WHO ARE THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION ?
The Sons of the American Revolution was
incorporated on January 17, 1890, in Connecticut
and later chartered by the United States Congress
in June 9, 1906. Prior to this date a number of
state societies were formed in the 1880’s. The first
Congress of the National Society was held in
Louisville, Kentucky on April 30, 1890 – the 101 st
anniversary of George Washington taking the oath
of office as President of the United States.
The purposes of the Sons of the American
Revolution are patriotic, historical and educational.
This includes:
- Perpetuating the memory of Revolutionary War Patriots.
- Preserving the records of Revolutionary War Patriots.
- Marking the locations of the Revolution: Its events and its soldiers.
- Promoting fellowship among their descendants.
- Celebrating anniversaries of the Revolution.
- Inspiring the community with a reverence for the principles of government founded by our forefathers.
- Maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom.
- Encouraging historical research of the American Revolution.
- Carrying out the purposes of the Preamble of the Constitution.
- Following the injunctions of Washington’s farewell address to the American people.
The Sons of the American Revolution National
Headquarters is located in Louisville, Kentucky.
- There are fifty state societies including the District of Columbia. There are also societies in France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Switzerland.
- The current membership of the SAR is approximately 38,000 active members.
WHAT ARE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SAR ?
- Honors individuals for outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement at local, state and national levels.
- Honors persons for outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of imminent danger.
- Honors outstanding high school students with the presentation of a Good Citizenship Award.
- Honors outstanding Junior and Senior Reserve Officers Training Corps Cadets with the presentation of an SAR ROTC Award.
- Honors Law Enforcement officials for outstanding service with Law Enforcement Award.
- Honors Fire Safety Officials for outstanding service with a Commendation Award.
- Selects outstanding Eagle Scouts at local, state and national levels.
- Conducts national oration and essay contests.
- Sponsors Boy Scout Troops and chapters of the Children of the American Revolution.
- Places SAR markers at the grave sites of Revolutionary War Patriots and SAR members.
- Commemorates Revolutionary Patriots with appropriate ceremonies.
- Participates in new citizenship swearing-in ceremonies.
- Observes patriotic anniversaries.
- Cooperates with Daughters of the American Revolution, Children of the American Revolution and other hereditary organizations in the promotion of patriotism.
- Assists wounded warriors, soldiers and veterans in military and veterans hospitals and retirement homes across the country through Operation
- Ancestor Search and other-veterans programs.
- Recognizes those who correctly fly the U S flag.
- Honors Fallen Veterans by placing U S Flags on graves at National cemeteries on Memorial Day.