The North Carolina SAR has been effective in getting the word out to the public about the SAR during this last month.  Many thanks to the compatriots from multiple chapters for conducting outstanding programs this month.

Compatriot Fred Learned, Bethabara Chapter, led a well-attended (over 120) grave marking in Bethania on 4 June 2016.  The NC Color Guard led by Compatriot John Thornhill supported the event with members from across the state.  Ann Flint, a friend of the Lower Cape Fear chapter asked for SAR help in marking three of her ancestors.  She was emotionally overwhelmed with the success in bringing cousins together for the first time in a number of years.  She asked me to thank the Bethabara chapter and the SAR in general for making it a very special day.

Compatriot Jack Bowman and the Catawba Valley chapter executed a superb remembrance of the Battle of Ramsour’s Mill on 11 June 2016; chapters from across the state presented honors.  Compatriot Bowman was able to involve the local DAR chapter during the wreath ceremony by asking the Regent to recognize the DAR chapters who were rendering honors.

After a quick lunch a number of compatriots headed to Bessemer City to participate in a grave marking led by the Battle of King’s Mountain chapter.  Because the heat was excessive, the location of the ceremony was revised to take advantage of the shade and still conducted a solemn ceremony.  Others headed on to Lancaster, SC to participate in the reenactment of the Battle of the Waxhaws that was being filmed by the South Carolina Public TV.

During the following week, Flag Retirement ceremonies were conducted by the Halifax Resolves, New Bern, Lower Cape Fear, Yadkin Valley and le Marquis de Lafayette chapters to commemorate Flag Day.

The next weekend, 18 June 2016, le Marquis de Lafayette conducted another grave marking; the chapter was supported by a couple of compatriots outside the chapter.  That same day, I decided to attend the Board of Governors meeting of the South Carolina SAR in Columbia.  I offered greetings on behalf of the North Carolina SAR and enjoyed a good visit with many compatriots from South Carolina.

The following weekend, Julie and I travelled to Kings Mountain to participate in the SAR/DAR appreciation night of the showing of the play “Liberty Mountain, the Revolutionary Drama”, written by SAR prospect Robert Inman, a local TV personality, and directed by Caleb Sigmon.  The performance was preceded by a joyous time with song presented by many of the cast members.  The play gives a full review of the Revolutionary War events that led to the Battle of King’s Mountain.  It also describes the heroics of the Over the Mountain Gang and in particular, Captain James Williams, patriot ancestor of the author.  This play is presented every weekend until 17 July 2016.  It is a MUST SEE event!  Contact Doyle Campbell for more information.

Julie and I are getting prepared for a drive to Boston for the national Congress and we are making it a reunion trip to visit family members whom we have not seen for at least 10 years.  I hope to report good news when we return and participate in the Board of Managers (BOM) meeting on 20 August 2016 in Raleigh at the North Carolina State University Club.  Look for information about the BOM on the state SAR web site.

Coming events include the Fight at Colson’s Mill in Norwood on 16 July, the Battle in the Horseshoe near Sanford on 6 August and the remembrance of the Tryon Resolves near Bessemer City on 13 August.

It is getting close to time for state officer, chapter and committee reports for the BOM.  The format for the chapter reports can be found in the NC SAR Handbook, Vol 2, Chapter Leadership; the report includes:

• Current Officers and contact information (President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar and Color Guard Commander as applicable)
• Current membership status
• Chapter/President’s activities conducted since last BOM Meeting
• Planned chapter meetings/events before next BOM (January 2017)
• Status of completion of state president’s goals

Please send the chapter reports to our state Secretary, Jim Becker, the Newsletter Editor, Steve Pittard and your District VP by 5 August to give Compatriot Pittard time to compile the reports for the booklet for the BOM.

Look for a drastic change to the National SAR web site on line now!  http://www.sar.org

The former web site is still available if you cannot find what you need on the new site:  http://archive.sar.org