"Today the Fort Harrison SAR Chapter attended the America 250 Revolutionary War Patriots Marker Dedication in Strasburg VA sponsored by the Narrow Passage Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. "The marker commemorates the men and women who achieved independence. These Patriots, each believing in the noble cause of liberty, valiantly stove to found a new nation. Fort Harrison was represented by Chapter President Ros Poplar. Also participating in the dedication was the Colonel James Wood II chapter.

​On May 7th the Fort Harrison Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution awarded the Silver ROTC Medal to Cadet LAYNE JESSUP of the JMU “Duke” Battalion. The medal endeavors to foster the principle of “citizen-soldier” exemplified by the Minutemen and recipients should be selected by the commanding officer of the ROTC unit based on their military bearing, leadership potential, attitude, scholastic achievements and general excellence. Cadet Jessup will soon be commissioned as a 2nd LT and serve as an Infantry Officer. 

Flag Chairman Randy Atkins presented a Flag Certificate to Ian McCloskey in May. Mr. McCloskey, who is a retired aviation mechanic, lives in the Lakewood Subdivision in Rockingham County.

On May 3, 2025, Compatriot Ros Poplar participated in the 200th Anniversary of the Historic Union Church in Mount Jackson VA. Poplar, who is a former trustee, gave a presentation on the life of Patriot Daniel Gray, an American Revolutionary war hero who is buried in the Union Church cemetery as well as having a street in Mount Jackson named for him. His grave is marked by both the DASR and SAR.  Gray served as a private dragoon in the Partizan Legion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lee, during the Revolutionary War. He enlisted under Lieutenant Stephen Lewis in Colonel Lee's Legion of Dragoons in the latter part of 1779, and he remained with the legion until the end of the war. Daniel’s service is noted as having been loyal and faithful throughout the conflict.

Compatriot Randy Atkins represented our chapter and presented a wreath at the Governors Palace in Williamsburg on May 3, 2025. Twenty-two chapters and several lineage societies participated in the Virginia Presidential Initiative Event. 

​On May2, 2025 Compatriot Ros Poplar participated in the Harrisonburg High School JROTC “Blue Streak” Battalion end of year award ceremony. On behalf of the Chapter, he presented a JROTC Bronze Medal to Cadet Adrian Alvarez in recognition of his sustained superior performance. leadership qualities, military bearing and general excellence. The Fort Harrison Chapter has a close relationship with the Blue Streak Battalion and looks forward to having CSM (R) Richard V. Maccini as it guest speaker in May. 

Compatriot Jimmy Kilbourne shared an outstanding program detailing the common genealogical threads of the select few military regiments that have ties to Concord, Lexington, Yorktown, and D-Day. Kilbourne explained how each military regiment tracks its history much like organizations like SAR track lineage for membership. The presentation was well received and may be shared virtually from the chapter’s social media pages over the summer.

Fort Harrison compatriots Edmund Davidson, Jimmy Kilbourne, 1st Vice-President Brian Phelps, Virginia 3rd Vice-President Randy Atkins, President Ros Poplar joined compatriots from seven other chapters for the annual multi-chapter meeting and lunch Graves' Mountain Lodge on Saturday, April 26. The eight participating chapters are Thomas Jefferson, Culpeper Minutemen, Fort Harrison, Colonel Fielding Lewis, General Daniel Morgan, Colonel William Grayson, Colonel James Wood II, and Sergeant Major John Champe. Fort Harrison dual member Edmund Davidson from the General Daniel Morgan chapter presided over the event. Prior to the lunch meeting, the Virginia Society blessed soil that will be taken to the Battle of Waxhaws observance in May by Virginia President Michael Weyler.

Compatriot Randy Atkins represented our chapter at a Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration held in Middletown, VA on March 29, 2025. Six SAR chapters were represented along with Fort Loudoun DAR chapter and the American Red Cross. Also in attendance was Virginia Society President Mike Weyler. Guest speaker was Jerry Headley, a Vietnam Vet who during his tour earned five Silver Stars, three Bronze Medals, three Purple Hearts, and an Air Medal. After the speaker the Virginia Color Guard rendered a Musket Salute.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, we’re offering HALF-PRICE membership application fees for new members throughout the month of April! This is your chance to join our proud organization, dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of those who fought for American independence.
​
The application fee during April is $75 plus $50 first year National dues for a total of $125. The Virginia Society fee is $12. All applications have to be processed and received by National by April 30, 2025. If you have someone considering joining, please see Randy Atkins or Tim Knight as soon as possible.
​
Take part in honoring our nation’s founding and connect with a network of patriots who share your passion for history. 

Join us today and be part of something special!