On-line Virginia Bulletin Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution 2011-2012 Volume XXXV No. 4 Photo courtesy of Great Bridge DAR Chapter Regent, Cathy Raitt More than a year of hard work and planning came to a successful conclusion when Norfolk Chapter President Matt Hogendobler and Mrs. Reon Hillegass unveiled the Marshall Monument during the Battle of Great Bridge Commemoration on December 3. Culpeper Minute Men Chapter President Lance Lyngar and VASSAR President Mark Brennan assisted in the unveiling. The monument recognizes the Revolutionary War service of Thomas Marshall and his son, John, both members of the Culpeper Minutemen Battalion that fought at The Battle of Great Bridge in December 1775. The monument was dedicated to the memory of Reon Glessner Hillegass (1926-2011) who served as President General of the National Society, SAR, in 1996-97. Hillegass also was a past President of the Norfolk Chapter and the Virginia Society. The monument was placed by the Culpeper Minute Men and Norfolk Chapters; the Virginia Society, SAR; the George Washington Endowment Fund, NSSAR; and VASSAR s Knight-Patty Fund. (More coverage inside.)
Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution 2011-2012 Officers * Mark S. Brennan, Sr, Esq....President 2120 Christendom Drive, Midlothian, VA 23113 (H) 804-379-6363 (O) 804-237-8804 mbrennan@vanblk.com * Henry P. Williams III, PhD...President-elect 841 W. Leigh Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901 434-938-8141 phil.williams.3 rd @gmail.com * Kent S. Webber 2nd d Vice President 9405 Delancey Dr., Vienna, VA 22182-3410 703-938-8141 kwebber2@csc.com *William A. Broadus, Jr. 3 rd Vice President 10133 Brandon Way, Manassas, VA 20109 703-361-2665 wabroadusjr@aol.com *Robert Carr..Secretary 8718 Bradgate Court, Alexandria, VA 22308 703-780-3066 (H) 703-407-4496 (C) capt7cs@aol.com * Frederick N. Elofson.. Treasurer 21 Paula Maria Dr., Newport News, VA 23606 757-596-6825 fnecpa@msn.com * Walter Jervis Sheffield, Esq....Chancellor 1314 Sophia St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401-3742 540-371-2370 wjs@wshefflaw.com Brent D. Morgan....Registrar 8091 Pantego Ln., Mechanicsville, VA 23116-5837 804-550-3039 brentster1@comcast.net Larry Aaron.......Historian 185 Martindale Dr., Danville, VA 24541 434-792-8695 larry.aaron@gmail.com Rev. Henry N. F. Minich...Chaplain 3115 Dundee Rd., Earlysville, VA 22936 434-975-0569 nm2n@virginia.edu W. McKenzie Wallenborn, MD....Surgeon 700 Rugby Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22903 434-293-6779 kenwallenborn@gmail.com Robert L. Bob Bowen......National Trustee 78 Smithfield Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 540-374-1720 semperfibob@cox.net * Mark S. Brennan, Sr, Esq....Alternate National Trustee 2120 Christendom Drive, Midlothian, VA 23113 (H) 804-379-6363 (O) 804-237-8804 mbrennan@vanblk.com * Executive Committee The on-line Virginia Bulletin is published quarterly by the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Editor: Robert L. Bob Bowen, 78 Smithfield Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 EMAIL: semperfibob@cox.net Chapters wishing to report on their activities, should send their reports to the Editor. Email submissions preferred, to Bob Bowen EMAIL: semperfibob@cox.net President Mark Brennan Another year has passed so quickly and it is time to welcome a new Virginia Society President and his cabinet. I have enjoyed every moment of my presidency. It has been my honor and privilege to serve the Society s chapters and compatriots. My favorite part has been to attend chapter breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, because those were the times that I enjoyed the informal company and conviviality of new and old friends. As I travelled to nineteen of the twenty six chapters through some of the most beautiful Virginia countryside imaginable, I had much time to reflect upon the meaning and value of serving as the chief executive officer of such an illustrious, historical organization. It is easy to see that VASSAR is much more than a society devoted to the perpetuation of our patriot ancestors; we are also devoted to the performance of good and charitable public works and achievements for the present day in which we live, with our trust funds, youth programs, and civic recognition activities. I am very proud to belong to such a fine Society and group of men and women. Yes, women too, because if one thing is apparent, the ladies comprise a significant portion of the backbone and support of our many chapters. This year we dedicated Revolutionary War patriot memorials in many locations, as monuments were dedicated in Richmond, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and graves were marked in other places. I am greatly indebted to a number of our fine chapters, especially to the Norfolk, Richmond, Colonel Fielding Lewis, James Monroe and George Washington Chapters. These chapters came through for me with flying Continued on Page 11
