Patrick Henry Chapter, Virginia SAR

Our programs

Proper Display and Retirement of the American Flag

Patriotic Flag Program - The Sons of the American Revolution promote patriotism as part of our Charter. The Patriotic Flag program is a way to promote and recognize citizens and organizations who regularly and properly display the flag of the United States.

Dignified Flag Retirement - The Sons of the American Revolution promote the practice of ensuring a dignified retirement of our National Emblem. Certificates are awarded to those who present their worn flags for proper retirement at an approved ceremony

Youth Programs

Rumbaugh Oration Contest - A nationally sponsored contest to provide students an opportunity to present a persuasive speech which deals with an event, personality, or document pertaining to the Revolutionary War and shows a relationship with America today. Students interested in participating in the Orations Contest should review the complete contest rules on the National SAR and contact the Patrick Henry Chapter through our contact page on this website.

George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest - A nationally sponsored contest designed to give high school students (9th through 12th grades) an opportunity to explore events that shaped American History. The Patrick Henry Chapter will sponsor local students who submit essays on aspects such as historical person, philosophies, or ideals that are associated with the American Revolution or related topics such as the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights or Constitution. Essays must be between 800 and 100 words and interested students should review the national requirements of the National SAR website and contact the Patrick Henry Chapter through our contact page on this website.

JROTC Recognition Program - The SAR awards the ROTC Medal to foster the principle of the "Citizen soldier", exemplified by the Minutemen of Revolutionary War times. This award is presented by the Patrick Henry Chapter to ROTC or JROTC Cadets who are selected for having a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing, and general excellence. The recipients are selected by the Commanding Officer of the ROTC or JROTC Units and presented by a Chapter member. The Chapter may select an Outstanding Cadet, from those it has awarded the Medal to and enter that Cadet into the Virginia SAR Contest. The winner of the State competition will be entered into the National Competitions. For more information see the National SAR ROTC webpage.

Outstanding Student Scholars - The Patrick Henry Chapter will recognize an outstanding students from each high school in its area of responsibility based on the recommendation of the faculty and administration. Our local schools are:

E.C. Glass High School - Lynchburg, Heritage High School - Lynchburg

Jefferson Forest High School - Bedford County, Liberty High School - Bedford County

Brookville High School - Campbell County, Rustburg High School - Campbell County

William Campbell High School - Campbell County, Altavista High School - Campbell County

Liberty Christian Academy - Lynchburg, Appomattox County High School - Appomattox County

Amherst County High School - Amherst County, Nelson County High School - Nelson County

Public Service Programs

Citizen of the Year -The Patrick Henry Chapter will seek to recognize a local citizen who has set himself apart through his outstanding service in the community either in the past or the present. This award will emphasize outstanding volunteer service to the community. The awardee will receive the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate during an appropriate ceremony at the Chapter's November meeting.

Law enforcement Commendation Medal - this award is presented by the chapter to those who have served with distinction in the field of law enforcement. The Patrick Henry Chapter will work with local law enforcement agencies to recognize one outstanding men or women yearly. The individual selected for the Chapter Award will be entered into the State wide Contest.

Fire Safety Medal - This award is presented by the Chapter to an individual who has made outstanding contributions in the field of fire safety. The Patrick Henry Chapter will work with local Fire agencies to identify qualified candidates and nominally make one presentation annually. The awardee will be entered into the State wide Contest

Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal - presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions in the EMS field.

Heroism Award - This award is presented to an individual who has displayed exceptional heroism, bravery, and self sacrifice in the face of imminent danger. it is primarily intended to recognize the action of ordinary citizens who were faced with situation requiring courage and risk of their own lives in the performance of a heroic act. However uniformed police, fire, or other first responders are not excluded. I can be presented to a SAR member.

Virginia SAR Teacher of the Year - This award is presented by a Chapter to one teacher from its area of responsibility per year. While the Chapter is free to honor teachers in each of its local schools, only one can be put forth as a candidate for this award. Teachers or Administrators who wish to put forth candidates for consideration of this award should contact the Chapter through the contact page on this website.

Tom and Betty Lawrence American History Teacher of the Year. - This is a National Program which recognizes American History Teachers. The application is available on the National SAR website. Those local schools seeking consideration of a candidate will have to submit the required application though the Patrick Henry Chapter President via the contact page of this website.

Grave Marking Programs

Revolutionary War Patriots Grave Registration - The National SAR maintains a file of Revolutionary War graves that has become the basis for a data base available to the public at our National SAR website. Graves are registered by completing a form and submitting it through the Virginia SAR Revolutionary War Graves Committee Chairman. The inclusion of digital images is encouraged.

Revolutionary War Grave Marking - The National SAR sells brass markers which can be placed on the graves of Revolutionary War patriots as a visible symbol of their service. The Patrick Henry Chapter will place these markers and provide a proper ceremony of dedication. Those interested in having a Grave Marking should contact the Chapter President through the contact page on this website.

Virginia SAR Forgotten Patriot Program

This program is a special Presidential initiative of the Virginia SAR. Many patriots of the Revolutionary War have never been recognized by having a descendant join the SAR or DAR. The purpose of the program is turn these forgotten men and women into remembered Patriot's through either an original application for membership or a supplemental application recognizing their service. For more information contact the Chapter Registrar or Chapter President through the contact page on this website