CALOOSA. Volume XII Issue V Caloosa Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution Newsletter February 2017

Transcription

1 CALOOSA PATRIOT Volume XII Issue V Caloosa Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution Newsletter February 2017 Sons off tthe Revolluttiion and Sons off tthe Ameriiccan Revolluttiion By Robert W. McGuire, Jr. Hanging on a wall in our home are a number of certificates from lineage societies showing my consanguinity, and my wife s, from ancestors who fought in the Revolution and others who were passengers on the Mayflower. Some of these are contemporary indicating our own memberships, and some relate to memberships of parents and grandparents. The most visually impressive is one showing the membership of my wife s mother s father (Samuel Slocum Sadler) in the Pennsylvania Society, Sons of the American Revolution dated January 19, 1907 a large and beautifully executed lithographic print which includes scenes from the Revolution. Less spectacular, but still an interesting specimen, is a calligraphy prepared certificate showing her father s father (Robert Norman White) as a member of the California Society, Sons of the Revolution dated November 30, During our efforts to prepare SAR applications for her male family members, we discovered that SAR and SR are two different societies. There are two fundamental differences between the Sons of the Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution. The first lies in the corporate structure, the second in the qualifications for membership. The Sons of the American Revolution is a National Society with its State Societies reporting to an Annual Congress of the National Society and, in large part, subordinate to its decrees. The Society of the Sons of the Revolution is organized upon the plan similar to our own Government of the States and the Nation. All rights, powers and privileges not expressly yielded to the General Society repose in the several State Societies. The other essential and fundamental difference relates to requirements for membership which differ somewhat. While both recognize lineal descendants of ancestors who participated in the Revolutionary War in a military or naval capacity in behalf of American independence, or as official or individual whose service was of sufficient importance to have rendered him liable to conviction of treason against Great Britain, the SAR (and DAR) will accept other services not considered by the SR. Examples of acceptable service to SAR are descent from a justice of the peace, members of a coroner's jury, surveyor of highways, associator, and persons rendering various types of patriotic or civil service, payment of certain taxes, etc. The Society of the Cincinnati was organized in the cantonment of the American Army at Verplanck on the Hudson on May 13, 1783, by George Washington and his associate officers. Eligibility in the Cincinnati is restricted to officers holding commissions in the Army or Navy during the Revolution or that one descendant of such officer who would inherit under the laws of primogeniture. On December 4, 1783, nine days after the last British soldiers left American soil, George Fraunces Tavern Washington invited the officers of the Continental Army to join him in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern at 54 Pearl St. in New York so he could say farewell. After the farewell, the officers escorted Washington from the Tavern to the Whitehall wharf, where he boarded a barge that took him to Paulus Riiccharrd Q.. Fowllerr Newslletttterr Awarrd fforr nndd Pllacce fforr tthe Calloosa Pattrriiott

