Recognized as Best Virginia SAR Website
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
National SAR Event: 250th Anniversary of the Formation of the United States Army
Grave Marking: Patriots George & Martha Washington, June 14, 2025
Grave Marking: Patriots Adam, Black & Dundas, March 16, 2024
Wreath-Laying in Honor of President Washington's Birthday, February 22, 2024
George Washington Birthday Parade, February 19, 2024
National Memorial Day Parade, May 29, 2023
George Washington Birthday Parade, February 20, 2023
Parade from the Reviewing Stand | On the March |
Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War, February 20, 2023
61st March to the Tomb, Mount Vernon, July 4, 2022 William Lee Grave Marking, Mount Vernon, February 5, 2022 60th March to the Tomb, Mount Vernon, July 4, 2021 |
Welcome MessageWelcome to the website of the George Washington Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). If you are new to SAR, or to the George Washington Chapter, I hope you enjoy reading about us and enjoying photographs that capture many of our annual and one-of-a-kind activities. If you are already a member, I encourage you to explore the Members Only resources available to you on this site. If you are not familiar with the Sons of the American Revolution, we are the leading male lineage society dedicated to perpetuating the ideals of the American War of Independence. As an historical, educational, and patriotic, non-profit corporation, we maintain and expand the meaning of patriotism, respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship, and the unifying force of "e pluribus unum" that was created from the people of many nations -- one nation and one people. "In God We Trust". The George Washington Chapter celebrated its 70th anniversary of advancing the goals and ideals of the SAR in Alexandria, Virginia and the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax County in 2024. Our location and wide range of activities makes us one of the most dynamic chapters in the country. Whether it is participating in the annual July 4th wreath-laying ceremony at Mount Vernon, marching in the National Memorial Day Parade or Alexandria's George Washington's Birthday Parade, honoring local police officers and firefighters with SAR awards, judging a youth contest, honoring local Patriots by marking their graves, or just enjoying a fabulous lunch with a fascinating guest speaker, there are many ways for a new member to get involved with SAR. Our members are also active at the state and national levels of SAR, serving as national officers, state officers, state committee chairmen and national committee members. Our regular monthly membership meetings are held September through May. These meetings generally feature a prominent guest speaker in a field related to the American Revolution, U.S. history and government, or other key issues of the day. If you are already a member of SAR and would like to join the George Washington Chapter, please contact our Secretary. We welcome all new members. If you are not a member of SAR and would like more information about joining SAR and the George Washington Chapter, please visit our Membership page or contact our Registrar. Membership is open to any adult male who is a lineal descendant of a Revolutionary War soldier or patriot. Women and children interested in perpetuating the ideals of our Patriot ancestors may wish to contact the Daughters of the American Revolution (www.dar.org) or the Children of the American Revolution (www.nscar.org). Thank you for your interest in the George Washington Chapter! I hope you will join us in the important SAR work to honor our Patriot ancestors in many ways and thereby extend the legacy of freedom for which they were willing to sacrifice all.
President, |
December 13, 2025, Alexandria, Virginia: The George Washington Chapter, Virginia Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), is proud to announce that Chapter President Scot A. Bryant was presented with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Hannah White Arnett Bronze Medal of Distinction certificate and medal by Suzann Gallagher, Regent of Alexandria’s Nelly Custis Chapter NSDAR. This prestigious award was conferred in recognition of President Bryant’s dedication to historic preservation and community outreach. Regent Gallagher relayed at the George Washington Chapter's 2025 December Chapter Meeting that President Bryant's leadership has strengthened collaboration between the SAR and NSDAR, expanding opportunities for service, education, and shared patriotic endeavors. The presentation of the Bronze Hannah White Arnett Award highlights the enduring partnership between the SAR and NSDAR in honoring the legacy of the American Revolution and inspiring future generations to uphold its ideals.