The Norfolk Chapter and the Virginia Society Host National Celebration of the Battle of Great Bridge Free Black Billy Flora was among the local militia who helped defeat the British Regulars from nearby Fort Murray. Norfolk Chapter President Matt Hogendobler orchestrated the program. More than 300 people attended the 236 th anniversary observance of the Battle of Great Bridge in Chesapeake, Virginia on December 3. National Color Guard Commander Mike Tomme was on hand with his combined Color Guard featuring Continental and Militia reenactors from throughout Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and Kentucky. About 30 wreaths were presented during the local Great Bridge DAR Chapter s 58 th Annual Wreath Laying Program at the Battle of Great Bridge monument, erected in 2006 by the Virginia Daughters. The monument has been incorporated in the design of the future Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation Visitors Center. (L-R) The National Color Guard arrives at the site of the Marshall Monument John Sinks discusses the contributions of father and son Thomas and John Marshall during the Revolutionary War and at the Battle of Great Bridge. VASSAR President Mark Brennan and the newly dedicated Marshall Monument. (L-R) Ann Sanders Maliniak, former Regent, Chesapeake DAR Chapter, was presented the SAR Miniature Medal of Appreciation at the ceremony for permitting the Norfolk Chapter to share her Chapter's tent during the annual Great Bridge Festival weekend. A portion of the assembled crowd. Dr. William Ward, President of the Foundation Board and former Mayor of Chesapeake, welcomed those in attendance. 3
St. Paul s Episcopal Church St. Paul s Episcopal Church has undergone many changes since it was established as Norfolk s Borough Church in 1641 (even serving as a Baptist Church for 29 years). Following the Battle of Great Bridge, Lord Dunsmore fled the city in January 1776 and attacked Norfolk from the sea. Patriots in the city retaliated by setting fire to the homes of Loyalists, only the conflagration got out of control and buried down every building in the city except the Burough Church. The church did not escape unscathed. One of Lord Dunsmore s cannonballs struck the church where it remained embedded until the 1830 s. It was discovered in the church grounds years later and placed back where it had struck the wall and can be seen there today. Plaques Dedicated to Honor Soldiers of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Following the program at Great Bridge on December 3, the SAR, DAR, and members of the Virginia Society War of 1812, traveled to downtown Norfolk where they dedicated two plaques to 24 soldiers of the Revolutionary War and 22 soldiers of the War of 1812 all buried in the St. Paul s Episcopal Church cemetery. A total of 40 wreaths were presented in memory of those honored that day. VASSAR President Mark Brennan and Norfolk Chapter President Matt Hogendobler unveiled the Revolutionary War plaque while Past President of the Virginia Society War if 1812 Thad Hartman and Connie Schroeder, President of the Virginia U.S.D. 1812, unveiled the War of 1812 plaque. President Brennan officiated during the church service. Wreaths salute the soldiers during in the church cemetery. National Color Guard Commander Mike Tomme (L) and Chris Melhuish of the Norfolk Chapter, led the Color Guard to their position outside for the plaque unveilings. 4
Attorney General Ed Meese addresses the attendees. National Sojourner President Bill Turner Presents Toast to the Flag. Meese exchanges greetings with VASSAR President-elect Phil Williams. Admiral Furlong Update Flag Chairman Kirk Sheap sends his congratulations and thanks to the Presidents and Flag Chairmen of VASSAR s 26 Chapters for their help in guiding Virginia to its second straight 100% participation in National s annual Flag Certificate program. Dr. Sheap also reports that VASSAR is on its way to a third straight 100% reporting in 2012 with two Chapters already onboard. (L-R) Secretary General Steve Leishman; GW President Paul Briggs; Edwin Meese; VASSAR President-elect Phil Williams; Treasurer General Joe Dooley Former Attorney General Edwin Meese Presented Gold Good Citizenship Medal The Virginia Society recently honored former