CMM Compatriot Bill Schwetke participated in a program honoring George Washington, on his 290th birthday, at Commonwealth Senior Living in Front Roayl Virginia.  Dale Corey of the Col James Wood II Chapter organized and led the presentation; Bill gave a description of Washington's early life.  Col James Wood II Chapter president, Chip Daniels, also participated.  Chip and Dale are dual members of the CMM.

     Today, in Culpeper, the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter hosted a celebration of George Washington on his 290th birthday, and a  recognition of patriots of color. They were joined by citizens of the community, a member of the the Town Council, members of the Culpeper Museum Board, members of VFW Post 2524, four other SAR chapters (Col William Grayson Col James Wood II, George Washington, and Sgt Maj John Champe), two DAR chapters (Culpeper Minutemen and Fauquier Court House) and the Virginia Order of Founders and Patriots.

     Members of the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter who participated in the program were:

     The George Washington Chapter organized SAR participation in the George Washington Parade in Old Town Alexandria on Monday afternoon.  This parade has been held every year since 1799 except when cancelled for weather, war, or pandemic.  Bill Schwetke represented the CMM in this year's parade.

     As a prelude to the celebration of the 241st Anniversary of General Greene crossing the Dan River, the Dan River Chapter, in unison with the community of Halifax, conducted a ceremony to note the nine-day encampment of Greene's Army on the north of the Banister River.  During this nine days Greene's Army was replenished and reinforced, allowing them to advance on and engage Cornwallis at Guilford Courthouse on March 15th, inflicting the grievous losses on Cornwallis that led to his movement to Yorktown and eventual defeat.

     Honorary President Charles Jameson led the CMM participants and presented the chapter wreath.  Both he and Bill Schwetke participated in the Color Guard, which Bill commanded.

     Just like the patriots of Virginia came together to replenish and reinforce Greene, the modern patriots of Virginia, especially those of Halifax County, came together to honor those ancestors and their accomplishments.

     The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) was recognized on Saturday as the best large chapter in Virginia for the second consecutive year.  The award was announced and presented in historic St. John's Church in Richmond during the Annual Meeting of the Virginia SAR.  The Culpeper chapter was distinguished for being the best in both nationally sponsored activities and state sponsored activities.  Charles Jameson, chapter president for both years, received the award and was accompanied by both this year's president Tom Hamill, and past president Bill Schwetke.  The chapter is already busy with programs this year in anticipation of similar recognition for 2022, and looking forward to special programs to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.  Part of these plans include hosting a reunion of descendants of the 1775 Culpeper Minutemen who fought in the battles of Hampton, Great Bridge and Norfolk.  That reunion is planned for the weekend of October 25-26, 2025, the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Hampton, where the minutemen drove off the Royal Navy and captured a British ship.

Also covered by the Culpeper Star-Exponent on 16 Feb 2022

     The 2022 Annual Meeting of the Virginia SAR was held at the Omni Hotel, in Richmond, on February 11th and 12th.  Friday featured committee meetings and workshops.  CMM President Tom Hamill led part of the Youth Programs Workshop.

     On Saturday morning the General Membership met.  CMM President Tom Hamill gave the chapter report.  One important piece of new business was the General Membership's endorsement of the new Regional Committee structure that establishes four geographical regions within the Virginia SAR.

     During the General Membership Meeting several streamers were handed out to recognize participation in various programs.

     After lunch we moved to historic St. John's Church for the Memorial Service Public Service Awards, and additional awards presentations, including the best chapters.

     In the evening was the President's Banquet, which included more awards. a Color Guard change of command, and the installation of the Virginia SAR's 102nd president.