2025 December 13 Saturday, December 13, 2025, Alexandria, Virginia: The George Washington Chapter hosted a joint chapter meeting with the George Mason Chapter at Mount Vernon Country Club. Virginia SAR President, Dr. Michael E. Weyler was on hand to swear in the new 2026 officers for both chapters. In addition to Dr. Weyler and Guest Speaker "George Washington", who presented the last installment of the 2025 GW Chapter Meetings' "America 250 Moment", the following Honored Guests were in attendance and brought Greetings to the event:
Special Awards Presented:
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2025 December 5th and 6th Friday, December 5, 2025 several GW Chapter members and spouses enjoyed a reception held at the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways Museum in Chesapeake, Va. to kick off the Saturday, December 6, 2025 celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Great Bridge. Honored Guests included National SAR President General and GW Chapter member, Michael Elston and National NSDAR President General, Ginnie Sebastian Storage. At the state level Virginia SAR President, Dr. Michael Weyler was present, as were Virginia NSDAR Regent, Kathy Rugh, and Virginia C.A.R. President, Meredith Hopkins. |
2025 November - Veterans Day at Mount Vernon The annual Veterans Day wreath laying tradition was again produced at Mount Vernon with our dear colleagues from the local Kate Waller Barrett NSDAR Chapter. (The Kate Waller Barrett Chapter is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year!) The event was also supported by local Scouting America Troop 113. A moment of silence was observed for past KWB Chapter Regent, Mrs. Barbara McJoynt. For more than three decades, Mrs. McJoynt lent her voice to this sacred ceremony by reciting Washington’s Prayer for His Country at the Tomb of George Washington. Her voice became part of the rhythm of this remembrance, at Mount Vernon. One year ago on this date, on Veterans Day, Barbara McJoynt passed away. GW Chapter members also tended an Outreach table in the Orientation Center at Mount Vernon, which included an unscheduled visit from National SAR President General and GW Chapter member Mike Elston. Virginia SAR state Treasurer, Jon Rymer paid us a visit, too. |
Veterans Day, November 11, 2025 The George Washington Chapter gathered at Sunrise Senior Living to honor the courage and sacrifice of America’s veterans. The ceremony reflected not only the nation’s gratitude but also the enduring bonds of family and fellowship within the chapter. Retired Brigadier General John Hurley was joined by his wife Ellen and their son Jack. Fellow chapter members, including Past President Paul Walden (2017) and current Vice President Marty Johnson, lead the event, which drew a warm and appreciative crowd. Marty Johnson also captured the day’s spirit through photography, preserving moments of connection and celebration. |
2025 November - Chapter Meeting At the Veterans Day themed November 8, 2025 GW Chapter Meeting President Bryant stated early from the podium that he was delighted to present on behalf of the Chapter several member awards that day, because it was joyous to recognize the award recipients' dedicated service to the Chapter, Virginia SAR, National SAR, and to the community in 2025. The slate of 2026 Chapter officers was presented by Nominating Committee Chairman, Scott Walker (immediate past Chapter president) and as there were no additional nominations from the floor, the slate was approved:
Regarding the officer corps, President Bryant shared that he was happy to be "keeping the band together" for 2026 with the extra America 250 celebrations expected. Guest Speaker, Marc Leepson was back to present a "captivating" account of the true story in his latest book, "The Unlikely War Hero: A Vietnam War POW's Story of Courage and Resilience in the Hanoi Hilton". |
2025 October Chapter Meeting October 11, 2025, Mount Vernon Country Club, Alexandria, Va. 2026 GW Chapter Officer Nominations (elections to be held next month, November 8th, at Belle Haven Country Club) and Special Guest, Virginia C.A.R. State President, Meredith Hopkins. Ms. Hopkins presented "The Diplomatic World of James Madison", which focused on the diplomatic relationship and friendship between James Madison and the Marquis de Lafayette. The Guest Speaker for this meeting was none other than George Washington Chapter member, past Virginia SAR President (2007-2008), and past National SAR President General (2013-2014), Joe Dooley. Compatriot Dooley delivered a fascinating presentation about “The SAR and the Georgian Papers Programme”. |
2025 September - Annual President General's Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery Saturday, September 20, 2025 - Immediately following the Virginia SAR Semi-Annual Meeting in Hernon, Va. the George Washington Chapter as well as members from several additional Virginia SAR chapters hurried up I-66 for the annual wreath presentation at Arlington National Cemetery. National SAR President General and GW Chapter member, Michael Elston and First Lady Julie Elston led the presentation party including National SAR Color Guard Commander Rob Meyer and GW Chapter President, Scot Bryant. |
2025 September Chapter Meeting Held at Belle Haven Country Club, Virginia. America 250 Moment: Larry Lisle Guest Speaker: The Honorable David Walker. New Member Inductions: Pat Dennis and Roger Monthey. Chapter Distinguished Service Award to Compatriot Frank Weiss. |
2025 - 64th July 4th March to the Tomb of George and Martha Washington Mount Vernon hosted a Special Guest this year for their July 4th Naturalization Ceremony: Former Governor of California and movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger! Although there were a few "pivots" necessary this year due to the Governor's presence, the ceremony was well received by all. Greetings were delivered by: National SAR Secretary General, Michael Elston, Virginia SAR President, Dr. Michael Weyler, Virginia NSDAR State Regent, Kathy Rugh, and Virginia C.A.R. State President, Meredith Hopkins. America 250 Remarks were presented by GW Chapter President, Scot Bryant and Virginia SAR Oration Contest Winner, Lillian Foos delivered a rousing presentation. |
