March 2017 The Saguaro Patriot A newsletter of the Saguaro Chapter, Arizona Sons of the American Revolution March 25th Program to Showcase the History of Arizona SAR Founder Herbert Robinson Barry M. Goldwater Chapter Compatriot David Swanson will present his program discussing the history of Herbert Robinson the founder of Arizona s SAR. Compatriot Swanson (above) is the SAR State Historian and was central in the efforts to locate the burial location of Robinson in New Mexico and organized a special recognition that took place in Albuquerque, NM in June 2016. This effort coincided with the celebration of Arizona SAR s 120th Anniversary. Arizona SAR President Monez urging Compatriots to get involved with Chapter activities In his first address to State BOM and Committee Chairmen President Monez urged SAR Chapter members to find a way to get engaged and participate in one of the many activities of their Chapters. President Monez reiterated that educating the youth of our state, remembering and supporting our veterans, JROTC/ROTC, growing and engaging members are just a few of the 2017 priorities for Arizona SAR Chapters. He challenged Compatriots to get out and make a history presentation to local schools about the founding of our nation. There are a number of activities that Saguaro Chapter President Allen Nash has available for Saguaro Compatriots to become involved with. Just ask him for ways you can support these efforts with your time, talent or financial support. The SAR requires Compatriots who are interacting with youth to complete a 30 minute training program which is described in an article on page three of this newsletter. President Monez also encouraged all SAR members to attend the next Board of Managers meeting being held April 29th in Casa Grande. (See page 6)
Compatriot and historian Jim Bish presented a great program in February on young George Washington. Historian Jim Bish of Virginia is presented an Arizona State SAR Challenge Coin by President Allen Nash. Jim is a winter resident of Sun City. The story of President George Washington is well known by most Americans but few know much about his childhood. Jim Bish, a history teacher from Virginia, is trying to change that by researching and writing a book about Washington s childhood and youth. He presented some of his findings to the Saguaro Chapter at our February meeting. According to Bish, George Washington was identified early in his life as someone extraordinary. Jim is a member of SAR in Virginia. Bish has also been working with members of our Chapter who are Veterans to record their memories of their military experience. He is a volunteer of the Voices of Freedom Project which is part of the Americans in Wartime Museum located in Virginia. Photo provided by Stan Hughes. Saguaro Chapter February 25, 2017 Meeting Minutes Provided by Jan D. Huber, Saguaro Chapter Secretary The Saguaro Chapter met on this date at the Golden Corral in Surprise. President Allen Nash called the meeting to order at approximately 8:45 AM. A quorum was met by the attendance of 16 members. Thirteen guests were present. Chaplain Jim Heller gave the Invocation and led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the SAR Pledge. Treasurer Bob Wixon submitted a report: checking account balance of $296 and a savings account of $5,761. Saguaro has not received its allocation of 2017 dues from the State SAR. Registrar Jan Huber reported that the application of Bob Swindell is now being reviewed at the National SAR office as are the 5 applications of the Jerry Cole family. Huber continued with a Secretary's report. By means of email communications the Saguaro BOM selected the December meeting date of the 9th; a 11:30 AM luncheon at the Golden Corral. President Nash will issue an invitation to State SAR President, Steve Monez, to attend and install the 2018 Saguaro Officers. Saguaro Chapter has received a letter of thanks from the SAR Librarian General for recent donations of $25 in memory of Compatriot Eddie Zuleger and the same for Compatriot Donald Connelley. Also, Soldier's Best Friend sent a letter of thanks for the chapter's recent donation. Historian Allen Nash reported that he attended a Massing of the Colors event at The Colonnade in Surprise. He attended a meeting with the Dysart School Board about the SAR's continuing role in helping with educational events with patriotic and historical themes. He is in the process of preparing the 2016 Americanism report. JROTC Chairman Bob Archibald reported that the list of schools and dates has been sent out. He needs a presenter for Dysart High School. Chaplain Jim Heller reported on Bob Wixon's bicycle accident, Nancy Fisch's knee surgery, and the health concerns affecting the 3 Braithwaite Compatriots. Gene Le Noue's health has improved and he was present at the meeting. Christopher Raso and his wife, Caroline were present. He is the winner of the Saguaro Chapter and AZSAR Outstanding American History Teacher winner and he is now competing for the National SAR award. Eagle Scout Joe Poznecki and his father, Bill, were present. Joe is the Saguaro Chapter winner of the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Essay Award. It was erroneously reported in the January chapter minutes that he was also the winner at the State level. Joe read his essay and President Nash presented him with $100 cash and an Arizona SAR Challenge Coin. (See photo on the next page) SAR Compatriot Jim Bish presented an excellent program on "The Young George Washington; Prelude to Greatness. In thanks, President Nash gave Jim an Arizona SAR Challenge Coin. Nash announced his request for help in judging the youth contest entries. (Continued on next page.)
