Americanism Can Be Delivered To Our Young People

Dr. Steven Messner

When I joined the Pennsylvania Washingtonburg Chapter of SAR, President Dale Leppard suggested that I consider helping young people gain a better understanding of Americanism. I had been a school superintendent for quite a few years and I realized that there would be many challenges that one would face just trying to connect with the local public schools. I knew that you just didn’t simply tell a group school superintendents that you wanted to add another educational component to their responsibilities as the chief administrative officers of their school districts. I also realized that you didn’t just simply approach such a task without the help of others. I quickly learned that any local chapter of SAR has the potential to carry out such an Americanism effort and partnerships with such great organizations as DAR enhances the potential of success. You just have to focus on doing it.

It just so happened that Perry County had adopted a resolution to join the 250^th Celebration of American independence. With that resolution came a need to establish an executive steering committee with an administrative component that called for two chairs. Glenn Holliman was quickly selected as one of the co-chairs and I was recruited to hold the other co-chair position. For the first time, SAR and DAR local Pennsylvania chapters were on the same county level committee that was asked to drive an Americanism component to our youth. With common histories and interests in the future of America, it soon became evident that these local chapters could work together to begin the process of increasing student exposure to Americanism and the rich history of this country. In a short time, the four school district superintendents in Perry County were approached with a list of possible ways that the Perry County 250 committee members might help to enhance Americanism in their schools. From that early offer, an ongoing partnership was established. Essay contests and having older elementary students read about the various stages of American development were among the topics that were considered. SAR Washingtonburg Chapter started to deliver Americanism elementary level reading books to a pilot program at Carroll Elementary School and DAR started an essay contest at Carroll as well as a project to bring many more Americanism books to that same school.

Working with SAR, DAR Regent Edna Feaster led a DAR sponsored program to bring even more reading books to Carroll to include personal Americanism books for sixty fifth graders. DAR Chair Kimberly Grundon led elementary and secondary essay contests with SAR assisting with the judging. Liberty trees have been planted at all three West Perry elementary school sites and also in each of the other school districts including Susquenita, Greenwood, and Newport. These SAR sanctioned Princeton American Elms will all have a granite plaque to mark their planting and dedication sites. An additional planting is being scheduled for Little Buffalo State Park and a major dedication event is being planned of April of 2026 where a plaque recognizing all those key players on this Perry County Americanism effort will be recognized by having their names included on the outdoor metal marker that will be attached to a large rock near the park swimming pool. In all, DAR and SAR delivered over one hundred elementary level reading books. On February 6, two Carroll fifth graders were recognized for their essays and more than sixty fifth grade students received their own Americanism reading books when Edna feaster, Steve Messner, Kyle and Julia Majury were present for the program presentations. I wish you could see the expressions on the faces of those fifth graders as Regent Edna told the story of her patriot family. In addition, three thousand Americanism coloring books were delivered to the four school districts by this writer in addition to Dale Beaver and Glenn Holliman who are in the process of joining Washingtonburg PSAR. Dale Beaver will direct the celebration achieving Americanism activities with our youth on April 19, 2026 at the Newport Assembly of God Family of Life Center outside of Newport, Pennsylvania. Come and see what one group of patriots can do with one person’s suggestion to bring Americanism to our youth.

Washingtonburg Chapter Holiday Dinner at Two Mile House in Carlisle

Past President and current Genealogist Dale Leppard with wife Susan Riley
(photo by Anthony Ebersole)

Despite a few last-minute cancellations due to inclement weather and illness, approximately 50 members and guests of Washingtonburg Chapter gathered at historic Two Mile House in Carlisle on the 15th of December 2024 for the annual Holiday Dinner. The annual event encourages 18th century attire, which was worn by nearly half of those attending. The meal was catered by Chef Mark Little of New Bloomfield and featured an 18th century fixed plate menu, which was supplemented by hot and cold period punches prepared by Compatriot Brian Engle. Colonial era music was provided by Forbes Road Frolic, attired in 18th century clothing with period instruments. Carriage rides in the light snow were provided by Benchfield Farms of Newville, whose drivers and attendant were in colonial attire. A toast to His Excellency George Washington was made using Rye made at Mount Vernon according to the recipe of Our First President and Commander-in-Chief. Those attending signed the guest list in the form of a reproduction Revolutionary War Militia roster using a quill pen and ink well. Each setting included a souvenir program and menu as well as a tavern bill customized to Two Mile House. Reproduction newspapers dating from the period were circulated among the guests. The Two Mile House property was owned in the late 18th century by Ephrain Blaine, Commissary General of the Continental Army. The house is predominantly of Georgian construction, but a part of the kitchen dates to the late 18th century consistent with the ownership period of Blaine.

