<![CDATA[Indiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Community - President's Message]]> http://members.indianasar.org/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:23:47 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Greetings From Indiana SAR Presdent Behnke - 2025]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=46 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:58:41 +0000 SAR_Admin]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=46 Greetings Compatriots of the SAR

I am honored to be elected as the 90th President of the Indiana State Society. I will do my best to continue the high standard of leadership established by our previous state presidents. During my four years as your state secretary and two years as vice-president, I have learned much from our previous leaders, Jacob Vink, Jeffrey Jones, and Wayne Eells. These leaders looked towards the future of the SAR and events of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. I look forward to seeing these events being celebrated by our society.

In addition to celebrating these events, I look forward to increasing our membership. The Indiana Society has maintained about the same size membership over the last few years. I believe our society can do better in recruiting new members. For example we can set up tables and displays at local events and advertise what the SAR represents. Chapters must be more active socially, not just meet once every two to three months for chapter business. Several of our chapters get together for dinner weekly or bi-monthly to just have dinner and socialize. This helps create a bond within the chapters.

When your new members come to meetings, welcome them and get them involved in chapter activities. Be a mentor by educating them about the goals, programs, and events of the SAR.
Also tell our members' wives about the Ladies Auxiliary; it costs just $5 yearly for membership. The Ladies work closely with the SAR and help with fund raising programs. Wives do not have to prove lineage to join the auxiliary. The Ladies Auxiliary holds their own meetings and visit historical sites during the House of Delegates meetings.

In 2026 we will be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of the United States of America. There will be events celebrating the 250th all over the country. Don't be left out. Get involved in the celebrations. You will be able to look back in years to come with fondness and pride celebrating these historic events.

I hope you will help our society find ways to plan and participate in these upcoming celebrations. The America 250th Foundation envisions these Commemorations as monumental multiyear celebrations. Again don't be left out. BE A DEDICATED COMPATRIOT.

Libertas et Patria
William Behnke
&&: ;;,£:
President Indiana SAR]]> Greetings Compatriots of the SAR

I am honored to be elected as the 90th President of the Indiana State Society. I will do my best to continue the high standard of leadership established by our previous state presidents. During my four years as your state secretary and two years as vice-president, I have learned much from our previous leaders, Jacob Vink, Jeffrey Jones, and Wayne Eells. These leaders looked towards the future of the SAR and events of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. I look forward to seeing these events being celebrated by our society.

In addition to celebrating these events, I look forward to increasing our membership. The Indiana Society has maintained about the same size membership over the last few years. I believe our society can do better in recruiting new members. For example we can set up tables and displays at local events and advertise what the SAR represents. Chapters must be more active socially, not just meet once every two to three months for chapter business. Several of our chapters get together for dinner weekly or bi-monthly to just have dinner and socialize. This helps create a bond within the chapters.

When your new members come to meetings, welcome them and get them involved in chapter activities. Be a mentor by educating them about the goals, programs, and events of the SAR.
Also tell our members' wives about the Ladies Auxiliary; it costs just $5 yearly for membership. The Ladies work closely with the SAR and help with fund raising programs. Wives do not have to prove lineage to join the auxiliary. The Ladies Auxiliary holds their own meetings and visit historical sites during the House of Delegates meetings.

In 2026 we will be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of the United States of America. There will be events celebrating the 250th all over the country. Don't be left out. Get involved in the celebrations. You will be able to look back in years to come with fondness and pride celebrating these historic events.

I hope you will help our society find ways to plan and participate in these upcoming celebrations. The America 250th Foundation envisions these Commemorations as monumental multiyear celebrations. Again don't be left out. BE A DEDICATED COMPATRIOT.

