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Fellow Compatriots,
Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of extraordinary men and women pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to an idea that had never truly been tested: that all men are created equal, and that a people could govern themselves in freedom. This July, as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of that bold declaration, we do not merely observe the occasion, we carry it. We are the descendants of those who made it possible, and that is not a small thing.
This milestone is made even more remarkable for our California Society, as 2026 also marks the 150th anniversary of the California Sons of Revolutionary Sires, the predecessor organization that would become the California Society, Sons of the American Revolution. For 150 years, Californians have gathered in common purpose to honor the patriots who came before us and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten. We stand on the shoulders of a long line of compatriots who understood that freedom is not self-sustaining it must be tended, taught, and passed on. That is our charge today, as it has been for a century and a half.
At a moment when the teaching of history has never been more contested or more consequential, the work of this Society matters more than ever. Our patriot ancestors did not pick up a musket, endure Valley Forge, or sign their names to documents of revolution so that their deeds might fade into footnotes. They did it so that something permanent might exist; a nation worth defending, a story worth telling. Our mission is to tell that story: in schools, in communities, at ceremonies, and in the hearts of the next
generation. Education is not a committee function. It is the soul of what we do.
And across California, our chapters are living that mission with remarkable energy. From parades to memorials, from Liberty Tree plantings to Color Guard presentations, compatriots in every corner of this state have shown up for America’s 250th in ways that have left me genuinely moved. I have had the honor of attending a number of these events, and I will tell you plainly: the patriotism I encounter at every one of them is electric. It is contagious. It passes from person to person and leaves every room better than it found it. Keep it going. Please, keep it going.
This is also the year to make Congress a priority. The SAR Annual Congress is one of the great expressions of who we are as a national organization, and this year carries special weight given the America 250 context. If you are able to attend, I encourage you in the strongest possible terms to do so. Represent California. Represent your chapter.
Represent the memory of the patriots whose names brought you into this fellowship. This is our year, and we should show up for it.
Closer to home, I am pleased to announce that our Fall Board of Managers meeting is confirmed for November 6–8, 2026 in San Francisco. Logistics and agenda details are actively being developed, and we will have more information to share soon. In the meantime, please save those dates and plan to attend. We will continue the format of events and breakout sessions that made our spring gathering so successful, and we are working to make the fall meeting worthy of this historic year. I hope to see every one of you there.
As I reflect on the privilege of serving as your 137th President during this extraordinary moment, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the founders who gave everything. Gratitude for 150 years of California compatriots who kept the flame alive. And gratitude for each of you, who continue to show up, serve, and inspire.
The best days of CA SAR are not behind us. They are happening right now, in the events you are organizing, the young people you are reaching, and the communities you are serving. Let us honor our ancestors by making this anniversary year one they would be proud of.
Yours in patriotism and service,
Randy Dhindsa
137th President, California Society
Sons of the American Revolution
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Fellow Compatriots,
The South Coast and Harbor Chapter would like to invite you and your families to participate in a very special America 250 event on Wednesday, July 8, at 3:00 PM at Independence Hall at Knott's Berry Farm.
On July 8, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was publicly read for the first time to the citizens of Philadelphia. In honor of that historic moment, communities across the nation will gather at the same time to publicly read the Declaration once again.
What better place to participate than in front of our own replica of Independence Hall?
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Independence Hall at Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
This is a FREE public event, and everyone is welcome to attend. Please invite your family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who would like to celebrate the birth of our nation.
Colonial attire is appreciated but certainly not required. Whether you come in period clothing or everyday attire, your presence will help commemorate this important milestone in American history.
Parking Information
Please do not use the main Knott's Berry Farm parking lot. Instead, use the dedicated Independence Hall parking lot (East Lot) located directly adjacent to the building on Beach Boulevard.
Visitors attending Independence Hall only are typically eligible for free parking for up to one hour, making it easy to attend the ceremony at no cost.
As we approach America's 250th Anniversary, this is a wonderful opportunity for us to stand together and join thousands of Americans across the country in reading the words that gave birth to our nation.
If distance is a factor, I hope your chapter will consider joining the nationwide celebration by hosting your own public reading of the Declaration of Independence in your community. Whether gathered at a courthouse, city hall, veterans memorial, school, or other public venue, every reading helps bring the story of our nation's founding to life and reminds our communities of the enduring principles of liberty and self-government.
I hope to see many of you there—or celebrating alongside us from your own hometown.