2 Hook, (now Jersey City) New Jersey. Washington continued to Annapolis, where the Continental Congress was meeting, and resigned his commission. When later it was found that the constitution of the Cincinnati could not be amended so as to admit descendants in junior lines of original members, there was conceived the idea of forming the Society of the Sons of the Revolution. In 1883, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York was founded in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern on the centenary of Washington s farewell speech. The General Society, Sons of the Revolution was formed by the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and New York Societies at a meeting on April 19, 1890, in Washington, DC, following conferences held in 1888 to devise an organizational structure that would provide a satisfactory continuation of local autonomy and national unity to the several State Societies. The Sons opened its membership to all sons of enlisted men, as well as officers and all descendants of other qualifying patriots, who risked their lives during the Revolution. The SR bases qualifications for membership in the Society essentially upon the descent from one who actually bore arms for his country, or who assisted in establishing American Independence, during the War of the Revolution between the 19th day of April 1775, and the 19th day of April The mission of the Sons of the Revolution is to promote knowledge and appreciation of the achievement of American independence and to foster fellowship among its members. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization devoted to the principles and ideals of its founders, the modern Society maintains its headquarters, in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia with 28 societies in the United States and Europe. Some State Societies, notably New York, California, Pennsylvania, and Virginia are very active. 2 SR Headquarters in Williamsburg The Florida Society has about 100 members and at present, only a single chapter the Palm Beach Chapter. The State organization meets twice a year, generally in the Spring and the Fall. The Palm Beach Chapter meets for lunch one Friday a month in season at the Sailfish Club in Palm Beach. In 1900 the Fraunces Tavern where George Washington bid farewell to his officers on December 4, 1783 was threatened with destruction. To prevent the owners from destroying the building, the City of New York exercised its rights of eminent domain and designated it as a park in The following year, the owners agreed to sell the property to the Sons of the Revolution and after SRNY took title, the City rescinded its park designation. The building features a museum and restaurant today. Why should you consider membership in the Sons of the Revolution along with the Sons of the American Revolution? The SR (unlike SAR) is decentralized, with all power belonging at the State Society level. If the Society is to suceed in its Object and Purposes, which are essentially the same as those of the SAR, it must have a robust and active organization at the State level. This, in turn, requires building membership and developing programs, particularly those aimed at educating our youth to give them a more thorough awareness of our nation s early history. Whereas much of the SAR s resources are focussed on a national program with its state of the art visitors center and museum, the SR focus on State, Regional, and locality-based acitivites as outlined in the following statement of purpose. The purpose of the General Society, Sons of the Revolution ("GSSR"), is to engage first and foremost to meet the declared mission of Article I of the Constitution of the General Society; to engage with State Societies in activities which further the education of the general public (especially America's youth) about the American Revolution and the United States Constitution and about the patriots who supported those worthy causes during the period of Many members of the SAR are eligible for membership in the SR as well. The application form may be found through a link to the General Society s webpage Applications are submitted to the SRFL State Registrar (and Naples Chapter Compatriot): Jonathan Jensen, JJofWianno@msn.com. As one of the newest members of the Florida Society, Sons of the Revolution, I would be happy to assist Caloosa Chapter SAR members who may be interested in SR membership. The application fee and first year s dues are $85 a bargain compared with SAR.

3 From Your Newsletter Editor Compatriots, What s in this issue? In this issue you will find a number of features that I hope are useful and interesting. The cover story strays from the usual practice of featuring the patriot ancestor of one of our compatriots. There are more lineage societies than most persons could maintain an interest in, much less afford to become a member of. This month, I decided to write a story about a society that is most closely aligned with our own Sons of the American Revolution. Depending on which date you pick, SR is either slightly older or slightly younger than SAR, both having been organized late in the 19 th century. The Sons of the Revolution is rather more restrictive in qualifying for membership than SAR (or DAR) but the fact is that the majority of SAR members are likely eligible for SR membership as well. This article attempts to compare the differences and the similarities of the two societies. The highlights of the monthly (February) Executive Committee meeting are to be found on page 5. We have moved the location of these meetings to Pinchers in Ft. Myers where we hold our regular membership meetings. The main objective in moving the meeting was to come to a more central location, in recognition of those among us whose daytime/weekday obligations limit our time available for such matters. While we were happy to utilize the fine facilities and bargain ($5?) lunch afforded by the Military Museum, we hope to have more participants in this important get together which eliminates the need for extensive administrative topics at member meetings. We also emphasize that ExCom meeting are open to all members and that anyone interested in becoming more involved in the working of the Chapter will be welcome. 3 The President s message is found on page 6, providing an executive view of where we have been and where we are going. Pages 7 (Leadership), and 8 remain pretty much the same month after month, but provide some convenient reference points. In particular, I would mention that the Webpage has been recently substantially revamped and updated. Page 8 provides some shortcut hyperlinks to the Webpage and our Facebook page. Our meeting venue and calendar of upcoming programs is on page 9 along with links to make it easier to RSVP your reservations. Note the easy access by boat or auto, and if you land your private aircraft at Page Field, it is only a short ride to Pinchers. Coverage of our fantastic February 8 th meeting which included inductions of two new members, a visit by George and Martha Washington, and a visit by PG Mike Tomme and First Lady Cilla begins on page 10 and continues through page 16 lots of great photos, with more available on Compatriot Myers Facebook page. The Winter Florida Society Board of Management (BOM) Meeting coverage begins on page 17 and continues through page 20. If you haven t been attending BOM, you ve been missing out on an important part of membership in the SAR. Try it, you ll like it! Note, there aren t many frowny faces in these pictures. We were honored to be invited to participate in the 90 th Anniversary Celebration of the Caloosahatchee DAR Chapter with our color guard posting Colors at the event. Coverage is on pages 21 to 24. Info about the Color Guard is on page 25. Lastly, remember February as George Washington s month (back page) while President s Day is just another sale day. Enjoy, and let me know how your newsletter may be improved in the future. Thank you! Bob McGuire