Attorney General of the United States, Edwin Meese III, with the National Society s most prestigious award, the Gold Good Citizenship Medal. It was an evening to remember on January 14, and the venue was the Belle Haven Country Club on the occasion of the annual Gold Medal Gala, hosted by the George Washington Chapter of Alexandria. During the extended cocktail hour compatriots and ladies, dressed in their finest, had the opportunity to meet and converse with Mr. Meese, ask questions and offer their congratulations on the award, as well as thanks for a long public record of accomplishment and outstanding service to the nation. Meese was absolutely elated at the recognition. George Washington Chapter President Paul Briggs began the program with introduction of a color guard of four US Marines from Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, Henderson Hall, led by Sergeant Ottheia Searcy. An invocation by Chapter Chaplain Don Reynolds was followed by the pledge of allegiance led by VASSAR Second Vice President Kent Webber. A Toast to the Flag by National Sojourner President William Turner was performed, followed by the SAR Pledge, which was led by VASSAR Secretary Bob Carr. VASSAR President-elect Phil Williams introduced officers as well as numerous compatriot and guest luminaries present - - for this event the list was long. Secretary General Steve Leishman offered greetings from the National Society, followed by toasts to the Nation, the President of the United States, General Washington, the U.S. Armed Forces and General Meese, which were proposed by Dwight Whitney, Rich Sherman, Bob Carr, Paul Briggs and Mike Elston, respectively. Treasurer General, Joe Dooley, presented Mr. Meese s biography and award citation, and then assisted Phil Williams and Paul Briggs in presenting the framed medal and citation. In response to receipt of the medal, Mr. Meese made well-considered and stirring remarks to a fully engrossed audience. He reminded us of the important of the work of the Sons of the American Revolution and other patriots in educating and keeping alive in modern minds the memory of the founding and the first principles that make this nation exceptional. In appreciation for his remarks, GW Chapter Vice President Mike Elston presented Meese the coveted Houdin replica George Washington bust with the chapter placard affixed. 5
Veterans Day Program at Shockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond The Virginia Society, SAR; Richmond SAR Chapter; Virginia Society of the War of 1812; and Virginia Society of the Daughters of the War of 1812 hosted a Wreath Laying ceremony 0on November 11, 2011, to dedicate a newly erected plaque honoring patriots a soldiers of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 buried at Shockoe Hill Cemetery. Presenting the Wreaths The plaque, surrounded by markers for the Sons of the American Revolution, Society of the Wear of 1812 and Society of the Daughters of the War of 1812, reads in part This monument is dedicated to the memory of the more than 27 veterans of the American Revolution and 400 veterans of the War of 1812 buried in this cemetery. Their loyalty, faith, courage and self-sacrifice in serving our country preserved the freedom we enjoy today. (L-R) VASSAR President-elect Phil Williams, George Mason Chapter President Judge Peter Davenport; Richmond Chapter President Jim Robeson; VASSAR President Mark Brennan and Culpeper Minute Men Chapter President Lance Lyngar stand behind their respective wreaths. VASSAR Annual Richmond Virginia February 24-26 Have you registered yet? Click Here for Details http://www.virginia-sar.org/vassar/annual-meeting-2012.htm 6
President Mark Brennan Today we are here to celebrate and honor and to commemorate the dead and the living, the young men and women who in every war since this country began have given testimony to their loyalty to their country and their own great courage. I do not believe that any nation in the history of the world has buried its soldiers farther from its native soil than we Americans or buried them closer to the towns in which they grew up. We celebrate this Veterans Day for a very few minutes, a few seconds of silence and then this country s life goes on. But I think it most appropriate that we recall on this occasion, and on every other moment when we are faced with great responsibilities, the contribution and the sacrifice which so many men, women, and their families have made in order to permit this country to now occupy its present position of responsibility and freedom, and in order to permit us to gather here. The men that we honor today, 27 