our chapter's history

Opening a new Page in the Story


On the 10th of September 2021 the Patrick Henry Chapter of the Virginia SAR was rechartered after having been inactive for more than a decade.  The revival of the chapter was primarily the result of the commitment and inspiration of the Virginia SAR President Compatriot Jeff Thomas who had made honoring the legacy of Patrick Henry the key element of his programs for the year 2021.  President Thomas sought out the help of several Virginia Compatriots who shared his desire and vision to reestablish the Chapter.  Compatriot Mark Day, a Past Chapter President of the Thomas Jefferson Chapter was asked to be the Organizing President for the Patrick Henry Chapter and Compatriot Jeff Myers, Secretary of the Dan River Chapter was asked to fill the role of Organizing Secretary.  Working together with Wayne Rouse the State Secretary and Mike Taimi, a former State Registrar, who performed the duties of Organizing Registrar Compatriots Day and Myers  contacted existing members in the Lynchburg region as well as identifying and recruiting new member candidates for the rechartered chapter.   An Organizational meeting was held in May of 2021 at Patrick henry's Red Hill National Memorial.  During the ensuing months a Constitution and By-laws were prepared, a slate of officers was developed, and plans were put in place to re-charter the chapter during  the Virginia SAR Semi-Annual Meeting on September 10th at Patrick Henry's Red Hill.  The ceremonies for the re-chartering took place at 1;00 pm on 10 September with Virginia State President Thomas presiding.  The Slate of Officers were elected by the Chapter members present and installed By the Mid-Atlantic District Vice President General Troy Foxwell.   As part of the ceremony  three new members were inducted and Awards presented to the Organizing President, Organizing Secretary, and Organizing Registrar.   Finally State President Thomas presented the Charter to the Charter President Compatriot Mark Day.

Following the Re-Chartering ceremony, a short meeting of the Chapter was conducted to approve the Constitution and By-laws and set the dues fees for the Chapter.   The Chapters first regular meeting will be held on 13 November in Lynchburg.  

The year 2022 saw the chapter grow at a rapid rate with the gain of 18 new members by first time application to the SAR and 1 member through reinstatement.  This effectually doubled the membership in the Chapter.  Our quarterly business meetings continued to be held at American Legion Post 16 on Greenview Drive in Lynchburg and the Legion continued its wonderful support of our organization.  During the year we began to assemble a cadre of Color Guardsmen and they participated in grave markings, historic celebrations, parades, and both the State Society Annual and Semi-Annual.  The Chapter sponsored a celebration of Patrick Henry's Birthday at Red Hill in Brookneal, VA.  Many chapters from around the state, State Society Officers, and local DAR chapter attended the program and placed wreaths at the gravesite.  Additionally the Chapter sponsored SAR grave markings for Colonel Charles Lynch and 1st Lt. Anslem Lynch in the Lynch Cemetery at Avoca in Altavista, VA.  The Patrick Henry Chapter participated in many SAR award programs during the year.  Awards presented included the Public Service Awards in Heroism, Life Saving, Fire Safety, EMS, and Law Enforcement.  Other awards such as J.R.O.T.C cadets at three local schools, Outstanding Citizenship, and Eagle Scouts went to outstanding local youth.  As the year comes to a close, we are preparing to participate in Wreaths Across America at both Old City Cemetery and Presbyterian Cemetery here in Lynchburg, and we are looking forward to having an even better year in 2023.

 

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