4 Looking Ahead MONTH/DATE EVENT LOCATION NOTES February 4 Winter BOM Orlando Rumbaugh Contest 6 ExCom Pinchers Ft. Myers 8 Chapter Meeting Edison Ford Program on pg Caloosahatchee DAR 90th Colonial Country Club Color Guard mission 12 Lincoln s Birthday 14 Valentine s Day 18 Edison Festival of Lights Fort Myers Parade 20 President s Day 22 Washington s Birthday March 2-4 NSSAR Spring Leadership Louisville KY 6 ExCom Pinchers Ft. Myers 8 Chapter Meeting Edison Ford Program on pg 10 9 Daylight Savings Begins 17 St. Patrick s Day 11 Last Naval Battle Merritt Island 22 Black Powder Range Day Punta Gorda tentative April 3 ExCom Pinchers Ft. Myers 15 Chapter Meeting Edison Ford Program on pg 10 Saturday May 1 ExCom Pinchers Ft. Myers 10 Chapter Meeting Edison Ford Program on pg Battle of Thomas Creek Jacksonville Spring BOM KIssimmee June September Summer Hiatus 4

5 February 6th ExCom Highlights Attendance: Vice President, Registrar, Webmaster, Newsletter Editor and Color Guard Commander Robert McGuire, Treasurer Edward Buff, Immediate Past President Lee Matson, Genealogist Albert Myers, Chaplain and Awards Committee Chair Randy Moody, Historian Harold Theiss, Member-at-large Lewis Elliott, Secretary James Stone. The meeting was called to order by Vice President McGuire at 12:06pm. Chaplain Moody gave the invocation. Treasurer's Report accepted on a motion by Albert Myers, seconded by Harold Theiss and voted without dissent. The treasurer's report showed a balance of $ in the checking account as of January 31, 2017 and a balance of $43, in the Vanguard fund. Minutes of January 9, 2017 Executive Committee Meeting approved on a motion by Lee Matson, seconded by Lewis Elliott and voted without dissent. Registrar's Report approved on a motion by Edward Buff, seconded by Lewis Elliott and voted without dissent. It was noted that there is a possibility of 10 new members by the May meeting. It was noted that By-laws changes may only be approved at the chapter annual meeting. Robert McGuire suggested that an ad hoc committee consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Parliamentarian review the By-laws for possible changes. A draft of any changes will be submitted to the Executive Committee for review before the annual meeting. Awards Committee Report approved on a motion by Edward Buff, seconded by Lewis Elliott and voted without dissent. Committee Chairmanship is transitioning this year from Randy Moody to Lee Matson. Lewis Elliott will review the feasibility of presenting Flag Certificates to Veteran's organizations. Color Guard could present certificates and discuss SAR membership. Lee Matson reported on the recent Board of Management Meeting and shared the charter for the Florida Ethics Committee. The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Albert Myers, seconded by Edward Buff and agreed by all. Chaplain Moody gave a closing benediction. 5

