The 249th anniversary of the signing of the Fairfax Resolves was commemorated today at historic Pohick Church in Lorton, VA, in a program hosted by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter.  Bill Schwetke presented the CMM wreath and marched in the Color Guard.

     Bill Schwetke represented the CMM at the SAR's 133rd National Congress that was held in Orlando, Florida, with 238 delegates participating. During the Congress the Virginia SAR was recognized as the best state society over 1,000 members for 2022 and Jim Bish won the Taylor Award for best book for his "I Can't Tell a Lie".  Dues for 2024 were increased to $50 per regular member and a construction plan for staff working space in the SAR Headquarters was approved.  Bill Schwetke received the National Gold Meritorious Service Medal for his work as the Genealogy Committee Chairman.  The France Society nominated Bill as an alternate national trustee and he was elected for the 2023-2024 term.  Bill also marched in the Color Guard and presented a talk on planning a 250th Anniversary of the Revolution Reunion.

     Two new dual members joined the CMM during the Congress, Roger Williams of the New Jersey Society, and Patrick Mesnard, President of the France Society and European Vice President General.

     On the 247th Anniversary of the first American victory after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Virginia SAR, joined by DAR and C.A.R., celebrated the victory of Virginia patriotic forces over the force of Royal Governor Lord Dunmore and drove him out of Virginia to never return.  Tom Hamill presented the chapter wreath and Tom, Bill and Mike marched in the Color Guard.

     The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter partnered with the Town of Culpeper to stage a Patriotic Presentation for the Town's 4th of July celebrations.  CMM President Tom Hamill emceed the event with the assistance of Honorary President Charles Jameson. 
 
     The program featured greetings from Culpeper Board of Supervisors Gary Deal and Culpeper Mayor Frank Reaves; A preview of the upcoming 250th anniversary events in the Culpeper Area; a moving talk on Liberty and Freedom from Gen. George Washington - portrayed by Steve Hawkins; and the reading of the Declaration of Independence.  

     Local VFW Post 2524 provided the Color Guard for the event, and the VASSAR Color Guard provided a musket salute at the end of the event.

     This morning at the Warren County Heritage Society in Front Royal the Col James Wood II Chapter hosted a reading of the Declaration of Independence for the community.  Charles Jameson presented the chapter wreath and he, Michael Dennis, and Bill Schwetke marched in the Color Guard.  Mike and Bill also participated in the musket firing.