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. PINS HAVE ARRIVED!
19 Dec 2018 Middletown, VA  The Wayside Inn 1797-2018 ( www.alongthewayside.com/) Since 1797 the Wayside Inn has offered shelter, food, and entertainment to travelers. On this occasion it offered a fitting venue to enjoy a wonderful Christmas buffet and a program to honor the patriots who entered their winter encampment at Valley Forge 241 years ago, on December 19th 1777. This commemoration was organized by the Colonel James Wood II (CJWII) Chapter, the Shenandoah Christian Alliance, and the Wayside Innkeeper, Becky Reeves. After a wonderful buffet dinner over 80 guests from the SAR, DAR, C.A.R., and the local community assembled in the great room for the program with CJWII Chapter President Dale Corey as the master of ceremonies. The program was begun with introduction of guests, the posting of the colors by the CJWII Chapter Color Guard, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Then Abel Johnston, portrayed by his descendant, Larry Johnson, gave a gripping account of what it was like to winter at Valley Forge with Washington's Army. Abel was serving in North Carolina during the winter of 1777-78, but his brother was there and Abel told us what he heard from his brother. Next prayers were offered for God's blessing for these steadfast ancestors and on our efforts to keep their spirit alive. Dale Carpenter of the Shenandoah Christian Alliance put the trials of our ancestors into perspective, and then a roll was called with each descendant of a patriot answering the roll for their ancestor. Christmas Carols were sung, the colors retired, and everyone was wished a Merry Christmas and enjoyment of the blessings we have inherited from our patriot ancestors.
 Those who attended in Revolutionary dress - CMM Past President Bill Schwetke and his wife Cat are 3rd and 4th from the left. Plan to attend next year, Thursday, December 19th, 2019!
15 Dec 2018 Culpeper National Cemetery  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.   Left to right: Bill Schwetke, President Tom Hamill, Vice President Charles Jameson, Mike Taimi (Col Wm Grayson Chapter), CMM Color Guard Commander Michael Dennis, Tim Devorak (All American Color Guard) 09 Dec 2018 Vint Hill  Sixty-eight Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution and their guests celebrated Christmas this Sunday at the Inn at Vint Hill. Eleven CMM members attended, four in period dress. The Fauquier Court House Chapter was this year's host. The entertainment was Christmas Caroling, led by Greg Schumacher and his wife Kathy Schumacher. The pictures were provided by Kelly Kuvakas Photography (www.kellykuvakasphotography.weebly.com)
 Those in period dress, ladies, left to right: Kathy Truskey, Beverly Alexander, Kathy Schumacher, Cat Schwetke. Men, left to right: Craig Truskey, Larry Alexander, Tom Hamill, Bill Schwetke. 08 Dec 2018 Chesapeake, VA  The Battle of Great Bridge was fought with significant Culpeper Minutemen participation and the 243rd anniversary of that glorious victory was celebrated with significant participation by members of the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter. President Tom Hamill led the CMM delegation of seven members (including two dual members), five of whom participated in the Color Guard.
 CMM Members participating, left to right: Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly (enlisted on the spot as a dual member), Mike Lyman, Virginia SAR 3rd VP Jeff Thomas, CMM Color Guard Commander Michael Dennis, CMM President Tom Hamill, CMM VP Charles Jameson, Virginia SAR 2nd VP Bill Schwetke. 02 Dec 2018 Virginia Beach, VA  Left to right: Chris Melhuish, Jeff Brown, CMM Vice President Charles Jameson, CMM past President Bill Schwetke, CMM Color Guard Commander Michael Dennis. The Virginia SAR Color Guard, commanded by Tidewater Region Commander Chris Melhuish, presented the colors at the opening of the Honor & Remember Banquet for Gold Star Families at the Founders' Inn in Virginia Beach. Chris Melhish and Jeff Brown of the Norfolk Chapter were joined by Michael Dennis, Charles Jameson, and Bill Schwetke of the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter. The Virginia SAR Color Guard has supported this worthy event for the past several years. 
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