December 2024

Greetings, Sacramento Chapter members!

As we wrap up another year, I am filled with pride for all we have accomplished together. From our spirited participation in local events to honoring the legacy of our Revolutionary War ancestors, each moment has been a testament to the strength and unity of our chapter. I am continually inspired by your dedication to our mission, and I thank you for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. Let's continue to carry the torch of patriotism, history, and service into the new year!

Looking ahead, we have many exciting opportunities to further engage with our community and honor our nation’s history. We are nearing the 250^th anniversary of our nations birth. We are planning several commemorative events, educational outreach programs, and social gatherings that will bring us closer together as a chapter and allow us to share the importance of our heritage with the next generation. Whether you're a long-time member or new to our chapter, there is always room for your voice and your passion. I encourage you to get involved in any way that speaks to you—whether it's helping with an event or simply attending and enjoying the fellowship of fellow patriots.

As we approach the holidays and reflect on the year, let's remember the ideals that founded our great nation—freedom, courage, and sacrifice. It is through our collective efforts that we honor these principles and ensure they remain alive in the hearts of future generations. Thank you again for your commitment to the Sacramento Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. I look forward to seeing all of you at our upcoming events, and I wish you and your families a joyful and peaceful holiday season!

Educational Outreach

CASSAR President Don Littlefield presented, a NSSAR President General's Educational Outreach Award to Chapter President Jon Wroten. This award is presented to a chapter whose compatriots engage in a certain number of new historical presentations or presents an existing presentation to a new audience. Because of its size, the Sacramento chapter is required to present more than 9 presentations during the year to earn this award. This award was due to  the hard work of Chairman Carl Ahlberg along with his team: Kimm Richwine, Helena Hurst, Scott Brooks, Jim Faulkinbury, Larry Brasher, William Reed, and Craig Anderson.

America 250 Recognition:

An America 250 gold medal was presented to Kim Richwine, Regent of the Charlotte Pankhurst Chapter DAR by CASSAR President Don Littlefield for her contributions to our 5th grade living history presentations. Her presentations about the role colonial women played in the American Revolution are well received by 5 th grade assemblies.

Veterans Recognition

New Members:

Judy Bauer of the Major Pierson B. Reading Chapter, presented CASSAR President Don Littlefield a DAR Certificate of Appreciation for his participation in their Veterans Day Parade in the City of Shasta Lake.

Painting by Emanuel Leutze 1851

In December 1776, General Washington found the remnants of his army on the west bank of the Delaware River, and the British Army controlling the east bank. He had suffered defeats at Long Island in August loosing over 2000 soldiers killed, wounded, or captured. He suffered a second defeat at White Plains in October losing another 300 soldiers before retreating west toward Pennsylvania. In November the British attacked the last remaining outpost on Manhattan, Fort Washington. The fort was forced to surrender, and Washington lost another 2900 Americans, killed or captured. 

As Washington’s army retreated into Pennsylvania, the morale of the army was low, many soldiers were shoeless in threadbare uniforms; their numbers dropped to a few thousand and many enlistments were about to expire. Washington found himself on the verge of losing his Army and the American bid for freedom. Washington needed a victory to hold his army together, keep the revolution alive, and show the American soldiers that the British could be defeated.

On Christmas night, he crossed the Delaware River with his Army and surprised the garrison of 1500 Hessian Troops at Trenton, soundly defeating them. A week later, he defeated the British Army at Princeton.

These victories demonstrated Washington's ingenuity as a leader, won the support of his soldiers, energized the Continental Army, and proved to the American people that they could prevail against the British. This was the turning point in the American Revolution.

Our Book Challenge Program is becoming a huge success, We will exceed our 1776 book goal soon and will begin working on our second set of 1776 books. We are to expand this program to other chapters within the state, and possibly other state societies.

We want to acknowledge and thank the 34 donors who have generously donated to the SAR 1776 Book Challenge Program. These donors (many who have made multiple donations) are SAR members, DAR members, community members, Friends of the SAR, local businesses, fraternal organizations such as the Masons, and Parent Teacher organizations. Thank you all for your generous support.

If you haven't donated, we encourage you to become a part of this great program. Your donation will have a huge impact in our community by providing tools for our teachers and students to learn about their American Heritage and the value of true patriotism. 100% of all donations are applied to book purchases. Administration costs have been funded by our committee members.

Or, you can send your check to Sacramento SAR, P.O. Box 6664, Folsom, CA 95763-6664. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization: EIN #68-0004388

The SAR recognizes exemplary patriotism by those individuals and organizations within our communities by awarding those who correctly fly the flag a SAR Flag Certificate. Any member may make this presentation. If you have someone who you would like to recognize in this manner, send the name to Craig Anderson (craigandersonsar@gmail.com) and a certificate will be prepared for you to make the presentation.

November 10, 2024: A presentation was made to the Carmichael Recreation and Parks Dept for installing a flag pole and flying the American Flag at the Veterans Memorial Center in Carmichael Park.

The Shot Heard Around the World

In commemoration of the beginning of hostilities of the American Revolution, the National Society has issued a new challenge coin: "The Shot Heard Around the World". These are available at the SAR Store.

David George Lancaster,  Approved 11/8/2024, Patriot Ancestor Benjamin Bridge Pvt NJ

L-R Craig Anderson, Steve Belden (President Mother Lode Chapter), Dark Alvarado, Phil Noble, Don Littlefield (CASSAR President) and Commander David Beach.

January 25,2025 DAR District II Meeting at Timber Creek Ballroom, 7050 Del Webb Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747. Color Guard musters at 9:15AM



The Sacramento Courier is the official newsletter of the Sacramento Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. Unless explicitly. stated, the opinions expressed herein are the opinion of the authors, and not necessarily those of the Sacramento Chapter SAR.

Editor Craig Anderson