Libertas et Patria
William Behnke
&&: ;;,£:
President Indiana SAR]]> <![CDATA[Indiana State SAR District Vice Presidents and Chapters]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=18 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:27:04 +0000 jwjone]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=18  
 
  1. The House of Delegates voted to approve five (5) Indiana districts to replace the existing four (4).  See the attached map titled “Indiana SAR Districts”.
  2. The Indiana Chapters have been realigned to match the new District Structure.  Please see the file titled “Indiana SAR Chapter and District Alignment.”  This file is exported from the State Website.
  3. State Vice President Vink has written a job description for the District Vice Presidents.  Please see the file titled “Job Description – District Vice Presidents.”
  4. The District Vice Presidents have been approved by the House of Delegates and aligned with a District.  In addition, the State Color Guard Commander has assigned Area Color Guard Commanders to these same districts.  These assignments are:
    • District 1:  VP Steve Oberlin; ACG  CDR Jeffrey Stratton
    • District 2:  VP Pat Cave; ACG CDR (Vacant)
    • District 3:  VP Dr. Tom Whiteman; ACG CDR Mark Kreps
    • District 4:  VP Randy Helderman; ACG CDR Randy Helderman
    • District 5:  VP Allen Manning; ACG CDR Ed Hitchcock


.pdf   Indiana SAR Districts.pdf (Size: 1.68 MB / Downloads: 7)

.pdf   Indiana SAR Chapter and District Alignment.pdf (Size: 173.21 KB / Downloads: 5)

.pdf   Job Descripiton - District Vice Presidents.pdf (Size: 69.28 KB / Downloads: 7) ]]>  
 
  1. The House of Delegates voted to approve five (5) Indiana districts to replace the existing four (4).  See the attached map titled “Indiana SAR Districts”.
  2. The Indiana Chapters have been realigned to match the new District Structure.  Please see the file titled “Indiana SAR Chapter and District Alignment.”  This file is exported from the State Website.
  3. State Vice President Vink has written a job description for the District Vice Presidents.  Please see the file titled “Job Description – District Vice Presidents.”
  4. The District Vice Presidents have been approved by the House of Delegates and aligned with a District.  In addition, the State Color Guard Commander has assigned Area Color Guard Commanders to these same districts.  These assignments are:
    • District 1:  VP Steve Oberlin; ACG  CDR Jeffrey Stratton
    • District 2:  VP Pat Cave; ACG CDR (Vacant)
    • District 3:  VP Dr. Tom Whiteman; ACG CDR Mark Kreps
    • District 4:  VP Randy Helderman; ACG CDR Randy Helderman
    • District 5:  VP Allen Manning; ACG CDR Ed Hitchcock


.pdf   Indiana SAR Districts.pdf (Size: 1.68 MB / Downloads: 7)

.pdf   Indiana SAR Chapter and District Alignment.pdf (Size: 173.21 KB / Downloads: 5)

.pdf   Job Descripiton - District Vice Presidents.pdf (Size: 69.28 KB / Downloads: 7) ]]> <![CDATA[2021 National Congress Report]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=16 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:22:28 +0000 jwjone]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=16
.pdf   2021 Indiana Report on Congress from the National Trustee.pdf (Size: 99.1 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]>
.pdf   2021 Indiana Report on Congress from the National Trustee.pdf (Size: 99.1 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]> <![CDATA[Appointment of Americanism and Flag Recognition Chair]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=12 Fri, 21 May 2021 12:36:46 +0000 jwjone]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=12 I would like to announce two items of Committee News:

  1. Our Special Committee "Americanism and Flag Recognition" has been separated into two distinct committees.  They are called (obviously enough) "Americanism" and "Flag Recognition."
  2. The Committee Chair for both committees will be Kevin Cullen of the William Henry Harrison Chapter.  He can be contacted at:  irishhiker@aol.com
My goal for Kevin and the Americanism committee is to focus our State resources on assisting Chapters with strong support for Youth Programs and Community Service.  I will ask Kevin to forgo a State "Americanism" accounting, and instead focus on working with Chapters to set up a program to track community service hours, donations, and Youth Program events.  Our goal is to give back to our communities and provide educational resources, our time, and our donations.

I would like to thank George Frantz for his years of service on this committee and welcome Kevin Cullin to the State Leadership Team.

Jeff]]> I would like to announce two items of Committee News:

  1. Our Special Committee "Americanism and Flag Recognition" has been separated into two distinct committees.  They are called (obviously enough) "Americanism" and "Flag Recognition."
  2. The Committee Chair for both committees will be Kevin Cullen of the William Henry Harrison Chapter.  He can be contacted at:  irishhiker@aol.com
My goal for Kevin and the Americanism committee is to focus our State resources on assisting Chapters with strong support for Youth Programs and Community Service.  I will ask Kevin to forgo a State "Americanism" accounting, and instead focus on working with Chapters to set up a program to track community service hours, donations, and Youth Program events.  Our goal is to give back to our communities and provide educational resources, our time, and our donations.