Photo Credit: Tom Roth December 13, 2025, Alexandria, Virginia: During its December 2025 Chapter Meeting held at the Mount Vernon Country Club, representing the George Washington Chapter, Virginia Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), Chapter President, Scot Bryant proudly presented the Chapter Good Citizenship Award to Susan E. (“Sue”) Johnson in recognition of her outstanding leadership and service as Chair of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC). Ms. Johnson’s vision and dedication have strengthened one of Alexandria’s most cherished traditions, the annual George Washington Birthday Parade. Her accomplishments include expanding community engagement through activities celebrating George Washington’s legacy in Alexandria throughout February. Under her leadership, the committee has developed profound parade themes and established a strong governance framework to ensure the celebration’s future success. Through these efforts, Ms. Johnson has exemplified the values of civic responsibility, patriotism, and community service that the SAR seeks to honor with this award. Ms. Johnson is the third recipient of the Chapter Good Citizenship Award presented by the George Washington Chapter in 2025. Earlier this year, the award was also bestowed upon Meg Kane, Regent of the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter NSDAR, and Chuck Schwam, Executive Director of American Friends of Lafayette. Together, these three honorees reflect the Chapter’s commitment to recognizing individuals whose leadership and service strengthen our communities and perpetuate the ideals of the American Revolution.
November 9, 2025, Alexandria, Virginia: The George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR, is proud to announce its Gold Sponsorship of the 2026 George Washington Birthday Parade and its related celebrations. The 2026 parade will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026! Since 1801, the City of Alexandria has honored George Washington’s birthday with this parade, making it the oldest and most enduring celebration of its kind in the nation. We warmly and enthusiastically encourage fellow SAR members to join us in Alexandria Saturday, February 14, 2026, for this historic celebration. Come witness the pageantry, honor America’s first Commander-in-Chief, support the SAR and DAR Presidents General Grand Marshals and share in the patriotic spirit that continues to unite us all. Our top-tier Gold Sponsorship reflects the deep commitment of our George Washington Chapter to supporting one of the region’s most cherished patriotic traditions. It enhances the visibility of both the George Washington Chapter, Virginia Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the National SAR organization. The Gold sponsorship also demonstrates our dedication to supporting our communities and perpetuating the ideals of the American Revolutionary War. We view this as a significant milestone in our growth journey and a powerful way to honor our Patriot ancestors and their sacrifices. To add another spotlight on the 2026 “America 250” year parade, 2026 Grand Marshals Michael J. Elston, Esq., National President General, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) plus Ginnie Sebastian Storage, National President General, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be there to represent their respective organizations! The theme for the 2026 parade is “George Washington: Virginia’s Son ~ America’s Founding Father”, in honor of George Washington’s leading role in the founding of our country during its 250th Anniversary Year.
July 4, 2025, Mount Vernon, Virginia: The George Washington Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), proudly hosted its 64th annual July 4th March to the Tomb of George Washington, drawing more than 100 attendees to honor the nation’s founding father on Independence Day. The program featured distinguished greetings from National SAR Secretary General, Michael J. Elston, Esq.; Virginia SAR President, Dr. Michael E. Weyler; Virginia DAR Regent, Kathy Rugh; and Virginia C.A.R. President, Meredith Hopkins. Their remarks underscored the enduring legacy of George Washington and the shared commitment of patriotic societies to preserve the ideals of the American Revolution. A highlight of the ceremony was the rousing, award-winning oration delivered by Virginia SAR Oration Contest Winner, Lillian Foos, whose words inspired attendees with a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and vision that shaped our nation. Following the March and Tomb Grove Ceremony, participants gathered at the tomb of George and Martha Washington for a solemn wreath presentation ceremony. Guests and visitors to Mount Vernon also placed red carnations in honor of the Washingtons, creating a poignant tribute that reflected both reverence and gratitude for their legacy. This annual march and ceremony remain a cherished tradition, uniting members of the SAR, DAR, C.A.R., and the wider community in remembrance of America’s first Commander-in-Chief. The event reflects the Chapter’s dedication to honoring Patriot ancestors and perpetuating the values of liberty, service, and remembrance.
