A monument and flag dedication ceremony was held on the grounds of the Rockingham County Courthouse on Sunday, March 29. The event was sponsored by our chapter along with the Massanutton DAR and the Clerk of the Court, Chaz Haywood. More than 200 people attended the event including many Vietnam Veterans. The new monument replaces one that was installed in 1973 and includes four additional names from Rockingham County.
SP4 Norman Norwood Miller — April 1966
1st Lt. Garland D. Whitmore II — September 1967
Sgt. Elza Morton Brewer, Jr. — November 1967
PFC William Medford Pangle — April 1968
Cpl. Cecil Thomas Oscar — June 1968
SP4 Basil Lee Hareford — July 1968
LCpl George Dolbryn Thomas — May 1969
EN George William Simmers, Jr. — September 1969
PFC Dickie Carson Curry — July 1970
SP4 Carroll Steven Plum — September 1970
SSgt Charles Venton McGovern — November 1970
A1C Kenneth Wilson Shook - September 1968

On Saturday 21 Match the Harrisonburg High School Blue Streak Battalion held its annual formal ball to honor members of its graduation Senior Class. The keynote speaker was Fort Harrison SAR's Past Present Ros Poplar who spoke on the "Meaning of Service" to the Battalion emphasizing that:

"Service is a philosophy of selfless action, emphasizing empathy and responsibility to improve others' lives, whether through big gestures such as service to the nation or just small acts like being polite. acts of service be they big or small will make both you a better person and this crazy world a better place.  regardless by your very actions should strive to serve those around you and you will find that that even these small actions will change the world with one random act of kindness and service at a time."

Fort Harrison has a long-standing relationship with the Blue Streak Battalion and proudly supports them throughout the year.

Public Service Chair Wes Dove attended the Broadway Town Council meeting on March 17, 2026 where the Virginia Society Public Service winners for Heroism and Fire Safety were honored recognized for their awards. Pictured below are Wes Dove, Mayor Dave Jordan, Randy Palmer, Ashely Palmer, and Christopher Palmer.

At the March 17 meeting past-President Ros Poplar received the Patriot Grave Marking Medal, our DAR Liaison Norma Sheap received the Martha Washington Medal for her long-standing and continued support of our chapter. Norma also received the Bronze Good Citizenship Medal for her volunteer work with tax preparation.

Richmond Chapter Compatriot Chris Yohn delivered a fascinating presentation on his recent book release Liberty's Land.

On Thursday March 12th 2026 Fort Harrison President Brian Phelps introduced Compatriot Mike Walsh, who was dressed in the traditional Continental uniform dress.   Compatriot Walsh gave a presentation on the life of a Continental Soldier during the Revolutionary War. For nearly an hour, approximately 40 4th graders were engaged in learning about a soldier’s weapons, devices used for survival and living, and the conditions to which a soldier endured throughout the war for independence.

Compatriot Walsh wrapped up his presentation with an experience he had in the reenactment of the surrender in Yorktown.  The students had many questions and hung on every word.  President Phelps quizzed the students to see just how much they have learned.  Their knowledge was impressive!

The event concluded with the receipt of posters created by students for the Chapter to judge for a Revolutionary era contest.

​On March 7, 2026, The Fort Harrison SAR Chapter participated in a VFW Flag Retirement Ceremony conducted by Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts at Chimney Rock VFW Post 9660. The event was conducted by Boy Scout Aiden May who is completing his requirement to be an Eagle Scout. His troop and Mother Ms. Corey May (pictured with Past President Poplar) who supports our annual Flag Day event in Elkton VA. A GREAT event conducted with reverence and respect. 

Flag Chairman Randy Atkins presented Flag Recognition certificates to a pair of Mt Crawford businesses on March 2, 2026. Sheetz Store #872 and Eddie Edwards Signs received the certificates for patriotically flying the American Flag.