Washingtonburg Chapter Logo
Carlisle Declaration of Independence
The First Presbyterian Church of Carlisle and Historic Carlisle, Incorporated, kindly invited Washingtonburg Chapter to join with them on July 1st, 2024, to recreate the historic Carlisle Declaration of Independence. Under the leadership of luminaries such as James Wilson (signer of the Declaration of Independence) and Ephraim Blaine (later Commissary General of the Continental Army), the citizens of Carlisle gathered on July 12th, 1774, to renounce the actions of the British in Boston and New England and to show their support. The reenactment 250 years later underscored the significance of the event and included key historical figures represented by members of the present congregation as well as members of Historic Carlisle, Incorporated, who with Washingtonburg Chapter, also provided local extras in 18th century attire. Awards were presented to Historic Carlisle and the First Presbyterian Church by Washingtonburg Chapter in recognition of this important and extraordinary effort, and a wreath was placed in the Church in honor of the courageous members who blazed a trail to independence in 1774.
Sword from the 134th Congress of the Sons of the American Revolution
One of the display vendors at the 134th Sons of the American Revolution Congress in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was a company owned by Compatriots from the New Jersey Society (NJSSAR), who specialize in reproductions of historical swords, particularly from the period of the American Revolution. The sword and baldric above were purchased from this vendor by the President of Washingtonburg Chapter, Dale J. J. Leppard, and worn during the week with colonial attire. The Lion’s head pommel caps a green dyed camel bone handle wrapped in wire.
Washingtonburg Chapter Joins Wreaths Across America
WASHINGTONBURG’S
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA CEREMONY
SATURDAY DECEMBER 14, 2024 — 10:00 am
Middle Spring Presbyterian Church & Cemetery
(135 Middle Spring Rd – Shippensburg, PA)
To sponsor a wreath:
- Visit this website: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/181029/Overview/?relatedId=180890
- Click the red “Sponsor Wreaths” button in the top right corner
- Select the number of wreaths you would like to sponsor
- Click the red “Review My Sponsorships” button
- Complete the payment information
- Email me to make a grave-specific wreath sponsorship: raymondmowery@hotmail.com
* Your sponsorship is tax deductible, so print your receipt.
Our goal is to sponsor 100 wreaths to cover all veterans’ graves in the Lower, the Upper, and the Modern Cemeteries. For every 2 wreaths that are sponsored, we receive a 3rd free wreath. All wreaths that we sponsor above 100 will be donated to other Wreaths Across America locations, like Spring Hill Cemetery or Locust Grove Cemeteries across town.
The Revolutionary War in Beaufort, South Carolina
Sources:
Sea Islander, “A View of Thomas Heyward, Jr.”, by Robert E. H. Peeples, August 1975, pp. 9-11.
The Revolutionary Soldier 1775-1783, by C. Keith Wilbur, Rowman & Littlefield, Guilford, pp. 10-12, 14, 19, 40-42.
https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_beaufort.html
https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_fort_lyttleton_1.html
https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_fort_lyttleton_2.html
https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_port_royal_island_1.html
https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_port_royal_island_2.html
https://www.hussarsaddlery.com/rev-war-american-copy
https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/declaration/bio19.htm
https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/declaration/bio43.htm
India and the American Revolution
Washingtonburg Chapter 1st Vice President, Dr. Jeffry Peter La Marca, at Fort Ligonier in Pennsylvania, wearing 18th century style chain mail from India, courtesy of the museum staff, who were explaining that chain mail was still worn in India during the 18th century to protect the wearer from the swords and bladed weapons which were in common use at the time. India was a theatre of operations during both the Seven Years’ War (known in America as the French and Indian War) and the American Revolution. With the entry of France and Spain into the struggle for American Independence, the War became a global conflict. The final Battle of the American Revolution was a Naval engagement fought between the French and the British on 20 June 1783 off the coast Cuddalore in India. Dr. La Marca was part of the Delegation from Washingtonburg Chapter, including President Dale Leppard, 3rd Vice President Eric “Dutch” DeVries, and District Deputy COL Samuel L. Russell, who attended the PASSAR Board of Management Meeting in Ligonier, Pennsylvania on August 3, 2024.
134th Annual Congress, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
Secretary/2nd VP Dale Leppard, President Kurt Winter,
1st VP Peter Reinhart, 3rd VP Jason Miller, Registrar Eric Troutman
District Deputy COL Samuel Russell, 1st VP Dr. Jeffry La Marca,
President Dale Leppard, 3rd VP Eric “Dutch” DeVries
displaying his book “Simple Citations for Genealogical Sources“
Washingtonburg Chapter Honors Revolutionary War Patriots
The Washingtonburg Chapter, PASSAR sponsored a grave marking ceremony, which recognized the contributions of five Revolutionary War Patriots buried in the Big Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Newville, Pennsylvania. The Patriots who received the SAR Grave Markers are: Capt. Thomas Buchanan, Major William McFarlane, Sgt. William Denning, Artificer William Ferguson, and Pvt. Peter Tritt.
SAR Commemorates 250th Anniversary of Intolerable Acts
and Conducts Grave Marking Ceremony that Pays Tribute to Cumberland County Patriots
The Washingtonburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is hosting a commemorative event to honor fallen patriots from the American Revolution. This solemn ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at the historic Big Spring Presbyterian Church in Newville, Pennsylvania.
The event will feature an official SAR Grave Marking Ceremony at the Big Spring Cemetery, located next to the church. Participants are welcome to wear 18th-century attire to add to the historical significance of the occasion.
Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to a catered lunch at a nearby pavilion within Colonel Denning State Park. A nominal fee will cover the meal, with details provided upon RSVP (reservation) to help with headcount.
Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Intolerable Acts
This gathering coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Intolerable Acts, a series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to colonial resistance, culminating in the Boston Tea Party.
The afternoon will feature a brief presentation on the Intolerable Acts, followed by the Washingtonburg Chapter SAR regular quarterly business meeting with award presentations.
Earning the Bronze 250th Anniversary Medal
All participants are eligible to earn points towards the Bronze 250th Anniversary Medal program. This program recognizes individuals who contribute to events commemorating the American Revolution.
RSVP and Participation
To RSVP for the event and the catered lunch, please contact us. Indicate the number of people attending in your RSVP.
We encourage everyone to join us in honoring the sacrifices of the patriots who secured American independence. This event is a meaningful way to connect with history and celebrate the legacy of our forefathers.
Additional Information
The NSAR Washingtonburg Chapter awards medals for participation in commemorative events. For details on the Bronze 250th Anniversary Medal program, please contact us.
About the National Sons of the American Revolution
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR) is a lineage society composed of male descendants of the patriots who fought for American independence in the Revolutionary War. The NSSAR is dedicated to preserving American history and promoting good citizenship.
Respectfully,
Dale J. J. Leppard
President and Genealogist, Washingtonburg Chapter SAR
Perry County Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution Flag Day
welcoming the newly elected Regent
Washingtonburg Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution was represented at the Flag Day Luncheon hosted by the Perry County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution on June 1st, 2024. Featured presentation included the celebrated rugs created in a style created by Perry Countian, Magdalena Briner Eby. Following the luncheon, members of the Chapter produced a short video of the Pledge of Allegiance which was subsequently aired by ABC27.