Revolutionary War veterans and over 400 veterans of the War of 1812, were among the first to leave their homes, their families, their occupations, and their livelihoods, in order to fight for a principle, an idea, something much larger than them. They fought, suffered, and many of these men died, that this country might be born and go on, and that it might fulfill the great hopes of its founders. In a world tormented by tension, war, and the possibilities of more conflict, we meet in quiet commemoration of an historic day of peace. In an age that threatens the survival of freedom, we join together to honor those who have made our freedom possible. The resolution of Congress which first proclaimed Armistice Day described November 11, 1918 as the end of the most destructive and far-reaching war in the history of human annals. That resolution expressed the hope that the First World War would be, in truth, the war to end all wars. It suggested that those men who had died had therefore not given their lives in vain. It is a tragic fact that these hopes have not been fulfilled, but the day has not lost its meaning, and those men, and the men we honor today, did not die in vain. The shadow of new, deadly weapons and of many subsequent wars and conflicts have not robbed this day of its great value, because let us not forget that November 11, 1918, signified a beginning, as well as an end. The purpose of all war, Saint Augustine said, is peace. Because they fought, died, and sacrificed their lives for us, no nation will ever confuse America s perseverance and patience with fear of war or unwillingness to meet our responsibilities. Americans know that we do not save ourselves by abandoning those who fight for freedom elsewhere in the world, and, in the end, Americans know that the only way to maintain the peace is to be prepared in the final extreme to fight for our country and to mean it. VASSAR President-elect Phil Williams and Travis Bowman, a relative of Revolutionary War hero Peter Francisco who is buried in Shockoe Cemetery and was one of those honored during the ceremony. The men who lie here knew this and were prepared in the final extreme. For these reasons, we remember them in just this small and modest way, because that is all that is within our power to do. As Abraham Lincoln said at Gettysburg, these men have, by their struggles long ago, consecrated and dedicated this ground far beyond our poor power to add or detract. And, finally, as President Kennedy said, 50 years ago today at Arlington national Cemetery, where he would soon rest two years later: They are the race. They are the race immortal whose beams make broad the common light of day. Though time may dim, though death has barred their portal, these we salute, which nameless passed away. Crossing of the Dan River The annual Crossing of the Dan Program, sponsored by the Dan River Chapter, will be held in South Boston February 17-18. For details, click here: http://www.virginiasar.org/vassar/docs/crossin g-of-the-dan-2012-02-16-18.pdf 7
VASSAR Compatriots Visit Valley Forge to Honor Virginia soldiers who wintered over there in 1777-78 VASSAR President Mark Brennan visited the Col. George Waller Chapter on November 25 and following the meeting, he posed with Past President Andy Doss, sitting President Bob Vogler and Past President Bill Colvin. VASSAR Chaplain the Reverend Canon Henry N. F. Minich delivered the sermon on remembrance at at Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge on November 6. Thomas Jefferson Chapter s Annual Ladies Night program on December 1 ushered in the Chapter s new President, Mark Day (center). VASSAR President Mark Brennan installed Day and thanked outgoing President Pat Kelly for his service. Among those attending the service were Bob Carr; Lance Lyngar; Brett Osborn; Trice Taylor; VPG Larry McKinley; Andy Johnson; Peter Davenport; Darrin Schmidt; Presidentelect Phil Williams; Color Guard Commander Rob Andrews and Dwight Whitney. Following the installation of officers at the George Mason Chapter on December 10, President Peter Davenport presented VASSAR President Mark Brennan a Gorge Mason paperweight and a $500 check for the Mark S. Brennan Jr. Memorial Trust Fund. 8