I would like to thank George Frantz for his years of service on this committee and welcome Kevin Cullin to the State Leadership Team.

Jeff]]> <![CDATA[Special Committee for "Chapter Governance"]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=9 Sun, 09 May 2021 19:25:40 +0000 jwjone]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=9 I would like to announce the appointment of a Special State Committee named "Chapter Governance."  The committee will be chaired by Compatriot Pat Cave Jr., who is also our 1st District Vice President.
 
The objective of this committee is to review Indiana Chapter Constitution and Bylaws defining documents to determine their alignment with National and State governing documents.  This scope includes identifying, suggesting, and following up on necessary Chapter defining document changes.
 
This committee is charged with providing a schedule of activities at the next Executive Committee meeting on 8 June, along with a timeline for completion of the committee activities.
 
The members of this special committee are:
  • Pat Cave Jr. (Chairman)
  • Wayne Eells
  • William Behnke
Comments and feedback are freely encouraged from the membership to the committee chair.  Compatriot Cave can be reached at:  pamacajr@att.net.
 
Thanks]]> I would like to announce the appointment of a Special State Committee named "Chapter Governance."  The committee will be chaired by Compatriot Pat Cave Jr., who is also our 1st District Vice President.
 
The objective of this committee is to review Indiana Chapter Constitution and Bylaws defining documents to determine their alignment with National and State governing documents.  This scope includes identifying, suggesting, and following up on necessary Chapter defining document changes.
 
This committee is charged with providing a schedule of activities at the next Executive Committee meeting on 8 June, along with a timeline for completion of the committee activities.
 
The members of this special committee are:
  • Pat Cave Jr. (Chairman)
  • Wayne Eells
  • William Behnke
Comments and feedback are freely encouraged from the membership to the committee chair.  Compatriot Cave can be reached at:  pamacajr@att.net.
 
Thanks]]> <![CDATA[Special Committee Appointments: Flag Recognition and Americanism]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=8 Sun, 09 May 2021 16:18:14 +0000 jwjone]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=8
Jeff
***************************************


I would like to sincerely thank you for volunteering as an Indiana State SAR Society committee lead.  The specific committee you volunteered for (Flag and Americanism) is actually two separate committees.  These are:  “Flag Recognition” and “Americanism.”  Your willingness to lead these committees are a strong statement of your support for the SAR and your willingness to contribute your time and your efforts to our Society.
 
I have the following contact information on file for you:
 
Compatriot Frank Kevin Cullen
National Number:  116565
518 Perrin Avenue
Lafayette, IN 47904-2655
Cell:  (765) 429-6247
Email:  irishhiker@aol.com
 
Your two committees fall within our Outreach and Patriotism categories.  Our State SAR strives to support the National SAR Patriotic Goals.  Your committees are aligned with that support.  Here are the National goals:
 
  • We will work tirelessly to inspire the community with the principles on which our nation was founded.
  • We strive to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom.
  • We will work to carry out the promises expressed in the Preamble to the Constitution.
  • We shall provide recognition for public service.
  • This organization shall strive to honor, respect, and support the sacrifices of our veterans, especially those confined to residential and hospital facilities provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
 
I will follow this note of appreciation with specific information on each committee.
 
Thank you again.  Your volunteerism is sincerely appreciated.]]>
Jeff
***************************************


I would like to sincerely thank you for volunteering as an Indiana State SAR Society committee lead.  The specific committee you volunteered for (Flag and Americanism) is actually two separate committees.  These are:  “Flag Recognition” and “Americanism.”  Your willingness to lead these committees are a strong statement of your support for the SAR and your willingness to contribute your time and your efforts to our Society.
 