6 From the President Greetings Compatriots and Friends, February was a month of highs and lows for our Caloosa Chapter, the low being that we were unable to assemble enough Color Guard participants to march in the Edison Parade of Lights, which we had intended to do as an annual event. We will try again for The FLSSAR Board of Management met in Orlando in an abbreviated, one-day format for the first time. Although we did not have a Rumbaugh contestant, the two women from other chapters who competed did so at a high level, and the winner s performance was such that a strong performance at NSSAR this July is expected. Also, the proposal to convert our ad-hoc ethics committee to a permanent, standing committee was approved. For more details, check out the write-up elsewhere in this issue. Awards were presented to the owner of the Alva Diner for his consistent support of those who cannot afford food. A Flag Certificate was given to Albert Myers to present February 22 nd to a Shell Point retirement Community resident who properly displays the flag. On Saturday, February 11 our Light Horse Harry Lee Color Guard participated in the Caloosahatchee DAR 90 th anniversary celebration, as requested by the DAR chapter. The Caloosahatchee DAR chapter was the first to be formed in SW Florida. Additional details are elsewhere in this issue. The regular Chapter meeting on Wednesday February 8 th was the highlight of the month. Because of nearly 70 attendees, Pincher s Restaurant provided the larger ballroom for the event. Our Color Guard opened the program and subsequently our President General J. Michael Tomme and his wife Cilla Leed Tomme were introduced for a few welcoming remarks, followed by induction of two members ( Lloyd Wayne Simmons, Jr., and Joseph Ian Michel) by PG Tomme. Larry Fehrenbaker, currently serving as Southeast Vice President General, was also introduced. After luncheon, the program continued with Bill and Cara Elder appearing as George and Martha Washington, providing an overview of their course through the Revolutionary War period, his return to farming after the War, and subsequently his time of service for two terms as our first President. For March, we can look forward to Charlotte Chapter Compatriot Ren Cushing presenting on 18 th century life in colonial America at our meeting, and celebration of the Last Naval Battle of the Revolutionary War at Merritt Island on March 11. We intend to have a reasonable Color Guard presence. Russ Radcliffe 6

7 Caloosa Chapter Leadership 2017 Left to right: Past President - Lee Matson President/Trustee - Russ Radcliffe Vice-President/Registrar/Color Guard Commander/Newsletter Editor/Webmaster - Bob McGuire Genealogist Albert Myers Chaplain - Randy Moody Treasurer/Trustee - Mike Buff Secretary Jim Stone Sergeant-at-Arms Tom Veal Member-at-Large Lewis Elliott and Historian Hal Theiss 7

8 Chapter Facebook Page Compatriot Albert Myers keeps our Facebook page up-to-date with current activities. The following link to the page can be entered into your web browser s navigation bar (some recipients of the newsletter may be able to click on the link). The Facebook page provides the most current and timely information and images covering Chapter programs and local happenings. Often there are updates posted by Compatriot Albert before the end of the day of an event. If members have items of interest, he also welcomes submission of photos and information. Send it to aemyers.net/contact. New Web Page Compatriot Webmaster Robert McGuire maintains a web page for the Chapter which is now available directly from your browser at or It is also available through a link on the Florida Society web page. ( and click on the Chapters button, then Caloosa. You may also be interested in visiting the National Society Sons of the American Revolution webpage: which includes a members only section and access to the SAR Merchandise Store. The webpage has been recently updated and has added features including an Event Planner showing important dates and holidays. If you haven t visited the webpage recently, please check it out and while you are at it, send me your ideas for additions and improvements. Our webpage provides contact information for each of the Chapter officers and trustees. Visitors will find information about our schedules and programs, and community activities. The webpage also includes links to an archive of previous issues of the Caloosa Patriot. 8

9 Our Calendar of Events The Marina at Edison Ford 2360 West 1 st Street, Fort Myers FL (off McGregor Blvd, adjacent to the Edison Ford Estates) Meetings are usually held Monthly on the 2 nd Wednesday (some Saturdays) October through May The gathering will begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon. Cost for the lunch is $20.00 per person paid at the door. Meetings are held at the Marina at Edison Ford (Pinchers) which provides delicious meals in an attractive and comfortable setting with a spectacular view of the Caloosahatchee River. Meetings are an opportunity to spend time with an interesting group of men who share a common bond as descendents of patriots of the American Revolution. While a majority of our members reside in Lee County, other parts of Florida and at least 15 other States are represented as well. Our meetings are open to all interested persons, and we particularly welcome Compatriots from other parts of the country who are visiting our area. Please RSVP for meetings to: Jim Stone mailto:jim5176@hotmail.com Please info-copy: Mike Buff - mailto:ebuff0723@aol.com Program Schedule March 8 Chapter Meeting, Program: If you were a Colonist, Road to Revolution April 15 (Saturday) Chapter Meeting, Program: Eagle Scouts May 10 Chapter Meeting, Program: First Responders Awards 9

