After the Revolution and through the years, in municipalities large and small, Independence Day parades featured Revolutionary Veterans marching together. Over the years their number dwindled until there were none. But in 1875, with the approach of the Centennial of the Revolution, and the strong desire to heal the wounds of the recent conflict, groups of sons and grandsons of Revolutionary Veterans began to march in their place. In San Francisco California there was an especially strong sentiment for the descendants to march in the 1875 parade and so a platoon of uniformed descendants marched to great acclaim. Then the approaching centennial of the Declaration of Independence created even stronger interest in participation by the descendants of patriots. Organizers met in October and planned not only significant participation in the San Francisco parade by descendants, but formation of a lasting organization of such to preserve the unity of purpose of our patriot ancestors. Eventually that new organization became the Sons of the American Revolution.
In San Francisco, and across our great nation, age had taken our Revolutionary patriots, but their younger descendants marching in their place preserved their spirit. This month the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter will install officers for 2015 with an average age of seventy-seven. The men who I will serve with are full of the spirit of their patriot ancestors and have marched faithfully in their place, but this will not continue forever. Let’s keep the parade going and the spirit alive. I ask each member to bring to our next meeting, January 24th, at least one friend, neighbor, or relative. They will be our guests, they need not pay for the meal, but they should see who we are, what we do, and be inspired to join our efforts.
Writing the Annual Chapter Report and preparing a scrapbook for 2014 (as acting Historian), I am reminded of how much some of you have contributed this past year. Thank you for all you have done. I look forward to the New Year and continuing to work with such outstanding patriots as you. Wishing you all the best for your New Year.
Your Servant,
Bill Schwetke, President