I have the following contact information on file for you:
 
Compatriot Frank Kevin Cullen
National Number:  116565
518 Perrin Avenue
Lafayette, IN 47904-2655
Cell:  (765) 429-6247
Email:  irishhiker@aol.com
 
Your two committees fall within our Outreach and Patriotism categories.  Our State SAR strives to support the National SAR Patriotic Goals.  Your committees are aligned with that support.  Here are the National goals:
 
  • We will work tirelessly to inspire the community with the principles on which our nation was founded.
  • We strive to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom.
  • We will work to carry out the promises expressed in the Preamble to the Constitution.
  • We shall provide recognition for public service.
  • This organization shall strive to honor, respect, and support the sacrifices of our veterans, especially those confined to residential and hospital facilities provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
 
I will follow this note of appreciation with specific information on each committee.
 
Thank you again.  Your volunteerism is sincerely appreciated.]]> <![CDATA[Appointment of State Color Guard Commander]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=7 Fri, 07 May 2021 14:17:20 +0000 jwjone]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=7 Executive Committee:

I am appointing Jacob Vink as the State Color Guard Commander, and the lead of the State Color Guard Committee.  He is to be congratulated for assuming this vital role.  As specified in Bylaw 18, the committee will consist of the State Commander, the Area Color Guard Commanders, and the Vice President.

This position is effective immediately.

Jacob is committed to energizing a recruiting campaign to increase our Color Guard membership and visibility.

Jeff Jones
State President



Bylaw 18 - Committees

Quote:[font="Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif]Section 9. The Color Guard Committee will administer and coordinate all functions, procedures and protocols of the Indiana Society, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard (hereafter referred to as Color Guard) in accordance with the overall guidance of the Indiana Society House of Delegates.

The Color Guard Committee shall consist of the State Color Guard Commander, who shall serve as the committee chairman, the Area Color Guard Commanders, and the incumbent Indiana Society Vice President, who shall have voting privileges only in the event of a tie vote among the members of the committee. The Indiana Society President shall appoint the State Commander. The State Commander shall appoint Area Commanders.

The Indiana Color Guard shall employ the Events method for Color Guard awards as outlined in the National SAR Handbook.[/font]
]]> Executive Committee:

I am appointing Jacob Vink as the State Color Guard Commander, and the lead of the State Color Guard Committee.  He is to be congratulated for assuming this vital role.  As specified in Bylaw 18, the committee will consist of the State Commander, the Area Color Guard Commanders, and the Vice President.

This position is effective immediately.

Jacob is committed to energizing a recruiting campaign to increase our Color Guard membership and visibility.

Jeff Jones
State President



Bylaw 18 - Committees

Quote:[font="Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif]Section 9. The Color Guard Committee will administer and coordinate all functions, procedures and protocols of the Indiana Society, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard (hereafter referred to as Color Guard) in accordance with the overall guidance of the Indiana Society House of Delegates.

The Color Guard Committee shall consist of the State Color Guard Commander, who shall serve as the committee chairman, the Area Color Guard Commanders, and the incumbent Indiana Society Vice President, who shall have voting privileges only in the event of a tie vote among the members of the committee. The Indiana Society President shall appoint the State Commander. The State Commander shall appoint Area Commanders.

The Indiana Color Guard shall employ the Events method for Color Guard awards as outlined in the National SAR Handbook.[/font]
]]> <![CDATA[Special Committee for "State District Roles"]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=6 Thu, 06 May 2021 14:23:43 +0000 jwjone]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=6 I would like to announce the appointment of a Special State Committee named "State District Roles."  The committee will be chaired by Compatriot Mark Kreps, who is also our State Historian.

The objective of this committee is to define the roles and to deconflict responsibilities, among SAR Chapters within our State Districts.  This objective includes updating traditional District boundaries, recommending Chapter responsibilities for Patriot Graves and Color Guard activities, providing guidance for referrals of membership, guidance on recruiting for Youth and ROTC contests, and guidance for responding to DAR requests for SAR participation.

This committee is charged with providing a schedule of activities at the next Executive Committee meeting on 8 June, along with a timeline for completion of the committee activities.

The members of this special committee are:
  • Mark Kreps (Chairman)

  • Jacob Vink

  • Allen Manning

  • George Frantz

  • Tom Whiteman

  • William Behnke

  • Randy Helderman

  • Edward Hitchcock

  • Gerald McDowell

  • Wilbur Decker
Comments and feedback are freely encouraged from the membership to the committee chair.  Compatriot Kreps can be reached at:  mrkjmkreps@gmail.com.

