For the 29th consecutive year, we were able to provide community members with a vivid reminder of what 56 men signed their names to on July 4, 1776 by reading the full Declaration of Independence from the Rockingham County, Virginia Courthouse steps.
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As with so many previous years, we're honored by the support of the Beaver Creek Long Knives as well as attendees from many other patriotic organizations.

On June 30 Compatriots Ros Poplar, Wes Dove, and Randy Atkins participated in Veterans Night at the Ballpark. The Massanutten Mountaineers of the Rockingham County Baseball League recognized all Veterans in attendance. The game was sponsored by Shenandoah Valley American Legion Post 188. Zachary Pritchard joined us as well, representing the Virginia Army National Guard Recruiting center. Pritchard and our current president, Ros Poplar, engaged in some healthy Army/Navy competition by each throwing out a ceremonial first pitch to start the game!

The Fort Harrison Chapter sponsored its 3rd Annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14. Here is the report filed by Massanutton Honorary Regent and Virginia State Corresponding Secretary Penny Cummiskey.

The Massanutton Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution were proud to participate with a Flag Day Retirement and Dedication hosted by the Fort Harrison Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the Revolution.

The event was held at the Elkton Town Hall and new pavilion on 14 June.  Welcome was given by Past President Randy Atkins, the organizing chair of the event.  Elkton Mayor Josh Gooden gave greetings and President Ros Poplar started the program by presenting the Virginia SAR Color Guard, Colonel James Wood II Chapter, which posted colors.

Narrow Passage Chapter, NSDAR Vice Regent Joanne Poplar let the Pledge of Allegiance.  Josh Davidson sang “Old Ragged Flag” followed by prayer of dedication for the retiring flags from Rev. John Sloop, SAR Chaplain.  The Virginia SAR Color Guard gave a musket volley. Introductions were then given for the special guests that were in attendance that included: Fort Harrison Chapter, NSSAR members: President Ros Poplar, Past Presidents Randy Atkins and Wes Dove, Chaplain John Sloop, Brian Phelps and Tony Wilt; 34th House Delegate. From the Town of Elkton: Mayor Josh Gooden, Town Manager Greg Lunsford, Vice Mayor Rick Workman, council members: Aaron Napotnik, Rachel Michael, Jan Hensley, Virginia Fulginiti and Louis Heidel.

Also attending was the Elkton Volunteer Fire Department, Mountain Valley District BSA Unit Commissioner Cory May, Cub Scout Packs 1 and 41, Boy Scout Troops 1 and 124. Massanutton Chapter, NSDAR, Narrow Passage Chapter, NSDAR, Shenandoah River Chapter, NSDAR and Virginia Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Virginia State Senator Mark Obenshain, Rockingham County Board of Supervisors Joel Hensley, public service personnel, and veterans. The program continued with Brian Phelps leading the SAR Pledge. Delegate Tony Wilt and Senator Mark Obenshain each spoke and gave Flag Day remarks. Massanutton Honorary Regent and Virginia State Corresponding Secretary led the assembly with the American’s Creed.

The scouts raised the new flag at the Town Hall and Josh Davidson sang the National Anthem. Chaplain John Sloop gave a prayer of dedication to the new flag and wreaths were presented by President Ros Poplar from the Fort Harrison Chapter, NSSAR, Regent Gail Carten from Narrow Passage Chapter, NSDAR, Virginia DAR State officers; Penny Cummiskey, Adele Morris and Susan Walls for Virginia State DAR, Regent Carol Parker of Massanutton Chapter, NSDAR and Vice Regent Jill Propst from Shenandoah River Chapter, NSDAR.  Closing remarks were given by President Ros Poplar and Josh Davidson led the singing of “God Bless America.”
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The Colors were retired in Place. Other members attending from Massanutton Chapter, NSDAR:  Emily Carneal, Ashleigh Cummiskey Corzo and Becca Whitfield.

On June 8th the Fort Harrison Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution participated in the Commemoration of the Virginia Declaration of Rights Authored by George Mason which were adopted on June 12, 1776 by the Virginia Constitutional Convention.

George Mason was an American planter, politician, Founding Father, and delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, where he was one of three delegates who refused to sign the Constitution. 

His writings, including substantial portions of the Fairfax Resolves of 1774, the Virginia Declaration of Rights of 1776, and his Objections to this Constitution of Government (1787) opposing ratification, have exercised a significant influence on American political thought and events. The Virginia Declaration of Rights, which Mason principally authored, served as a basis for the United States Bill of Rights, of which he has been deemed a father.

The ceremony was sponsored by The George Mason Chapter Virginia Society, SAR and conducted at his ancestral home Gunston Hall in Lorton, VA. The event consisted of a Commemoration of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, a reading of the sixteen articles of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and a wreath laying ceremony at his tomb. Approximately one hundred people were in attendance. There were over thirty diverse patriotic organizations present. Ros Poplar (Fort Harrison DAR Chapter President) and Joanne Poplar (Narrow Passage 1st Vice-Regent) were among those who presented wreaths on behalf of their respective chapters. 