10 Chapter Luncheon Happenings & Community Activities February 8 th Membership Meeting Caloosa Chapter Presidents Day 2017 We had a very special program for our February meeting, with visits from George & Martha Washington and from President General J. Michael Tomme and First Lady Cilla Leed. It was fitting to have the Light Horse Harry Lee color guard post Colors for the event. Since President Russ Radcliffe was participating in the color guard, Chapter Past President (SW District Vice President) Lee Matson called the meeting to order. Once President Radcliffe completed his color guard tasks, he took over from Compatriot Matson in presiding at the meeting. 10

11 We broke all attendance records, with nearly 70 compatriots and guests participating. The Pinchers staff had assigned us the large ballroom on the first floor to facilitate the large turnout. PG Tomme brought greetings from the National Society. We believe that this is the first visit to the Caloosa Chapter by a sitting President General. Our youngest guest was C.A.R member Raelyn Michel, daughter of Inductee Ian Michel and granddaughter of proud Compatriot Rev. Dr. Randy Moody. PG Tomme shared with us information about the activities and programs taking place at NSSAR Headquarters in Louisville KY. 11

12 We tried something different at this meeting, assigning individuals to tables. The idea was to have people sit with others who they didn t necessarily know already, with at least one seasoned Caloosa Compatriot at each table. We also matched mentors with new and prospective members. One of our most seasoned members, Compatriot Bill Mellor, brought his wife Pat for the first time to a Caloosa meeting. Pat is a member of the Caloosahatchee DAR Chapter in Ft. Myers. Bill and Pat had a chance to chat with PG Tomme and First Lady Cilla, along with Compatriot Moody. Compatriot Moody and his wife Lee (Regent of the USS Hannah DAR Chapter in Alva) got show show-off their granddaughter Raelyn a member of the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.). 12

13 New Member Inductions Compatriots Simmons and Michel Compatriot Simmons patriot ancestor Kendall Emerson was a soldier in the Massachusetts Line. Regional Vice President/South Atlantic Region Dr. Larry Fehrenbaker pinned the membership insignia of the Sons of the American Revolution. PG Tomme performed the induction ceremony for our two newest compatriots: Lloyd Wayne Simmons and Joseph Ian Michel. Compatriot Simmons and his wife Lorrie who also attended are both nurses at the VA Medical Center in Cape Coral. Compatriot Michel patriot ancestor was Joshua Belitha Tillman, a militiaman from North Carolina. He also received his pin from Compatriot Fehrenbaker while daughter Raelyn and in-laws Moody looked on. Compatriot Simmons received his membership certificate while Compatriot Michel had a chuckle. Michel had received his certificate previously (a member since 2014) but had been unable to attend his induction sooner. 13

14 Program George and Martha Washington America s First First Family We were fortunate to have His Excellency George Washington and his Lady, Martha, join with us in our President s Day celebrations. George and Martha s remembrances were mostly concerning the period after the end of the Revolutionary War and through the time of his Presidency. The stories were quite remarkable, and included the time at Mount Vernon. During that period, the Washingtons were frequently hosts to many visitors. Martha often had her hands full dealing with new babies and family illnesses. 14

15 After the presentation was concluded, George and Martha were introduced in their true selves instead of personas. Bill & Cara Elder retired as teachers after 40 years in education in Pennslyvania and Florida. Below First Family chats with Hamp Allen Secretary/Treasurer of the Charlotte Chapter and Debi Vice Regent Hickory Bay DAR. There was an opportunity for GW to mingle with compatriots including Compatriot Allen, and Chris and Nicholas LeConte two of our newer members. Sgt. Chris LeConte is a member of the Wauchula Police Department and Nicholas is one of our young junior members (on the right). (Above) Compatriots Moody and Tomme discuss an issue of (undoubtedly) great national importance while in the background Presidents Washington, Radcliffe and Vice President McGuire deal with more local matters. (Left) Compatriot Stan Parmerter shares some insights with Junior Member Nicholas LeConte. 15