Thanks

Jeff Jones
State President



Bylaw 18 - Committees

Quote:[font="Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif]Section 1. The President shall appoint the Standing Committees and such Special Committees as he deems necessary to carry on the work of the Indiana Society during his term of office, subject to confirmation by the House of Delegates. All Committees shall be encouraged to present a written report of activities at each meeting of the House of Delegates. Special meetings may be conducted, and votes may be taken and recorded, via teleconference or other electronic means that permits contemporaneous discussion.[/font]
]]> I would like to announce the appointment of a Special State Committee named "State District Roles."  The committee will be chaired by Compatriot Mark Kreps, who is also our State Historian.

The objective of this committee is to define the roles and to deconflict responsibilities, among SAR Chapters within our State Districts.  This objective includes updating traditional District boundaries, recommending Chapter responsibilities for Patriot Graves and Color Guard activities, providing guidance for referrals of membership, guidance on recruiting for Youth and ROTC contests, and guidance for responding to DAR requests for SAR participation.

This committee is charged with providing a schedule of activities at the next Executive Committee meeting on 8 June, along with a timeline for completion of the committee activities.

The members of this special committee are:
  • Mark Kreps (Chairman)

  • Jacob Vink

  • Allen Manning

  • George Frantz

  • Tom Whiteman

  • William Behnke

  • Randy Helderman

  • Edward Hitchcock

  • Gerald McDowell

  • Wilbur Decker
Comments and feedback are freely encouraged from the membership to the committee chair.  Compatriot Kreps can be reached at:  mrkjmkreps@gmail.com.

Thanks

Jeff Jones
State President



Bylaw 18 - Committees

Quote:[font="Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif]Section 1. The President shall appoint the Standing Committees and such Special Committees as he deems necessary to carry on the work of the Indiana Society during his term of office, subject to confirmation by the House of Delegates. All Committees shall be encouraged to present a written report of activities at each meeting of the House of Delegates. Special meetings may be conducted, and votes may be taken and recorded, via teleconference or other electronic means that permits contemporaneous discussion.[/font]
]]> <![CDATA[Greetings from President Jones - 2021]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=2 Sun, 02 May 2021 18:13:18 +0000 jwjone]]> http://members.indianasar.org/showthread.php?tid=2
I am deeply honored to be chosen to serve as your new Indiana SAR Society President.  My primary goal will be to continue the highest tradition of leadership set by our Past President, Kevin Waldroup, during the past two years.  His service, actions, and guidance focused the entire membership of our Society on dealing with change, embracing innovation, collaborating with each other, and assuming new roles and duties that we would have previously not thought possible.  He looked at this past year of 2020 and found opportunities for all us to excel in social interaction at multiple levels and distances of our Society, and to participate broadly on committees and work tasks with new levels of access.  We are eternally grateful to Compatriot Past President Kevin Waldroup.

In addition to continuing our State Society traditions, I would like to find more ways to expand our compatriot opportunities and participation.  My intention is to expand our committee membership rolls, and to conduct regular Executive Committee meetings that include state committee representation.  The outcome that I am hoping for is a regular “heartbeat” of State Society business and continual communication between committees at the State and Chapter levels.

Our Annual House of Delegates (April meeting), hosted by the Clarence A. Cook Chapter, was hugely successful.  It was our first in-person meeting in a very long time.  Instead of struggling to meet a minimum quorum to conduct society business, we instead had most seats filled, with many supporting Ladies of the Auxiliary and the DAR present.  This meeting was the first time (in my memory) that we had a virtual component using ZOOM to bring members to the meeting that could not attend otherwise.  We offer many thanks to Jacob Vink and his crew for their support.  In addition, Chaplain McGriff conducted a very solemn memorial service where we “remembered” 42 deceased Compatriots.  Even though this represents 5% of our membership, they are gone but “truly not forgotten.”