A photo gallery documenting the event may be found here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dVASb-gCCFQe2XHVG

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First Annual Washingtonburg Wreaths Across America Ceremony

Saturday, December 14th, 2024 Marked the Inaugural Washingtonburg Wreaths Across America Ceremony.

The ceremony was held at the Middle Spring Presbyterian Church in Shippensburg, PA. In attendance were several local veterans, PA District 193 Representative Torren Ecker, Colonel Park Bierbower, Girl Scout Troop 80063, Washingtonburg compatriots Raymond Mowery, Captain Dennis Dyckman, Steven Messner, Douglas Cubbison, Colonel Jeffery “Tank” Patton, Rev. Douglas Reagan, Dale Leppard, Jeremy Winn, Theron Winn, Rev. William M. Sloane, William S. Sloane, and members of the public. 100 wreaths were sponsored through the program and these were placed on every veteran’s grave in the Lower, Upper, and Modern sections of the cemetery.

*Colonel Park Bierbower and Honorable Torren Ecker*

Live with Purpose

The Honorable Torren Ecker, PA District 193 Representative, and Colonel Park Bierbower spoke on the year’s theme, “Live with Purpose”, before laying the ceremonial wreath at the Soldier’s Memorial outside of the church.

Looking Forward to Next Year

The Washingtonburg chapter hopes to make this event a holiday tradition and plan to be back at Middle Spring Presbyterian next year on Saturday, December 16, 2025. Wreaths Across America will match every wreath sponsored at our location for next year’s ceremony from now through January 17, 2025. Please use this link to sponsor wreaths: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/181029/Overview/?relatedId=180890

Gallery

Civil War Veterans Monument
Washingtonburg Compatriot Raymond Mowery
Frank Gelwicks
Washingtonburg Compatriot Steve Messner
Washingtonburg Compatriot Douglas Cubbison
Kyla Jones
Washingtonburg Compatriot Col. Jeffery “Tank” Patton
Washingtonburg Compatriot Rev. Douglas Reagan
Washingtonburg Compatriots Douglas Reagan and Dale Leppard
Rev. Ed Blank
Washingtonburg Compatriot Cap. Dennis Dyckman
Washingtonburg Compatriot Jeremy Winn
Washingtonburg Compatriot Theron Winn

Washingtonburg Chapter Displays at the Army Expo ‘24

Stop by our booth! The Washingtonburg Chapter, SAR is present this weekend at this year’s Army Expo ‘24 at the United States Army Heritage and Education Center. Come visit us today or tomorrow (September 14th and 15th) between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. each day. Past President Dale Leppard and President Jeff La Marca are present. Several Chapter members have already stopped by.

Highlights from Washingtonburg Chapter Meeting on 8/17/24

As previously reported, the Washingtonburg Chapter held elections at our recent meeting; our new board consists of:

President	Jeffry Peter La Marca, Ph.D.
1st Vice President	Most Rev. William Martin Sloane, Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D.
2nd Vice President	TSgt. Eric Nolan “Dutch” DeVries, USAF (Ret.)
3rd Vice President	Steven Pearson Messner, Ed.D.
Secretary/Treasurer	Steven Scott Burd
Registrar/Genealogist	Dale John Joseph Leppard
Chancellor	Maj. James Bryan Oerding, USA (Ret.), Ph.D.
Chaplain	Most Rev. William Martin Sloane, Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D.
Sergeant at Arms	Douglas Reginald Cubbison
Historian	Douglas Reginald Cubbison
Past President	Dale John Joseph Leppard

Washingtonburg Chapter, PASSAR Board of Directors elected on August 17, 2024.

During the meeting, several members received awards, accolades, or kudos for their contributions to our organization; including the following:

President Dale Leppard presents the Bronze Henry Knox Achievement Medal to the Most Rev. William Martin Sloane.

President Dale Leppard presents the Bronze Henry Knox Achievement Medal to Historian and Sergeant at Arms Douglas Reginald Cubbison.

President Dale Leppard presents the Bronze Henry Knox Achievement Medal to Maj. James Bryan Oerding, USA (Ret.), Ph.D.

President Dale Leppard presents the 134th Congress Medal to SCPO Todd Allen Hockensmith, USN (Ret.).

President Dale Leppard presents the 134th Congress Medal to Dr. Steven Messner.

President Dale Leppard presents the 134th Congress Medal to Maj. James Bryan Oerding, USA (Ret.), Ph.D.

Outgoing President Dale Leppard presents the Bronze Meritorious Service Medal to incoming President, Dr. Jeff La Marca.

