VASSAR Home Page

Welcome to the Richmond Chapter, Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. The Compatriots of the Richmond Chapter SAR invite you to join us in honoring our Revolutionary War heritage and all the brave patriots who fought, bled, and died, that we their offspring might enjoy the peace and freedom their valor won. Help us to promote patriotism and good citizenship in our Richmond community.

Dedication of Revolutionary War Patriot Memorial at St. John's Church in Richmond

Richmond is home to the historic St. John's Church which was host to the Second Virginia Convention in March of 1775. One hundred and twenty leaders of Colonial Virginia including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Nelson, Jr, and Patrick Henry met at St. John's Church where Patrick Henry delivered his famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech to rally support for independence. Twenty eight Revolutionary War patriots and 85 War of 1812 patriots are buried at the St. John's Church Cemetery in Richmond. A memorial to the Revolutionary War Patriots buried at St. John's Church Cemetery was dedicated by VASSAR on February 17, 2007.

Dedication of War of 1812 Monument at St. John's Church

June 7, 2008

Second Virginia Convention Reenactment Cast

Pledge

We the descendants of the heroes of the American Revolution, who, by their sacrifices, established the United States of America, reaffirm our faith in the principals of freedom and our Constitutional Republic, and solemnly pledge ourselves to defend them against every foe.

WHAT IS THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION?

The Sons of the American Revolution was incorporated on January 17, 1890, in Connecticut and later chartered by the United States Congress on June 9, 1906. Prior to this date a number of state societies were formed in the 1880s. These were led by The Sons of Revolutionary Sires, organized July 4, 1876, in San Francisco. The first Congress of the National Society was held in Louisville, Kentucky on April 30, 1890 -- the 101st anniversary of George Washington's taking the oath of office of President of the United States.

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution celebrated its centennial and the bicentennial of Washington's becoming President on April 30, 1989.

The purposes of the Sons of the American Revolution are patriotic, historical, and educational. This includes:

* Perpetuating the memory of Revolutionary War Patriots.

* Promoting fellowship among their descendants.

* Inspiring the community with a reverence for the principles of government founded by our forefathers.

* Encouraging historical research of the American Revolution.

* Preserving the records of Revolutionary War Patriots.

* Marking the locations of the Revolution: its events and its soldiers.

* Celebrating anniversaries of the Revolution.

* Fostering true patriotism.

* Maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom.

* Carrying out the purposes of the Preamble of the Constitution.

* Following the injunctions of Washington's farewell address to the American people.

The National Headquarters is located in Louisville, Kentucky. There are 50 state societies including the District of Columbia. There are also societies in France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Switzerland. The current membership is approximately 27,000 active members.

WHAT DOES THE ORGANIZATION DO?

* Honors individuals for outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement on a national, regional, and local level.

* Honors persons for outstanding bravery and self sacrifice in the face of imminent danger.

* Honors members of the United States Congress for outstanding service to the nation.

* Honors outstanding high school students annually with the presentation of a Good Citizenship Award.

* Honors outstanding Junior and Senior ROTC cadets annually with the presentation of the ROTC Award.

* Honors Law Enforcement officials for outstanding service with a Law Enforcement Award.

* Honors Fire Safety Officials for outstanding service with a Fire Safety Commendation Award.

* Selects outstanding Eagle Scouts annually at the chapter, state and national level. The national winner receives a college scholarship.

* Assists veterans in Veterans Hospitals.

* Conducts a national historical orations contest annually.

* Sponsors Boy Scout troops and chapters of the Children of the American Revolution.

* Places SAR markers at the grave sites of Revolutionary War Patriots and SAR Members.

* Commemorates Revolutionary War Patriots with appropriate ceremonies.

* Participates in new citizenship swearing-in ceremonies.

* Observes patriotic anniversaries.

* Cooperates with the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Children of the American Revolution, Sons of the Revolution and other hereditary organizations in the promotion of patriotism.