The Fort Harrison Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, (NSSAR) represented by President James R Poplar  III participated in the Naturalization Ceremony at the Harrisonburg Federal Court House, Thursday, May 16. The Honorable Joel C. Hoppe presided. The 45 applicants, representing 25 Countries,  were presented by Mr. Thomas E. Ullrich of Wharton, Aldhizer & Weaver, PLC. The Honorable Joel C. Hoppe administered the Oath of Citizenship and presented each candidate their Certificate of Citizenship.  Gifts to each new citizen were handed out by Ms. Lori Lyjak and Mr. William Yate  representing the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Elks Lodge 450; Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Mrs. John Cloud, Americanism Chair and Ms. Diane Mincey of the Massanutton Chapter (NSDAR);  and James R Poplar III. Following remarks to the New Citizens by Judge Hoppe; comments from the Legislators and Legislative Representatives; comments from the new citizens;  and closing remarks by the Honorable Joel C. Hoppe,  the court was adjourned by the United States Marshal. A great day to welcome our newest United States citizens. 

By Ros Poplar
​As I prepare for what lies ahead, like many in my “twilight” years, I frequently find myself looking back and reflecting on how I got to where I am in my life.  Being influenced by some exceptional primary and secondary school teachers, actively participating in the Boy Scouts of America (Cub Scouts through Sea Explorers), and active involvement in Sunday School and Church, I suspect I got to where I am in life today by attempting to emulate two role models.  These two role models have served as my North Star throughout the highs and lows of what I consider to be a life well lived.
 
Those individuals were my Uncle Dr. Peter Weaver Squire from Emporia VA and my father J. Roswell Poplar Jr. from Havre de Grace MD. Although they were distinct and separate individuals, they shared many common backgrounds and traits. Both came of age in America’s Great Depression.  Their parents were of modest means.  My maternal grandfather who was also my uncle’s father “Daddy Buck”, ran a service station and yes when you purchased gasoline back in the day your windshield was washed, radiator level checked, and air added to your tires if required all free of charge and with a smile by the owner of the station. My paternal grandfather “Pop-Pop” owned a grocery store where he delivered groceries to customers. In addition, due to the Depression, he provided essentials such as bread and eggs free of charge to those in need. 
 
My uncle “Pete” and father were the first in their family to enter college.  At the outbreak of World War II, both enlisted in the United States Navy serving in the Pacific Theater.  My uncle “Pete” commanded an Amphibious Ship where amphibious landings were utilized to push back and eventually defeat the Empire of Japan.  My father “Roswell” served in one of the most dangerous positions at the time.  As a member of the Pacific submarine forces, his “boat” saw frequent engagements with the enemy.  He was discharged after the conflict as a disabled Veteran.  Despite their self-sacrifice, neither like many of the “Silent Generation” ever talked of their wartime exploits. 
 
After the war, my uncle earned his medical degree, and my father earned his law degree (at night school) through the use of the G.I. Bill.  As their careers flourished each gave back to their respective community while raising America’s next generation. My uncle was instrumental in establishing a local hospital in one of Virginia’s poorest counties where minorities were underserved and typically did not go to a physician because of affordability. Uncle Pete made house calls to many of his underserved clients.  He practiced medicine up until the age of ninety-three and typically did not charge those less fortunate for his services. Likewise, my father practiced law and assisted those in need regardless of their ability to pay for legal services. In addition, both men were extremely active in their local communities and strongly believed it was their responsibility to give back to their communities no matter the differences in race, creed, or income status.
 
In this crazy online world, in which we live, where many are subject to the latest “influencers,” I would encourage you to go against the grain of the “would-be influencers” and be the individual who serves as a role model for those around you. Your actions define not only who you are but serve as a role model of character for those seeking real direction and guidance.  As we approach the 250th anniversary of our Nation’s founding, our actions and character are the substance that will define the next generation of Americans.

​Steven Faught, who was presented the Fort Harrison Chapter Citizen of the Year in December was named the Virginia Society Citizen of the Year at its annual meeting in Richmond on February 10th.

As the owner of two Automotive Service Centers, Steven has balanced a successful business and community involvement and continually looks for opportunities to serve his employees and the community. Being named the 2022 Harrisonburg Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the year shows the innovation, purpose and vision it takes to compete in a competitive market. Steven also received the 2022 DAR Community Service Award, the 2023 Rockingham Union #27 Community Builders award, and the 2023 Corporate Philanthropist Award from the Shenandoah Chapter of Fundraising Professionals. These recognitions illustrates his spirit of giving back.

His support for cancer research, survivors, and fundraising are extraordinary. He gives two annual scholarships to local high school students, one for automotive studies and one for a student in a family dealing with cancer. As a supporter of the American Cancer Society, events such as Relay for Life, Run Row and Rep for Breast Cancer, Be an Angel for Breast Cancer and Real Men Wear Pink are everyday activities for Steven. This year is the 7th Annual Free Oil Change Day for cancer survivors where all materials and labor are free of charge.

Since 2017 donations of socks collected at his business has sent 12,000 pairs to the Sentara RMH Pediatric units to be worn by children receiving care.

Recently Steven, his wife, Robyn and his team started hosting a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast as well as a First Responders Breakfast where participants receive a complimentary breakfast as a way of thanking them for their service.

Shenandoah Automotive offers an annual tutorial class for new drivers where safety is the main emphasis. New drivers learn defensive driving and understanding the basic car functions.
In his spare time Steven participates in public safety events such as the Harrisonburg Police Ride Along program as well as serving as a volunteer with the Rockingham-Augusta Search & Rescue.