President’s Message

Dear Compatriots

It was great seeing you again at our September dinner meeting.  It was nice to see so many new members inducted that evening and I’m pleased to report our chapter membership has grown to more than 125 as of that dinner.  It is heartwarming to interact with new members as they honor their patriot ancestors.

Please remember all are invited to attend the 151^st California SAR Board of Managers meeting in San Francisco this coming November.  Kevin Forest, Scott Whitman and I will attend and we’d love to have you join us.  The meetings are striving to add more “fun” time going forward.  If you join us you will have the opportunity to join a historic tour of Alcatraz as well as an evening dinner cruise around the bay.

Reflecting on significant revolutionary war events, October 7th marks the 161st anniversary of the second Battle of Saratoga.  The battles were significant in that they were a turning point in the American Revolution. The victories convinced France that the Americans could hold their own against the British Army, leading to the alliance between America and France. Moreover, the victories persuaded Spain and the Netherlands to support the American cause against Britain.  The financial and military support of those countries were a critical hinge in our ultimate success in establishing independence from Britain.  Several patriot ancestors of our chapter membership fought in those battles.

Please join us at our October dinner meeting.

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels

President’s Message

Welcome back from our summer break! I look forward to seeing you at our September 15th dinner meeting.

This summer was busting at the seams with opportunities to exhibit our patriotism as the nation celebrated its 250th birthday. I hope you had fun celebrating that awesome milestone. As detailed elsewhere in this newsletter, our color guard was active throughout the summer.

Leon Smith, our Registrar, has been busy and we will be able to recognize a number of new members and approved supplementals this fall. I extend my congratulations and welcome to all new members and encourage you to speak with me or one of the other officers about opportunities to join any number of committees. We can use your time and talent in achieving our chapter goals and I can guarantee you will be rewarded with better connectivity to your patriot ancestor.

Three committees need one or more volunteers now. First we need an editor for our newsletter to work beside and learn from our current editor, Bruce Deaner, who needs to pass the baton in a few months due to personal reasons.

Secondly, we need to rebuild our youth program committee. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) sponsors several annual awards programs that allow students and educators to become more involved and engaged in the American Revolutionary period. These awards encourage civic responsibility and duty, creative and effective teaching practices for the classroom, and a deeper understanding of the complicated issues surrounding the war for American independence. Please consider taking a chapter leadership role in creating awareness and participation in these opportunities within our local communities.

Awards of interest include:

• Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest
• Sgt. Moses Adams Middle School Brochure Contest
• High School Essay Contest
• Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest
• CAR Activity Award

National winners of three of those programs receive a cash award.

Last but not least, we’re establishing a committee to recognize outstanding first responders from the communities served by our chapter. Please contact me to discuss the various programs and how you can assist.

Finally, just a reminder that September starts our process for renewing annual membership in the chapter, state and national societies. The state has moved up our timeline to complete the process so you will be receiving renewal details soon.

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels

President’s message

Dear Compatriots,

As a reminder the chapter does not meet in the months of June, July or August. This means that the next time we meet will be on Tuesday, September 15th.

In looking ahead June 14th is both the 251st anniversary of the birth of the U.S. Army as well as Flag Day, so please display a flag on this day. June 15th marks the 251st anniversary of John Adams nominating George Washington as General and Commander-in-Chief. Of course, July 4th marks the 250th anniversary of our declaration of independence from England. It has been heartwarming to see the ramp up across the media in recognizing America 250 and I’m proud to note that our chapter has been active in promoting that significant milestone throughout our community. Please continue to promote patriotism in your community and social circles. Also, please consider awarding a Flag Certificate to a local neighbor or business who proudly displays the American flag. Contact Jim Hernandez or me if you have a candidate to receive a certificate.

This summer please consider stepping up to lead our youth program committee. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) sponsors several annual awards programs that allow students and educators to become more involved and engaged in the American Revolutionary period. These awards encourage civic responsibility and duty, creative and effective teaching practices for the classroom, and a deeper understanding of the complicated issues surrounding the war for American independence. Please consider taking a chapter leadership role in creating awareness and participation in these opportunities within our local communities. Contact me or any other member of our Board to explore involvement in these meaningful programs. An overview of the programs may be found at: Youth Brochure-Large.pub

Awards of interest include:

• Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest

• Sgt. Moses Adams Middle School Brochure Contest

• George S & Stella M Knight Essay Contest

• Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest

• CAR Activity Award

National winners of three of those programs receive a cash award. Wishing you all a terrific, safe summer.

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels

President’s Message

Dear Compatriots,

May is a very meaningful month for SAR, one that is filled with important commemorative times including Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Mother’s Day. Armed Forces Day, which falls this year on Saturday, May 16, honors our active-duty service members and their ongoing efforts to serve and protect our nation. Later in the month we will observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, calling upon us to remember our heroes who have served our nation and given their lives in its defense. Finally, May is the time we observe Mother’s Day, which this year falls on Sunday, May 10. This is the time for celebrating the love, encouragement, guidance and inspiration given to us by our mothers. While my mother and mother-in-law are no longer living, I am grateful for their many contributions to my life as well as the support provided by my wife Denise.

As we observe these very important occasions this month, let us continue to live the mission statement of SAR, promoting patriotism and honoring our patriot ancestors through serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our country.

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

In patriotism,

Barry Michaels