February 2017 Meeting Minutes Continued: The program for March will be about Herbert Robinson, the founder of the Arizona SAR; a presentation by SAR Compatriot, David Swanson. The general meeting was closed by Chaplain Heller leading in the recitation of the SAR Recessional and he pronounced the Benediction. President Nash presents Eagle Scout Joseph Poznecki with a AZSAR Challenge coin, $100 check and certificate for his submission in the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Essay Award. The BOM meeting followed immediately. Under Old Business: Secretary Huber reported that he continues to work on drafting a revised set of the Constitution and By-Laws for the Saguaro Chapter. Under New Business: Saguaro Chapter has been invited to participate in the West Valley Genealogical Society's Open House on October 15, 2017 from 1 to 4 pm. We are to notify the Society of the names and email addresses of two chapter volunteers to participate. These will be Allen Nash and Jan Huber. Other chapter members are welcome to also participate. Based on the efforts of History Teacher Chris Raso, there are 64 entries from his Canyon Ridge School for the SAR Youth Contest. The contest entails producing a trifold brochure that addresses the 4 founding documents of the United States. Halle Orme Thomas Society Report by Mrs. Lezlee Alexander New officers were elected at their recent meeting. The members selected AZ Ice Peoria as their FUN activity on April 2. SAR Members are invited to attend if they wish. If you have an interest in attending let Mrs. Alexander know at garthandlee@cox.net. The H.O.T. Society is in a good position to be awarded gold merit at the April National Convention. Members have worked very hard and they have high expectations for their hard work and dedication. * Our DAR and SAR friends - we COULD NOT do this WITHOUT your support and assistance - as mentors and leaders, as donors to enable our activities, for inviting us to participate in YOUR meetings and events, for your TEAM spirit! And for promoting us to others. We couldn't continue ANY of our groups WITHOUT each other. Hallie Orme Thomas Society looks forward to seeing our friends of Saguaro Chapter at our May meeting where State President Gillian and incoming President Tricia will share a program about "Dogs of War" and C.A.R. National and State contests while SAR Saguaro Chapter Junior members Seth and Brandon will share a program about "The Four Chaplains." Quite an exciting day! To Complete the Youth Protection Training Course online go to: www.scouting.org/training/ youthprotection.aspx It takes about 30 minutes to complete. Once done you will get a certificate online which you need to print and send to AZSAR Education Outreach Chairman Christopher Francis cfrancis21@gmail.com
March 4, 1776: Colonel Henry Knox, age 25, delivers cannons hauled over 300 miles overland from Fort Ticonderoga, NY across the wilderness of Massachusetts by oxen. Considered to be one of the miracles of American History led to the British s evacuation of Boston. Henry Knox witnessed the Boston Massacre in 1770.Henry Knox served on guard duty to make sure no tea was unloaded from the ship Dartmouth prior to the Boston Tea Party, 1773. The British blockaded Boston s harbor in 1774. British General Thomas Gage arrived with 4,000 British troops and proceeded with a military occupation of the city of Boston, confiscating over 2,000 muskets from the citizens. Henry Knox was a bookseller in Boston, having supported his family in that trade since age 12 when his father died in the West Indies on business. With the British occupying Boston, Henry Knox and his wife Lucy, age 19, sneaked out. The British looted his bookshop and used his home to lodge soldiers. British Commander William Howe arrived in 1775 with 4,500 more troops and the Battle of Bunker Hill soon followed, where Henry Knox was a volunteer. General George Washington, age 43, made Henry Knox, now 25, a colonel. On December 1, 1775, General Washington sent Colonel Henry Knox to Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York near Canada to bring 59 cannons to Boston to drive out the British. Knox and his men arrived at Fort Ticonderoga, put the cannons on big flat-bottomed boats, and rowed them through freezing weather to the southern end of Lake George. Knox dragged the cannons across the snow, as he reported to Washington, December 17, 1775: I have had made 42 exceedingly strong sleds and have provided 80 yoke of oxen to drag them as far as Springfield where I shall get fresh cattle to carry them I hope in 16 or 17 days to be able to present your Excellency a noble train of artillery. They arrived at the Hudson River, but the ice was not thick enough to support the sleds and one sank. On January 8, 1775, Knox wrote in his diary of help provided by local farmers and pastors: Went on the ice about 8 o clock in the morning and proceeded so carefully that before night we got over 23 sleds and were so lucky as to get the cannon out of the River, owing to the assistance the good people of the city of Albany gave. (Article continues on next page)
