & Equipment Suppliers (small sampling):
In addition to the uniform, a few other requirements include the Youth Protection Training (found thru the SAR national website) and Black Powder certification for any guardsman that wishes to take part in musket volleys at events.
As always, we are looking for volunteers to join the ranks of the Color Guard, and continue the fine tradition of the SAR.
If you have any questions, please contact your Chapter Color Guard Commander, or the State Color Guard Commander (Kevin Forrest; kevinnu93@gmail.com)
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Militia Uniform on a Budget
A uniform doesn't have to be expensive. With a few affordable pieces, you can put together a sharp militia look for parades and color presentations.
A few notes:
- The sash can be swapped for a thick leather belt or any length of cloth tied around the waist. It just needs to hold the frock shut.
- The gaiters go right over your dress shoes, so no special footwear is needed.
- A white dress shirt or any similar shirt works under the frock.
- I've also seen khaki trousers worn in place of breeches. Since the gaiters and frock cover most of the outfit, the difference is hard to spot during parades or color presentations.
- Accessories like powder horns and belt axes can be added over time.
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"Honor Flight: You Don't Need a Uniform to Show Up"
Honor Flight has quietly become one of the most powerful things our chapters can support. For veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, the program flies them — at no cost — to Washington, D.C. to finally stand in front of the memorials built in their honor. For many, especially our Vietnam-era veterans, this is the first time they've ever been thanked publicly for their service. Some came home in 1968 or 1972 to silence, or worse. Honor Flight, and the crowds who show up at the airport gates, are often the "welcome home" they never got.
That's where we come in — and it doesn't take a musket, a uniform, or a Color Guard assignment to make a difference. Every Honor Flight hub in California posts its send-off and welcome-home dates and asks the public to show up: bring a flag, make a sign, clap, shake a hand, say "welcome home." You don't need to be Color Guard to stand in that crowd. Any Compatriot, spouse, or Auxiliary member who can spare an hour at the airport is doing exactly the kind of service SAR was built for — honoring those who served. If your chapter's Color Guard can present colors, all the better. But even if it can't, get your members and their families out to the gate. These veterans waited fifty years for this moment. Let's make sure they're not looking out at an empty terminal.
Check website or social media pages for schedule changes.
| | | Hub | Coverage | Next Welcome Home | Location | | Honor Flight Southland | LA, Orange & San Bernardino Counties | Sunday, Sept 27, 2026 · 5:40 PM (Southwest WN2367) | LAX, Terminal 1 Baggage Claim | | Honor Flight
San Diego | San Diego County | September 2026 (Mission #33 — exact date not yet posted) | San Diego Int'l, Terminal 2 | | Honor Flight
Bay Area | SF Bay Area to Oregon border | Sat, Sept 12, 2026 (Flight #43 lands ~evening) | SFO | | Central Valley Honor Flight | Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, San Joaquin & more | October 2026 (mission still fundraising) | Fresno Yosemite Int'l | | Honor Flight Kern County | Bakersfield & surrounding Kern County | Fall 2026 54th mission expected Oct. | Meadows Field, Bakersfield | | Honor Flight Central Coast | SLO, Santa Barbara, Ventura | September 17th | Santa Maria Public Airport | | North Bay
Honor Flight | Marin & coastal counties north to Oregon | October 14th 5:30pm | Santa Rosa Airport | | | | | |
Color Guard
2026 Handbook
| | *note you must log into SAR.org to view National files* | | For questions concerning upcoming events or inquiries into joining the Color Guard please contact our California SAR Color Guard Command staff below | | |
Have you considered serving as a California State Society SAR Officer?
The Nominating Committee is looking for candidates who are interested in serving as a California State Society SAR Officer. You can see a list of the current State officers HERE
You can read a description of the officer’s duties in our By-Laws HERE
We prefer that State officers have previous service as a Chapter Officer. If you are interested in being considered for a State Society Officer position, please contact Don Littlefield, Chairman of the Nominating Committee at: dblittlefield@comcast.net
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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 — October 29th, 2026 Deadline
Please send news of events and high-resolution digital photos to:
bvillardi@gmail.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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Executive Vice President & Compatriot Editor
Brandon Villardi
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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: Brandon Villardi
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