Yours in Patriotism,
Brandon Villardi
California Society SAR
Executive Vice President
| | Welcome new Compatriots to the California SAR! | | |
Chapter Performance
Top 2026 Prospective Member Growth:
- South Coast (20)
- Riverside (19)
- Harbor and Thomas Jefferson (18)
Top 2026 Prospective Percentage Growth:
- Coachella Valley (37%)
- Riverside (26%)
- Santa Barbara (23%)
Top Application Output (all types):
- South Coast (34) - Leon Smith
- Riverside (31) - David Leonard & Henry Lucas
- Coachella Valley (25) - Dave Arthurs & Kenny Vick
Year to Date
Applications (all types): 188
2025 Applications: 160
Applications Change YoY: +11%
Prospective Membership Growth: +10%
This Period
New Applications Received: 18
Applications Mailed: 2
Applications Held for July: 20
Applications In Process: 2
Applications Approved: 0 New, 0 Supplemental
Applications Pended: 0 (approved/replaced/withdrawn)
Applications Withdrawn: 0
Average Review Time: <1 days
NSSAR Application Processing Times
Date of oldest New Application awaiting approval: 04-May-2026 (8 weeks)
Date of oldest Supplemental awaiting approval: 17-Nov-2025 (31 weeks)
State Registrar Dave Arthurs
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Gentlemen,
The Ladies Auxiliary are delighted to announce important changes to our by-laws that were approved at our State Conference in late April. They allow ladies who are not related by blood or marriage to a California SAR member to apply for Ladies Auxiliary membership, provided they are sponsored by an SAR member and a current Ladies Auxiliary member. We are pleased we can include those who have been ineligible in the past and have already benefited from increased membership. Should you know any ladies who would have joined earlier and did not qualify, but now would like to, please contact me as Registrar at ljg345@outlook.com We are finally in the month of our 250th anniversary of American Independence!
The Ladies Auxiliary extends our warm wishes to you all for a safe and celebratory July 4th holiday!
BEST JULY 4 TH WISHES CALIFORNIA SAR
FROM
YOUR GREATEST SUPPORTERS
CALIFORNIA LADIES’ AUXILIARY
Liz Glidden Ferris
President
| | Two past presidents and a president sharing a laugh at the Coachella Valley Chapter meeting, Past President John Ferris (forgot my tricorn), President Dave Arthurs, Past President Chris Cerillo. | | |
America 250 Co-chair John Ferris presenting Curtis Lane the
America 250 Gold Medal.
| | Coachella Valley Celebrates America 250 at their recent meeting | | Memorial Day Laurel Cemetery Mark, Henry, Benny and Wayne | | New member Allen Pulsipher being installed | | Jim Gillie presented his membership certificate | | Wayne Rogers presented his life membership certificate | | Mesa View Elementary School Menifee Scott Mann's Grandsons and both Junior Members Jordan Kindergarten Class and Nathaniel's 1st grade Class. Scott, Wayne and Benny Shared the story about the birth of America read the Preamble to the to the Decoration of Independence said the Pledge of Allegiance and sang happy birthday to America and took questions | | | | |
Pictured left, Eagle chapter was pictured in the Van Avery Prep School year book for giving a Flag Certificate
| | (l-r) Kerry Adams, Arnie Burr, Brian Claxton, Mike Woodward, Mike Davis, Rick Meridith, Bruce Wearda, Mike Bradley, Larry Carroll. Not pictured, JB Hay, who fired a cannon to begin the retirement procession. SAR handed a flag to be raised to an active duty personnel who in turn hands the flag to the Young Marines to be raised. Symbolizing those who gave us the country (past), though currently defending (present) and the future. | | Bruce Wearda gave a 250 Minute at the annual Flag Day retirement program and Army Birthday At Greenlawn SW. Young Marines in the background folded all flags (1300+) to be retired. | | Kern Co Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation at their regular meeting that July 2026 as the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of The United States of America and signing of the Declaration Of Independence. The Kern Chapter color guard presented colors for the start of the meeting. Two C.A.R joined the procession. SAR, DAR, and Besty Ross C.A.R were present and given certificates of appreciation. | | Redlands New chapter flag unveiled | | Congratulations to Compatriot Bill Nay of the Redwood Empire Chapter, who was selected by the Marine Corps League Department of California as the 2026 Marine of the Year! Bill was also presented with the MCL Distinguished Citizen Medal – Silver, recognizing his outstanding contributions in support of America 250 events and presentations. | | New Riverside Chapter flag unveiled | | |
During the 2025-2026 school year, the Sacramento SAR along with DAR members conducted historical presentations in 12 schools to 1408 students in the greater Sacramento area. The presenters included Kimm Richwine, Regent of the Charlotte Parkhurst DAR, Carl Ahlberg, Mark Laramore, Steve Belden, David Dance, Craig Anderson, and Tom Carpenter of the Sacramento SAR, and David Hulbert, member of the Gold Country SAR.
These assemblies consist of a series of interconnected presentations that include, the roots of the American Revolution, the role of minutemen and the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Declaration of Independence, the role of women in the American Revolution, the impact of Valley Forge on the Revolution, the origins of our national flag, and the display and description of colonial period replica artifacts. Each teacher receives a set of books for their class about the American Revolution, a letter in Abigail Adams handwriting font with a wax seal and the embossed tax stamp, and two children’s toys – a whirligig and a wooded top.
Sacramento 1776 Book Challenge
September 1, 2023, the Sacramento Chapter kicked off their 1776 Book Challenge Project. The objective was, prior to the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, was to raise $17,760 to purchase 1776 historical fiction books centered around the American Revolution, for classroom libraries by 2026, that would inspire patriotism and a love of our American Heritage.
