Hello Fellow Compatriots,
 
As everyone is aware, the National Parks are closed due to the partial government shutdown and Cowpens is coming up quickly.
 
Contingency plans have been finalized thanks to Leighann Snuggs and the Cherokee County Commissioners here in South Carolina.  The Cowpens event will be held as planned. The only difference is the location of the wreath laying. All other plans remain unchanged.
 
The new location for the Wreath Laying on Saturday, January 19th at 10 AM is the new Amphitheater in Gaffney, SC.  This is closer than driving to the Cowpens Battlefield National Park. There is parking next to the Amphitheater at the Cherokee County Government Building at: 110 Railroad St, Gaffney. SC. There is plenty of parking. 
GPS coordinates are:  Latitude N 35.077.10.  Longitude: W 81.64509
 
If it rains we have other contingency plans already finalized for that as well. Please come and join us for the Cowpens event.
 
I look Forward to seeing you there.
 
Thank You,
Daniel K. “Dan” Woodruff
Vice President General, South Atlantic District, National SAR

     This evening the Culpeper Town Council unanimously approved the Culpeper Minutemen Memorial for Yowell Meadow Park.  This was the last hurdle, and now the construction will begin with the expectation that we will hold a dedication ceremony in September of this year.  This was the result of a lot of hard work by compatriots Lon Lacey, Ben Works (who also served on the Culpeper Parks and Recreation Commission), Keith Price (who also serves on the Culpeper City Council), and members of the Culpepr Town Staff, notably Salem Bush, Jim Hoy and Charles Rapp.  President Tom Hamill and past President Bill Schwetke attended the session.

"     Two CMM members attended the January meeting of the Fauquier Court House Chapter of the DAR, CMM past Presidents Larry Alexander and Bill Schwetke.  Bill was the keynote speaker, talking on "Origins of the DAR, SAR, and C.A.R."
    Larry Alexander was presented a certificate and pin to recognize his service in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

  The supply of CMM Battle Flag Lapel Pins is nearly depleted, so more, with a new design, have been ordered.  These are the pins given to each new member of our chapter.  The new design was approved in 2016, and with some delay, they have been ordered and will be received by the first week in January.  Keep watching for details on how to get one of the new pins for yourself.  Each new member of our chapter will receive one upon joining.
  The new pins will be made with the cloisinné process, which should give a nicer appearance as compared to our previous pin.  They will be 1” x ¾” in size, slightly larger than the previous pins.
  While thinking of the flag portrayed on this pin, it reminds me to encourage you to rally under this flag at the ceremony honoring the gallant stand by the Culpeper Minutemen at the Battle of Great Bridge - 11:00 am, Saturday, December 8th.  Hotel rooms for Friday night are available at a great price at the Founder's Inn - details above under coming events.

The Wayside Inn 1797-2018 ( www.alongthewayside.com/)

     Despite the steady rain, approximately 200 people gathered in Culpeper National Cemetery today to place wreaths on the graves of our Veterans.  President Tom Hamill led the CMM contingent which also included: Vice President Charles James, Color Guard Commander Michael Dennis, Keith Price, and Bill Schwetke.  Four of our members marched in the Color Guard for the opening ceremony (picture below).  The CMM Color Guard was augmented by Mike Taimi, President of the Colonel William Grayson Chapter, and Tim Devorak of the All American Color Guard, who has marched with us for two years.