2025 June 14th - 250th Anniversary of the United States Army Saturday, June 14, 2025 - The George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR was honored to be the Host Chapter for National SAR's 250th Anniversary celebration of the United States Army. The day's festivities - coinciding with Flag Day - began with a flag raising ceremony over Mount Vernon, George Washington's Estate and the first venue of three for the day. The Guest Speaker in the Tomb Grove portion of the Mount Vernon program was LTG Leslie Smith, USA (Ret). Before moving on to a formal SAR Grave Marking for General George and Martha Washington at their tomb, Greetings were presented by National SAR Secretary General, Michael Elston, American Legion past National Commander, Brett Reistadt, Virginia SAR President, Dr. Michael Weyler, Virginia DAR Regent, Laurie Nesbitt, and Virginia C.A.R. President, Meredith Hopkins. Later that evening a gala in honor of the U. S. Army was held at the Westin Alexandria Old Town where "George Washington" (Dan Shippey), the first Commander in Chief, delivered a profoundly moving presentation that brought tears of pride to some in the audience. |
2025 National Memorial Day Parade Perfect weather and high spirits prevailed, making for a fantastic parade day through the Nation's capital. SAR, DAR and C.A.R were well represented, including National SAR President General, Dr. Darryl Addington, National SAR Secretary General, Michael Elston, National SAR Color Guard Commander, Scott Collins, National C.A.R. President, Reese Holmes, Virginia SAR President, Dr. Michael Weyler, and Virginia C.A.R. President, Meredith Hopkins. After the parade, the GW Chapter Board of Managers hosted a private dinner in honor of PG Darryl Addington and his wife Mary Addington. There the PG awarded Chapter President, Scot Bryant the Aide-de-Camp pin and First Lady Addington awarded Vickie Bryant the Pineapple Pin for the hospitality provided during the Addingtons' visit. |
President James Monroe 267th Birthday Commemoration Chapter President Scot Bryant and his wife, Nelly Custis DAR member Vickie Bryant, along with GW Past President and current Historian, Tom Roth attended this celebration for U. S. President and Rev War Patriot, James Monroe. The Bryants presented wreaths and brought Greetings from their respective SAR and DAR chapters. |
Public Safety Law Enforcement Award George Washington Chapter Public Safety Committee Chairman, John Blair and several GW Chapter members participated in a Law Enforcement award presentation at a Fairfax County, Virginia police substations near Mount Vernon. This is just one of many Public Safety award presentations Chairman Blair produced, and GW members took part in for police, fire fighters, and EMS recognition across the region. |
April 12, 2025 Chapter Meeting The April Chapter Meeting featured the next installment of an America 250 Moment, presented by compatriot Jeff McCoy, several award presentations, and a riveting Guest Speaker presentation by John Bridgeland. "Bridge" is the Executive Chairman of the Office of American Possibilities, a civic moonshot factory that taps the entrepreneurial talent of Americans to solve public challenges together, across divides. In that capacity, he is Executive Chairman & CEO of More Perfect, a bipartisan initiative with 37 Presidential Centers (including George Washington’s Mount Vernon), the National Archives Foundation, the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and over 100 partners to protect and renew American democracy by advancing 5 foundational Democracy Goals, which Bridge outlined in the presentation. He is also author of the book, "Heart of the Nation: Volunteering and America's Civic Spirit", with a foreword by General Stanley McChrystal. Bridge's presentation focused on the importance of and the impact from volunteering and civic service. He also entertained the audience with a brief description of what it was like to be the director of the President George W. Bush's Domestic Policy Council at the White House during the 9/11 attacks. |
Master of Ceremonies, GW Chapter Vice President Marty Johnson, guided the ceremony at the tomb of General George Washington with poise and respect. Virginia SAR President Michael Weyler and George Washington Chapter President Scot Bryant then presented the Chapter’s wreath in tribute. Following the ceremony, GW Chapter Compatriots, together with Vickie Bryant of the Nelly Custis DAR Chapter, hosted an Outreach table in Mount Vernon’s Orientation Center. Their placement just outside the theater where new U.S. citizens were arriving and departing after their Naturalization Ceremony made the experience especially meaningful. The joy reflected in the faces of those newly sworn citizens left a lasting impression on all who participated. |
Naturalization Ceremony GW Chapter compatriot Joe Dooley, Past National SAR President General (2013-2014), was honored to lead the just sworn in U. S. Citizens in their first Pledge of Allegiance. Remarks were presented by Juan Wood, Section Chief, U. S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, Anne "Dede" Neal Petri, 24th Regent of The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and Mount Vernon's resident "George Washington". |
2025 George Washington Birthday Parade To support our fellow non‑profit George Washington Birthday Parade organizing committee and to strengthen community engagement with this cherished annual tradition, the George Washington Chapter proudly contributed as a Silver Sponsor of the 2025 Parade and its related festivities. Although the weather proved less than ideal for parade day, members of the GW SAR, joined by compatriots from neighboring chapters, turned out in fine fashion. True to the spirit of our patriot ancestors, despite adversity we “showed up” with distinction, and our parade unit was recognized with honors across three categories:
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Wreath Laying at Old Presbyterian Meeting House (OPMH) On a cold, damp Saturday morning, the George Washington Chapter, together with its DAR colleagues from the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter, held a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. The program included remarks from newly sworn Virginia SAR President Dr. Michael E. Weyler, Virginia C.A.R. President Sarah Terpenning, and GW Chapter President Scot Bryant. Adding a touch of history, “General Washington” (Brian Hilton) and others in colonial attire brought the era of the War for Independence to life. Right on cue, snow began to fall, lending a quiet and memorable backdrop to the occasion. |