By May of 2026, we far exceeded our original goal. We had raised nearly $35,000 and donated nearly 5000 books to classrooms in the California counties of Sacramento, Yolo, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, San Joaquin, and Kern. Over the life of these books, we estimate that they will reach over 30,000 students.
| | San Francisco & Silicon Valley Chapter | | |
250th Anniversary Anza Expedition, The Founding of the Presidio of San Francisco, and The Declaration of Independence 1776-2026, in San Francisco on June 27th.
This event was sponsored by the Los Californios and held at the San Francisco Presidio in Pershing Square. CASSAR VP North Danny Shurtz was one of the speakers representing the Sons of the American Revolution
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CASSAR VP North
Danny Shurtz
| | Consul General of Mexico Marco Mena | | | Danny Shurtz, De Anza Actor Dane Andrew, and an unknown guest | | Terry Briggs and George Claek (Silicon Valley) | | Los Californios members in period dress | | Tom Silva (TJ Chapter), John Dedo (SF Chapter), and Greg Winslow (Not SAR). and Danny Shurtz. | | George Clark (Silicon Valley), Terry Briggs, and Danny Shurtz | | |
Give Your children and Grandchildren a Head Start: Join C.A.R.!
One of the best-kept secrets in our SAR family is that your boys and grandsons don't have to wait until adulthood to get involved. Through the National Society Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), any young person under 22 who's lineally descended from a Revolutionary War patriot can join — daughters and granddaughters included. For our sons and grandsons specifically, C.A.R. also opens the door to dual membership alongside your own SAR membership. If you've already proven your lineage for SAR, that same documentation carries over, making it easy to get the young people in your life signed up.
The Oldest Youth Organization in the Country
C.A.R. isn't just another club — it's the nation's oldest and largest patriotic youth organization, founded on April 5, 1895, by Harriett Lothrop, whose idea was first proposed at the Fourth Continental Congress of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Lothrop, a children's author who wrote under the pen name Margaret Sidney, believed strongly that young people needed a hands-on way to learn American history and patriotic values, so she built C.A.R. around that mission. Congress promptly chartered the organization, and more than 130 years later it's still going strong, with local societies in nearly every state.
What C.A.R. Teaches Kids
C.A.R. is entirely youth-led, which is what makes it special. Adult "Senior" leaders — often SAR or DAR members — guide from the sidelines, but the kids run the meetings. Along the way, members learn leadership skills such as conducting a meeting using Robert's Rules of Order, plus public speaking, event planning, and community service. They get real experience serving as officers and delegates at the local, state, and national level — skills that stay with them well into adulthood.
Benefits for the Kids (and the Family)
- Hands-on history: living history events, museum visits, patriot grave markings, and more
- Leadership development kids can't get in a classroom — running meetings, holding office, public speaking
- A built-in national network of friends who share the same sense of history and service
- For sons and grandsons, a natural on-ramp into SAR
- Family involvement — parents and grandparents often serve as Senior leaders, making it a shared activity across generations
If you've got a son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter between birth and 22 who qualifies, don't let this opportunity pass by. For questions or to get the ball rolling, reach out to CASSAR C.A.R. Liaison Bruce Wearda (brucewearda@gmail.com) or CASSAR EVP Brandon Villardi (bvillardi@gmail.com).
It's one of the most rewarding ways to pass the torch to the next generation.
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Upcoming Color Guard Events
Open to All Guardsmen
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*** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ***
All SAR/DAR/CAR participants need to notify Don Littlefield at dblittlefield@comcast.net of your participation so he can inform the Parade Organizer of our number of participants and include you when sending detailed parade information instructions.
The SAR/DAR/CAR will be the 8th entry of 80 total in the parade. SAR/DAR/CAR parade participants should plan to be parked by 5:30 PM and in position by 6:30 PM. The parade starts at 7:00 PM.
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Carmichael 4th of July Parade
Please join us as we celebrate America's 250th birthday at the Carmichael 4th of July Parade. The parade, sponsored by the Carmichael Elks Lodge, will stage at Palm and Fair Oaks Blvd at 9:30AM, and the SAR, DAR, and CAR will lead the parade beginning at 10:30 AM. The parade route is 1.8 miles so dress for comfort and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Parking is available at the Elks Lodge, 5631 Cypress Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608, and shuttle service will be provided to the parade start at Palm and Fair Oaks.
| | *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:
Kevin Forrest, SAR California Color Guard Commander
Scott Nichols, SAR California Color Guard Adjutant North
Duncan Campbell, SAR California Color Guard Adjutant South
| | Our youth programs play a vital role in advancing the mission of the California Sons of the American Revolution by inspiring the next generation to learn, lead, and serve. Through a variety of contests and recognition opportunities, we encourage students to explore the principles of our founding, develop their talents, and engage with their communities. Below is a list of upcoming due dates and awards (subject to change). For specific questions about any program, please contact the State Program Chair by clicking the link provided for each contest. | | |
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 — July 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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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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