16 Caloosa Ladies Auxiliary Chair/Lawrence Kearny Regent Anne McGuire and Compatriot Parmerter enjoy the moment. Compatriot Dr. Ron Peck (Dual Member, IL) has agreed to become our Asst. Registrar (Yeah!). He is also the State Genealogist for the IL Society. The Ladies Auxiliary has conducted a 50/50 raffle at our January meeting and raised $100 for the First Ladies Shoe for School fund. This was appreciated by First Lady Cilla Leed (the shoe box which had contained the check was returned). The Bronze Good Citizenship Award was presented to Alva Diner owner Steve Sexton for his contributions in feeding needy people in the community. Joining him at the award ceremony were wife, Jeanne and daughter, Samantha. 16

17 FLSSAR BOM MEETING February 4, 2017 The Winter BOM was held in a new format for the first time one day instead of three. The idea was that those who desired could make it a day trip saving on the costs of meals and lodging. The meeting included the Rumbaugh contestants, a luncheon banquet, and a business meeting. The meeting was attended by PG Tomme and First Lady Cilla being escorted into the dining room by Sons of Liberty Commander Charlie Day. The color guard then posted Colors after which FLSSAR President Ray Wess presented an interesting program about George Washington (no, he didn t have wooden teeth). Compatriot Albert Myers attended as a Caloosa delegate, seen here with Compatriot Don Lanman, President of the Palm Beach Chapter. Note in the background Cowboy Compatriot Lewis Elliott. 17

18 Compatriot Dwight Elam and Ladies Auxiliary Registrar Becky Elam were two of the other Caloosa representatives present. The FLSSAR Ladies Auxiliary picked up on the successful 50/50 raffle conducted by the Caloosa Chapter. FLSSAR Ladies Auxiliary Vice President Jeanne Fehrenbaker promoted ticket donations to Compatriot FLSSAR Secretary Hall Riedinger and Compatriot Caloosa Secretary Jim Stone. Always popular with the ladies, Compatriot Myers posed with Anne McGuire and Karen Lanman. First Lady Cilla Leed Tomme explained how she chose the Shoe for Schools theme for her First Lady s Project. A long-standing program with the Knoxville Area Urban League, it provides new shoes and back-to-school supplies for more than 1,200 needy Knoxville area children, ages

19 Two contestants had won their chapterlevel competitions and came to the BOM to compete at the Florida Society level. PG Tomme and Rumbaugh Chair Bob Folk present the first prize to Rachael Mallett. Both 1 st and 2 nd prize winners also received prize money from the Ladies Auxiliary. Below, FL Ladies Auxiliary President Naomi Wess presents the Ladies Auxiliary prize to 2 nd prize winner Harley Ganna. After lunch, we were treated to the oration by 1 st place winner Rachael Mallet on Washington s Spies. Rachael has her life well planned out including her choice of college and a career as a minister. 19

20 Although there wasn t the usual auction of gift basket due to the abbreviated program, one chapter had prepared a basket anyway. The basket also included a couple of bottles of wine a last minute addition. The 50/50 raffle was won by Karen Lanman, wife of Palm Beach Chapter President Don Lanman. Of course, there was business to attend to also. Delegates listened to reports from FLSSAR Officers and Committee Chairs on a variety of subjects. One item of particular importance the Board approved establishing the Ethics Committee as a permanent committee rather than ad hoc as before. PG Tomme and Florida Society President Wess presented compatriot Scott Bushnell with Vietnam Veteran pins, ribbons, and proclamations. Compatriot Bushnell, known to most of us as our Webmaster, had been unable to attend the previous ceremony because of two open-heart surgeries. 20

21 CALOOSAHATCHEE CHAPTER DAR 90 TH ANNIVERSARY February 4, 2017 The General Light Horse Harry Lee Camp color guard had been requested to participate in the celebration of the Caloosahatchee DAR Chapter s 90 th anniversary celebration by posting the Colors. We welcomed the opportunity to support the DAR again. The Color Guard, consisting of Compatriots McGuire (Commander), Buff (XO), and Elliott (First Sergeant) and Sharp (Private) formed up at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Myers on the morning of February 11 th in full battle array swords, flags, and musket ready to perform the ceremony. We marched around the attentive and respectful participants, posting the National and Chapter flags in preparation for the meeting. 21