Outgoing President Dale Leppard instituted a new Washingtonburg Chapter tradition by passing on a ceremonial sword to the incoming President, Dr. Jeff La Marca.

Washingtonburg Chapter Meeting and Elections

Past Chapter President Dale J. J. Leppard with SAR Flag

Washingtonburg Chapter conducted its Quarterly Meeting and Annual Elections August 17th, 2024 at the USAHEC in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Officers elected were President Dr. Jeffry Peter La Marca, 1st Vice President and Chaplain The Most Rev. William Martin Sloane, 2nd Vice President TSgt Eric Nolan “Dutch” DeVries, USAF (Ret.), 3rd Vice President Dr. Steven Pearson Messner, Secretary/Treasurer Steven Scott Burd, Chancellor MAJ James Bryan Oerding, USA (Ret.), Registrar/Genealogist Dale John Joseph Leppard, Sergeant at Arms and Historian Douglas Reginald Cubbison.

Attending were Dale J. J. Leppard, William M. Sloane, William S. Sloane, Charles L. Brackbill, Steven P. Messner, Douglas R. Cubbison, Samuel L. Russell, James B. Oerding, Sandra Oerding, Gregory T. O’Brien, Raymond A. Mowery IV, Todd A. Hockensmith, Jeffry P. La Marca, Douglas H. Reagan, Alexander Rushton. “Dutch” DeVries provided technical support and Steven S. Burd provided reports by proxy.

In addition to the Washington handshake tradition, which is an unbroken line of transmission of a handshake beginning with George Washington through Chapter founder and first Chapter President, John Cecil Fralish, Jr., outgoing Chapter President Dale J. J. Leppard instituted a new tradition of a Chapter sword which will be passed from Chapter President to Chapter President for use as a symbol of office during their incumbency.

Washingtonburg Chapter Earns Gold Level America 250th Anniversary Streamer for 2023

Chapter Gold Level America 250th Anniversary Streamer

Washingtonburg Chapter earned the prestigious Gold Level Chapter Streamer for the America 250th Anniversary Program. As originally presented, the program provided for Chapters to receive Bronze, Silver, or Gold Level Streamers for each year of the America 250th Anniversary Cycle. The original criteria were based on the average percentage of the membership who attended America 250th Anniversary themed events during the course of the year. The criteria were changed in 2024 to allow any chapter hosting or sponsoring such an event to receive a generic Streamer Award, presumably as a one-time honor.

Lafayette Fairwell Tour Cruise

(L-R) Reenactor portraying the Marquis de Lafayette,
1st Vice President of Washingtonburg Chapter Dr. Jeffry Peter La Marca

1st Vice President of Washingtonburg Chapter, Dr. Jeffry Peter La Marca, represented the Chapter at the opening segment of the Lafayette Farewell Tour at Sandy Hook, New Jersey, which reenacted the view that the Marquis had of America as he landed upon his return. The view was afforded through a dinner cruise attended by Dr. La Marca wearing the attire of a Continental Soldier of the Pennsylvania Line. The Bicentennial of the travels of the Marquis de Lafayette during his return visit to the United States is being commemorated and celebrated at various points corresponding to his original journey in 1824 and 1825. For more information see:

Lafayette 200 – Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour 2024–2025 the Nation’s Guest

H.M. Queen Maria I of Portugal, Patriot Ancestor

H.S.H. Dom Filipe Alberto Folque de Mendoca, Count of Rio Grande, a member of the Constitutionalist branch of the Royal House of Portugal, Compatriot of Washingtonburg Chapter, was approved for membership in the Sons of the American Revolution in 2019 by virtue of his descent from HM King Carlos III of Spain and the Indies. In 2023, through a supplemental application, for the first time, his ancestress HM Queen Maria I of Portugal and the Algarves was approved as a Patriot ancestor. The event was marked by a Resolution of the Pennsylvania Legislature sponsored by Representative Thomas Kutz. Dom Filipe was presented the SAR International Medal in June of 2023 at the Penn Harris Convention Center in Camp Hill by Former President General Davis Wright. Among many other acts, Queen Maria gave support to a crew of American sailors captured by the British and dropped off on the Azores Islands. She provided them with food and shelter and transported them to Lisbon where they could board friendly ships and rejoin the fight. Regardless of compensation, that act alone would have qualified her as a Patriot, however, when Benjamin Franklin later offered Her Majesty recompense, she refused. At that time, she ruled over a vast Kingdom that included Brazil, parts of Africa, and Portuguese India. Dom Filipe is proud of the connections of his ancestors to the founding of the United States of America and his membership as a Compatriot of Washingtonburg Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.