Sons of the American Revolution

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Philadelphia Continental Chapter of the SAR at a ceremony commemorating the birth of George Washington at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier in Washington Square, Philadelphia
Philadelphia Continental Chapter of the SAR at a ceremony commemorating the birth of George Washington at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier in Washington Square, Philadelphia

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is a Louisville, Kentucky-based fraternal organization in the United States. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that describes its purpose as "maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom, an appreciation for true patriotism, a respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship, and the unifying force of e pluribus unum that has created, from the people of many nations, one nation and one people."

The organization should not be confused with the General Society of the Sons of the Revolution (GSSR), a separate organization.

Contents

[edit] Membership

Membership in the society is open to any male of "good repute" who is at least 18 years of age who can prove lineal bloodline descent from an ancestor who actively supported the American Revolution. Acceptable ancestors include military veterans of the American Revolutionary War, including those who served in the Continental Army, Continental Navy, and state militias and navies; signers of the Declaration of Independence; members of the Continental Congress; and civilians who provided arms or supplies to the American cause, served on political bodies supporting the Revolution, signed oaths of allegiance, or those who gave similar support to the Patriot cause. Descendants of soldiers and sailors from allied nations such as France and Spain who fought in support of American independence may also be eligible. No chapter may discriminate against an applicant on the basis of race or creed.

The society claims a membership of 26,000 members in over 470 chapters in 50 state societies in the United States, as well as branches in Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

[edit] History

The organization was established in San Francisco, California in 1876 when a group of men who were descendants of Revolutionary War veterans gathered to celebrate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States. The group formed an organization called the Sons of Revolutionary Sires. The organization grew and was reorganized under its current name April 30, 1889. The SAR was formally granted a congressional charter by an act of Congress on June 6, 1906. The act was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a member.

An alternative history states that The General Society Sons of the Revolution (SR) was founded in New York, 1883. SR delegates from 33 state societies gathered in New York at Fraunces Tavern, April 30, 1889. This was the centennial for the inauguration of George Washington as the First President of the United States of America in 1789. They formed the “males only” National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). SAR member Number #1 is William Osborn McDowell, New Jersey financier and businessman. McDowell is often credited with being the founder of the SAR. William McDowell worked with six women to organize the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution on July 29th, 1890.

[edit] Activities

Indiana Society SAR Color Guard appearing with the recreated 19th US Infantry at an outdoor 4th of July concert with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Indiana Society SAR Color Guard appearing with the recreated 19th US Infantry at an outdoor 4th of July concert with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

The society is involved in historical research, raising funds for local scholarships and educational awards, and preservation of sites and documents related to the American Revolution. It is also active in cataloging and marking Revolutionary War patriot graves and conducts an annual Eagle Scout scholarship program. Several SAR societies and chapters have active color guard groups that appear in various public and private venues as a means of community outreach.

[edit] Partial list of famous SAR members

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "The California Compatriot", California Society SAR, Spring 2007, pp. 23. Retrieved on 2007-09-04. 
  2. ^ Presidents who are SAR members (California SAR) Note: Ulysses S. Grant was a member of the Sons of Revolutionary Sires, which was later incorporated into the Sons of the American Revolution.
  3. ^ Clarence A Cook SAR Newsletter, Winter 2007
  4. ^ SAR-izona News January 2007 pg 2
Languages