22 As sometimes happens in even the bestplanned affairs, there were some technical glitches in the PowerPoint Presentation that caused some brief concern. These were promptly resolved. At that point, Chapter Historian Kellie Etherson proceeded with a totally professional presentation covering the 90-year history of the Caloosahatchee DAR Chapter. Our color guard members were spread out amongst the tables so that most tables had a Lee s Legion representative. As usual, Compatriot Elliott has his now I m not making this up stories to entertain the ladies. Many of the Chapters in the Great SW Regents Council were well represented, including a table of Lawrence Kearny (Cape Coral) Chapter members. 22

23 As the Color Guard Commander, Compatriot McGuire was given the honor of sitting with the Caloosahatchee Regent, two past- Regents, and the Vice-Regent (Mary Lee Mann, wife of Caloosa Compatriot Frank Mann) who had arranged for our participation. All of us were pleased to spend some time with these lovely and patriotic ladies, sharing our experiences with theirs. Compatriot Bill Sharp explained his Kentucky militiaman uniform and Compatriot Buff told of his Continental Line uniform. Some in our group even claimed to have learned a great deal from our luncheon partners. Estero Island Chapter Daughters Kathleen Callanan, Connie Lizak, and Arlene Pulner bring a wealth of experience in genealogy appreciated by Compatriot Buff. 23

24 After lunch was over, it was time for some photos with the ladies, who were obviously impressed with the company of actual Sons of the Patriots of the American Revolution. Front row: Anne McGuire - Regent Lawrence Kearny; Shirley Dearen - Vice Regent Barefoot Beach; Dolores Pulver - Regent Caloosahatchee; and Mary Lee Mann - Vice Regent, Caloosahatchee. The Caloosahatchee Chapter Regent, Dolores Pulver, rated a special individual photo with the worldrenowned members of the Caloosa Chapter Color Guard. Following that, there was a photo of the exalted Past-Regents and the Caloosa Color Guard. This is something that will certainly be a part of the scrapbook for their 100 th anniversary celebration! Ellen Strall, Connie Lizak, Kathleen Callanan, Pat Mellor, Virginia Barnard, Jeanne Basso, and Geraldine Thurman. What better way to end such an event than with such a decorative and delicious dessert? 24

25 Light Horse Harry Lee Camp #15 The Caloosa Chapter Color Guard is named in honor of Henry Lee III, a Virginia patrician (and father of Confederate General Robert E. Lee) who became a captain in a Virginia dragoon detachment at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. In 1778 he was promoted to Major and given command of a mixed corps of cavalry and infantry known as Lee s Legion. During this period he earned the sobriquet of Light Horse Harry for his horsemanship. This unit became one of the best-known in the Continental Army s history, and in 1780 Lee was given authorization to form a formal Legionary Corps. Many of the best soldiers from other units either volunteered or were specially invited to join its ranks. In 1780 Lee was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and on January 1, 1781 the Legion was redesignated as the 2 nd Partisan Corps, organized with 3 troops of horse and 3 troops of infantry. It was assigned to General Nathaniel Greene for service in the southern theater. Today, our Color Guard is the most visible public face of the Sons of the American Revolution. Color Guardsmen provide an easily identifiable and colorful focal point at parades and memorial events. The variety of uniforms and flags invite children, spectators, and potential members to come forward and ask questions about the American Revolution. The Light Horse Harry Lee Camp is made up of members who come to meetings and events properly uniformed as either Continental Soldiers or Militiamen, or attired as Revolution-era clergymen. The Color Guard is available for participation in community events locally, as well as Regional and National celebrations. Read the SAR Guardsman Magazine at If you are interested in joining the Caloosa Chapter Color Guard, or have questions about it, contact the Light Horse Harry Lee Camp Commander Robert McGuire at mailto:rmcguire@slvx.com. 25

26 The Official Pledge to the S.A.R. We, the descendants of the heroes of the American Revolution who, by their sacrifice, established the United States of America, reaffirm our faith in the principles of liberty and our Constitutional Republic, and solemnly pledge ourselves to defend them against every foe. Recessional Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our forefathers, who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, an independent Supreme Court and a nation of free men. 26