We have a number of important events that are occurring in the near future.  Please make plans to attend our Summer House of Delegates on 31 July in Lafayette.  The William Henry Harrison Chapter will host this meeting.  I would love to be challenged to find everyone a seat, because so many of our Compatriots attended.  The State Leadership will be at the Annual Summer Congress in Seattle in the middle of July, and we will have full reports to bring to our State meeting on the 31st.  Please take a few minutes and review the Society calendar (on the State website) and to make sure the Chapter activities are up to date.

July 4, 2026 will mark 250 years since the United States of America declared its independence as a nation.  As this momentous anniversary approaches, Americans have an unparalleled opportunity to reflect on our past, to celebrate the rich tapestry of our present, and to advance the promise of our democracy for future generations.

Congress established the U.S. Semi-quincentennial Commission to lead the nationwide commemoration of this historic milestone.  The America 250 Foundation serves as the operational arm of the Commission, leading its programs, events, and partnerships.  The Commission and the Foundation envision the America 250 commemoration as a monumental, multiyear initiative, engaging each American in what we expect to be the largest and most inclusive anniversary observance in our nation’s history.

I hope you will join me in finding ways for our State SAR society to plan for, and participate in this upcoming major celebration.
I would like to close with again thanking our Past President for his service and to thank each of our Compatriots in their support of the SAR.  I look forward to our continued fellowship and successes!

Jeff]]>
I am deeply honored to be chosen to serve as your new Indiana SAR Society President.  My primary goal will be to continue the highest tradition of leadership set by our Past President, Kevin Waldroup, during the past two years.  His service, actions, and guidance focused the entire membership of our Society on dealing with change, embracing innovation, collaborating with each other, and assuming new roles and duties that we would have previously not thought possible.  He looked at this past year of 2020 and found opportunities for all us to excel in social interaction at multiple levels and distances of our Society, and to participate broadly on committees and work tasks with new levels of access.  We are eternally grateful to Compatriot Past President Kevin Waldroup.

In addition to continuing our State Society traditions, I would like to find more ways to expand our compatriot opportunities and participation.  My intention is to expand our committee membership rolls, and to conduct regular Executive Committee meetings that include state committee representation.  The outcome that I am hoping for is a regular “heartbeat” of State Society business and continual communication between committees at the State and Chapter levels.

Our Annual House of Delegates (April meeting), hosted by the Clarence A. Cook Chapter, was hugely successful.  It was our first in-person meeting in a very long time.  Instead of struggling to meet a minimum quorum to conduct society business, we instead had most seats filled, with many supporting Ladies of the Auxiliary and the DAR present.  This meeting was the first time (in my memory) that we had a virtual component using ZOOM to bring members to the meeting that could not attend otherwise.  We offer many thanks to Jacob Vink and his crew for their support.  In addition, Chaplain McGriff conducted a very solemn memorial service where we “remembered” 42 deceased Compatriots.  Even though this represents 5% of our membership, they are gone but “truly not forgotten.”

We have a number of important events that are occurring in the near future.  Please make plans to attend our Summer House of Delegates on 31 July in Lafayette.  The William Henry Harrison Chapter will host this meeting.  I would love to be challenged to find everyone a seat, because so many of our Compatriots attended.  The State Leadership will be at the Annual Summer Congress in Seattle in the middle of July, and we will have full reports to bring to our State meeting on the 31st.  Please take a few minutes and review the Society calendar (on the State website) and to make sure the Chapter activities are up to date.

July 4, 2026 will mark 250 years since the United States of America declared its independence as a nation.  As this momentous anniversary approaches, Americans have an unparalleled opportunity to reflect on our past, to celebrate the rich tapestry of our present, and to advance the promise of our democracy for future generations.

Congress established the U.S. Semi-quincentennial Commission to lead the nationwide commemoration of this historic milestone.  The America 250 Foundation serves as the operational arm of the Commission, leading its programs, events, and partnerships.  The Commission and the Foundation envision the America 250 commemoration as a monumental, multiyear initiative, engaging each American in what we expect to be the largest and most inclusive anniversary observance in our nation’s history.

I hope you will join me in finding ways for our State SAR society to plan for, and participate in this upcoming major celebration.
I would like to close with again thanking our Past President for his service and to thank each of our Compatriots in their support of the SAR.  I look forward to our continued fellowship and successes!

Jeff]]>