Sayonara, my Friends Following seven years as your Virginia Bulletin Editor (2001-2004 and 2009-2011) it s time to give my quill a rest and pass the duties on to someone else. Andy Doss and his wife, Lori, have agreed to accept the challenge and their new job begins with the first issue of the 2012-13 VASSAR year. Andy & Lori Doss Ye Olde Editor, Bob Bowen I would like to thank the members for their prompt response to my occasional pleas for news items and photos, and for those they sent items without prompting. I know Andy and Lori will appreciate that same level of support, so please keep that in mind when you conduct your programs and have a camera on hand to record your events. Andy, past President of the Col. George Waller Chapter, is also taking over the position of VASSAR Webmaster, relieving Ron Dailey, a Florida resident, who has been a stalwart member of the VASSAR Communications team for about ten years. Welcome aboard, Andy and Lori. Send Bulletin submissions to them at andydoss@comcast.net Semper Fi Bob Norfolk Chapter Honors Community Leaders Norfolk Chapter President Matt Hogendobler presents an EMS Commendation Medal and Certificate to Virginia Esqueda Gilpin, the first woman Captain in the country's largest volunteer squad. The 2011 Norfolk Chapter Fire Safety Commendation medal was awarded to Virginia Beach Fire Department Master Fire Fighter Ned H. Lowery, Jr. Culpeper Minute Men Chapter Recognizes Local Leaders (L-R) CMM President Lance Lyngar presented a Fire Safety Commendation Medal and Certificate to (L)Fauquier County Deputy Fire Chief Kurt Kight, and an Emergency Services Commendation Medal and Certificate to Catlett Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company EMT Angela Armstrong. The Chapter s annual Teacher of the Year award went to Fauquier County School teacher Richard Deardorff. Past President Gar Schulin assisted with the Teacher of the Year presentation. The November Chapter Meeting was held at the Inn at Kelley s Ford. VASSAR President-elect Phil Williams (L) installed Col. Paul Briggs as President of the George Washington Chapter during the Chapter s monthly meeting at the Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria on December 10. 9
VASSAR Helps Commemorate the 232th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens Virginia compatriots traveled to South Carolina on January 14 to celebrate the 1780 Battle of Cowpens where Dan Morgan was victorious over Banastre Tarleton. 2 nd Vice President Bill Broadus presented the VASSAR wreath. Others in the Virginia contingent were National Color Guard Commander Mike Tomme (dual member of the Col. Fielding Lewis Chapter); VPG Larry McKinley; Col. George Mason Chapter President Peter Davenport and Darrin Schmidt. (L-R) The Col. George Waller Chapter took part in the annual Callands Festival on October 1. The Historical Interpreters Group consisted of members, spouses, and friends of the chapter. The group entertained, educated and did weapons demonstrations for at least 150 people that day. Interpreters were Bob Vogler and his wife Gail, Andy Doss and his wife Lori and daughter Callie, Mike Bass, British Soldier interpreter Jeff Briggs, and 18 th century hunting expert Dave Clark. The Festival provides a unique opportunity with two 18 th century buildings on the festival grounds, and was the original county seat of Pittsylvania before and during the revolution. Shown in the left photo are Chapter President Bob Vogler and Mike Bass. At the right, members of the Williamsburg Color Guard gathered on Veteran Day to pay their respects to the 157 Revolutionary War soldiers and others buried on the grounds of the Governor s Palace at Colonial Wiilliamsburg. (L-R) Williamsburg Chapter President Ed Truslow presented VASSAR President a Certificate of Appreciation following the installation of officers at a joint program with the Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter on January 14. Truslow presented a certificate recognizing him as the Chapter s selection for the annual VASSAR Eagle Scout competition. Further East, Norfolk Chapter President Matt Hogendobler (right) presented Norfolk Mace lapel pins to five past Chapter Presidents at their meeting on January 17. The awardees included Alton Carswelll; Harvey Williams; Carter Furr; Robert Hitchings and Dick Millan. Past Presidents Bruce Wingo; Worthy Fowler; Moultrie Guerry ; Randy Cook and Tom Taylor received their pins in absentia via mail. 10