Continued from previous page The 3 month endeavor of dragging the cannons over 300 miles from Ft. Ticonderoga to Boston was called by historian Victor Brooks one of the most stupendous feats of logistics. Col. Henry Knox Knox arrived at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and on the night of March 4th a diversionary attack was made to distract the British, while Washington s men wrapped wagon wheels with straw to muffle the noise and frantically moved the cannons up to a strategic point on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston Harbor. To make it appear even more impressive, they painted some logs to look like cannons. The next morning an astonished British General William Howe looked up at Dorchester Heights and remarked: The rebels did more in one night than my whole army would have done in one month. On MARCH 6, 1776, from his Cambridge Headquarters, General Washington ordered: Thursday, the 7th being set apart by this Province as a Day of Fasting, Prayer and Humiliation, to implore the Lord and Giver of all victory to pardon our manifold sins and wickedness, and that it would please Him to bless the Continental army with His divine favor and protection, all officers and soldiers are strictly enjoined to pay all due reverence and attention on that day to the sacred duties to the Lord of hosts for His mercies already received, and for those blessings which our holiness and uprightness of life can alone encourage us to hope through His mercy obtain. Coincidentally on that same day, March 7th, General Howe was assembling 3,000 troops to land and charge up Dorchester Heights, but a violent snowstorm arose causing the sea to be too turbulent for the attack. General Washington wrote his brother, John Augustine Washington, March 31, 1776: Upon their discovery of the works next morning, great preparations were made for attacking them; but not being ready before the afternoon, and the weather getting very tempestuous, much blood was saved and a very important blow prevented. That this most remarkable Interposition of Providence is for some wise purpose, I have not a doubt. On March 8, General Howe sent word to Washington that if the British were allowed to leave Boston unmolested, they would not burn the city on their way out. Eights days passed, and on March 16, 1776, the Continental Congress approved without dissent a resolution by General William Livingston: Congress.desirous to have people of all ranks and degrees duly impressed with a solemn sense of God s superintending providence, and of their duty, devoutly to rely on his aid and direction do earnestly recommend a Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer; that we may, with united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and, by sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease God s righteous displeasure, and, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain this pardon and forgiveness. The next day, March 17, 1776, British General Howe finally ordered his troops to board their ships and evacuate Boston. Sailing away with them were about a thousand British loyalists, including the parents of Henry Knox s wife. Henry Knox went on to fight in the New York and New Jersey campaign, and arranged Washington s crossing of the Delaware for the Battle of Trenton. Promoted to Brigadier General, Henry Knox fought at Princeton, in the Philadelphia campaign, Germantown, Monmouth, and Yorktown. In 1782, Knox was promoted to be the army s youngest major general, and in 1785, Knox was chosen as the nation s second Secretary of War. Reprinted with permission from www.fgga.org
You re Invited to Attend the Arizona Society Sons of American Revolution Spring BOM Meeting Saturday, April 29, 2017 Holiday Inn Casa Grande 777 Pinal Avenue Casa Grande, Arizona 85122 Register Today Online Click the Register Now Link Below Register Now!