June 14, 2025, Alexandria, Virginia: The George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR proudly welcomed more than 100 registrants to several events celebrating the 250th Anniversary (to the day!) of the formation of the Continental Army. Link to the full story here, on Virginia SAR's website.
(Photo (Cropped) Credit: Thomas M. Roth, III)
April 12, 2025, Alexandria, Virginia: The George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR held its monthly Chapter Meeting at the prestigious Belle Haven Country Club where their Guest Speaker was John Bridgeland. Mr. Bridgeland delivered a captivating presentation that emphasized the importance of nonpartisan core values and the common ground we share. The significance of building upon these principles is highlighted as our country approaches America's 250th anniversary celebrations. Visit More Perfect: https://www.joinmoreperfect.us/
December 2, 2024, Alexandria, Virginia: We are excited to announce that the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR, is a proud Silver Sponsor of the 2025 George Washington Birthday Parade and its related celebrations. Since 1801, the City of Alexandria has celebrated George Washington’s birthday with a parade, making it the oldest of its kind in the country. In 1976, the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC) was established to organize the annual parade and honor Washington’s legacy in his adopted hometown. This sponsorship is a strategic opportunity to enhance the visibility of both the GW Chapter and the National SAR organization. It plainly demonstrates our continued commitment to charitably supporting this widely popular regional event that promotes the patriotic ideals of the American Revolutionary War. We believe this is a significant "Next Step" in our growth journey. The theme for the 2025 parade is "George Washington: America’s Commander-in-Chief." Sponsoring the organizing committee not only supports the GWBCC and the community at large but also allows the community to see the SAR’s dedication to everyone. Adding the "Sons of the American Revolution" at the Silver level of sponsorship is not just about adding an organization’s name; it represents the commitment of SAR’s nearly 40,000 members. The George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR was established in 1954.
November 9, 2024: We are thrilled to announce that the trustees of the Knight/Patty Memorial Trust have approved our reimbursement request to co-sponsor the design, fabrication, and installation of a permanent Heritage Trail Marker at "The Lafayette House" in historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. This marker, located at 301 S. Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, commemorates the 1824 visit of the Marquis de Lafayette. In addition to reimbursing 90% of our total co-sponsorship cost, the fund trustees commended the Chapter for seizing this opportunity and for adhering to the SAR branding guidelines when submitting the SAR logo which is proudly displayed on the marker. The trustees also expressed their hope that we will publicize this endeavor at the state and national levels so that other chapters can learn from our example. Congratulations to everyone involved in this important and successful project! It is history and historical Markers such as this one bearing the SAR American eagle logo and the national, state, and local organization names are designed, produced and installed to inspire, remind and educate their viewers of the importance of place and the importance of remembering past glories that provided us the freedom and boundless opportunities that we treasure today.
October 14, 2024: The George Washington Chapter offers a special opportunity to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. (Read on, this is not a fundraiser...) For every two wreaths sponsored (ordered) through the GW Chapter's Wreaths Across America (WAA) webpage, WAA will supply a third wreath free. The 2024 National Wreaths Across America Day is December 14th. However, on-line sponsorship orders must be placed no later than “Giving Tuesday 2024”: (WAA on-line order telephone support: Place Order Here:
Compatriot Don Binder, former Rector of Pohick Episcopal Church in Lorton, Va. (Parish church of George Washington and George Mason), now the Canon Pastor for St. George’s Cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem, took part in the consecration of the chrism oil that was used to anoint King Charles III at his coronation May 6, 2023. The ceremony took place in March 2023 at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher when the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theopolis III and the Anglican Archbishop, Hosam Naoum, consecrated the chrism oil. Compatriot Binder can be seen in a photo (standing to the left of Archbishop Naoum) in The Guardian.
George Washington Chapter Past President, Compatriot Richard Rankin, serves on the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Insurance Committee which recently designed a solution insuring VASSAR and its Color Guard members during black powder firings at SAR events. Click here to Learn More.
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America 250 SAR
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George Washington Chapter President Honored with NSDAR Bronze Hannah White Arnett Award