Continued from Page 2 colors in a variety of programs, including the Battle of Great Bridge Commemoration, the Saint Paul s Episcopal Church Memorial, Shockoe Hill Cemetery Memorial, the Semi-Annual Meeting in Fredericksburg, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Wreath Laying event at Arlington National Cemetery, and the Gold Good Citizenship Awards gala in Alexandria on January 14, 2012. We also enjoyed a memorable Mid Atlantic SAR Conference, hosted by VASSAR last August in Alexandria. My goal has been to leave the Virginia Society a little richer in heritage and a little better than I had found it, building upon the good works of my predecessors. Each of my immediate predecessors in this office has left his own positive indelible mark upon our Society. I hope that I have in some measure added to that legacy. Mark S. Brennan, Sr. VASSAR President VIETNAM All Gave Some Some Gave All There are 58,267 names on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. They represent men and women, young and old, every color and creed. Of those named, there are 31 sets of brothers and three sets of fathers and sons. 997 of them were killed on their first day in Vietnam. 1,448 were killed on the day they were to go home. The largest age group (33,103) was 18 years old. Twelve were 17 years old. Five of them were 16 years old. One soldier was 15 years old. Eight women are on the Wall. They died nursing the wounded. 54 of those on the wall attended Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia. There were 244 Medals of Honor awarded for service in Vietnam. The names of 153 of them are on the Wall. Fall 2001 Trustees/Leadership Meetings Louisville, KY - September 30-October 1 Primary and dual members of the Virginia Society assembled for a group photo following the Friday Night Banquet. (L-R) SEATED PG - David Sympson (2010-11); PG Larry Magerkurth; VASSAR President Mark Brennan; PG Bruce Wilcox (2007-08); VPG Larry McKinley; Treasurer General Joe Dooley STANDING Bob Bowen; National Sojourner President Bill Turner; Kent Webber; Bill Broadus; Registrar General Lindsey Brock; Bob Carr; Andy Johnson; Lance Carter; Sam Powell. VASSAR President Mark Brennan takes the oath of office as Alternate National Trustee during the Fall Trustee Meeting. On October 22, a cool and foggy morning, several descendants of Revolutionary War Soldier Henry Shackleford, Jr. gathered at Martin s Fork Lake in Harlan County, KY, to place a military marker on his grave. They were joined by members of the Martin s Station Chapter of the Virginia Society, National Society Sons of American Revolution who placed the SAR Patriot marker on his grave. Wreaths were placed at the markers by the Martin s Station Chapter; Tennessee s Joseph Martin Chapter;, the Major George Gibson DAR Chapter of the Virginia Daughters; and Kentucky s Mountain Trail DAR Chapter.
George Washington Chapter Recognizes Commissioning of Navy s Newest Destroyer Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution CHAPTER DIRECTORY KEY WEST, FL, NAVAL BASE (OCT 1 2011) A letter from Chapter President COL Robert Carr was presented to the officers and crew of the USS Spruance, the newest destroyer in the U.S. Navy, at its commissioning Oct. 1 in Key West, FL. The letter offered the best wishes of the chapter as the ship began its mission of serving the nation. Clinch Mountain Militia Colonel Fielding Lewis Colonel George Waller Colonel James Wood, Jr. Colonel William Grayson Culpeper Minute Men Dan River Fairfax Resolves Fincastle Resolutions Fort Harrison General Daniel Morgan General William Campbell George Mason George Washington James Monroe Lieutenant David Cox Martin s Station New River Valley Norfolk Overmountain Men Richmond Rockbridge Volunteers Richard Henry Lee Thomas Jefferson Thomas Nelson, Jr. Williamsburg Tazewell area Virginia s Eastern Piedmont Region Martinsville area Northwest Virginia Prince William County area Virginia s Central Piedmont area Danville area Fairfax County Roanoke Valley area Harrisonburg area Staunton area Abingdon area Arlington County Alexandria Upper Northern Neck Galax/Independence Cumberland Gap New River Valley area Norfolk/Virginia Beach area Gate City Richmond/Petersburg Lexington Lower Northern Neck Charlottesville Newport News/Hampton/Yorktown Williamsburg The letter was presented on behalf of the Chapter by Compatriot Leyton Pitzer (L), who is currently on temporary assignment at Patrick Air Force Base, FL. Compatriot Pitzer was a high school classmate of the executive officer of the new destroyer, LCDR George A Kessler (USNA 95). The letter was read to the crew as it departed Key West and placed in the ship s log. VASSAR s latest eligible member, Lewis Turner Cowardin II, arrived on the scene on December 31 at 6:40 p.m. Mom Jodi, and Papa Taylor are doing fine. VASSAR Registrar Brent Morgan is preparing the required paperwork. 225 th Anniversary of the Constitution September 17, 2012 The National Society will celebrate the anniversary at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 14-15. You re invited. Details later. For those of you who cannot make the trip, please begin plans now to observe this important event in your community at the Chapter level.