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Compatriots,
Next week our nation will celebrate the 247th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 by the 56 Delegates to the Second Continental Congress meeting at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, later renamed Independence Hall. The Declaration explains to the world why the thirteen colonies regarded themselves as independent sovereign states no longer subject to British colonial rule.
I hope you and your families plan to celebrate this great event in the founding of our country. I will be joining our CASSAR Color Guard in the Independence Day Parade at Huntington Beach and in the Let Freedom Ring ceremony at Cerritos. Please send our California Compatriot Editor, Don Littlefield, pictures of the events you and your Chapters attend for next month’s newsletter.
Now at the midpoint of the year, it is a good time to assess your chapter’s progress on our goals for this year. Have you been able to increase your chapter’s membership by at least two members? If so, I congratulate you and challenge you to add two more. Have you added one more Youth program to your chapter’s activities? I hope you have, but if not, please look at completing that goal by the end of the year.
Also, as we discussed at our Annual Meeting in April, please contact the C.A.R. Society near your chapter to plan an America 250 event with a C.A.R. member. This is a great way to educate our youth and build relationships with the next generation. We have decided to divide the responsibility for the C.A.R. Liaison to provide better coverage for our State Society. Randy Dhindsa of the Yosemite Chapter will remain as the C.A.R. Liaison for northern California, and Ben Hobbins of the Redlands Chapter has been appointed C.A.R. Liaison for southern California. Both of them will be working closely with John Ferris, our America 250 Chairman, to plan the events with the C.A.R. Please support these Compatriots in this great program.
Later in July, our California SAR delegation will be departing to attend the SAR 133rd National Congress on July 13-20 in Orlando, Florida. CASSAR Past President and current SAR Secretary General, John Dodd, is running for SAR President General. We plan to have a large attendance from California to support his candidacy. There is a link to register for the Congress on our CASSAR website: (www.californiasar.org/event/sar-133rd-national-congress).
Registration is also open for our 148th CASSAR Fall Board of Managers meeting on November 3-4 aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Please see the link on our CASSAR website to register for that event. I hope to see you there.
Thank you for your service to SAR,
Jim Klingler, President
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Compatriots,
I wanted to share with you the following promotional videos that were created to celebrate America 250 as well as highlight how SAR honors our nation's veterans. Funded by the California Society and the George Washington Endowment Fund these promo videos were created as my last act while operating in the capacity of Vice President of Membership for CASSAR. These promotional videos were created at Harbor Chapter's April meeting where we had several naval servicemen and veterans speaking. Chief among them was WWII veteran William Dillon who served as the radio/radarman onboard a submarine in the Pacific.
This process was a collaborative effort between Harbor Chapter, several CASSAR officers, most notably John Ferris, who provided insight and guidance regarding the messaging of America 250. John will be spearheading the effort to assist with promoting these videos within CASSAR as well as taking steps to share with other SAR state societies and national. Kent Gregory and Jim Klingler also assisted with coordinating grant applications for funding from the George Washington Endowment Fund. I also want to personally thank Harbor Chapter officer Kyle Puro who coordinated with the video production team to secure below market prices as well. There is also other promotional videos that we are considering to highlight other programs within the SAR (for example honoring our first responders).
I also wanted to thank all of you for your service to SAR and together I believe that we are creating a welcoming, inclusive, and creative space for our members and guests to celebrate SAR and America 250.
James C. Bunker, Ph.D.
President Harbor Chapter
California Society Sons of the American Revolution
Feel free to download and distribute videos as you see fit
You can click on the links below as well as the three dots to download the original file. If you need a smaller version, download the proxy file.
SAR AMERICA 250
https://f.io/JSHwVzcU
Veterans SAR
https://f.io/LBEi8t0X
Mr. William Dillon, WWII Veteran — Sit Down Interview
(Harbor Chapter's Gift to him)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mKod9Kj7dw
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Prado Dam Bicentennial Mural
200 YEARS OF FREEDOM 1776-1976
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L-R: CASSAR Color Guard Commander Brandon Villardi (SC), Mark Kramer (R),
Diane Stephens (R), Brian Stephens (R), Jon Burke (OC), Kent Gregory (OC),
Jim Hernandez (SC), Brian Merrill (H), Mike Miller (OC), John Ferris (OC),
Benny White (E), Phil Mitchell (OC), Kevin Forrest (SC). Dan Shippey (OC) foreground.
In 1976, a group of high school students painted the bicentennial mural at Prado Dam: 200 YEARS OF FREEDOM 1776-1976. The painting of the mural was one of over 60,000 events in the 10 years leading up to July 4, 1976.
Over the years the mural faded and started to deteriorate. Because of the asbestos in the paint the US Army Corp of Engineers decided to remove the paint. In 2014, the Corp publicly announce its intention of removal. A grass roots effort ensued and for 10 years there was a fight against the odds to preserve the mural. The effort paid off and in late Spring 2023 the old paint was removed and the mural was repainted.
Although there was no room left in the opening ceremony for the CASSAR Color Guard to present, we were invited for a photo opportunity the day before.
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News from around the State | |
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Eagle Chapter
Presenting Awards and Recognition
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JROTC Award Presentation
Benny White presented JROTC awards at Perris High School, Temecula Valley High School, and Murietta Valley High School.
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SAR Flag Certificate
Presentation
Benny White presented an SAR Flag Certificate to the American Legion Post. Receiving the certificate is Cmdr. Charles Golden, VFW Post 1508, Wildomar, CA.
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SAR Flag Certificate Presentation
Wayne Rogers, Eagle Chapter, presents an SAR Flag Certificate to March air baseman Fred Potts, while announcing the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
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Harbor Chapter
Americanism Poster Contest Recognition
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On May 31st, CASSAR Treasurer, Kevin Bidenkap (left), and CASSAR CG Commander Brandon Villardi (right) visited Caroldale Learning Community in Carson CA to present our Chapter winner, Miguel Pastrana (center), with a gift card from the Harbor Chapter and a check from the CASSAR for $100 for his 4th Place finish in the CASSAR Americanism Poster Contest. | We also took some artifacts to show and let the kids handle and inspect them. | |
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Harbor Chapter Army Veterans Appreciation Event
Harbor Chapter, in honor of the United States Army's 248th birthday, hosted a veteran appreciation event at the Western Museum of Flight located at Zamperini Field in Torrance.
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Harbor Chapter members and guests pose in front of a Royal Navy Hawker Siddeley Harrier at the Western Museum Flight in Torrance.
Harbor President, James Bunker, in keeping with the event's theme gave an America 250 minute presentation that focused on the origins of the Continental Army. Created by an Act of Congress on June 14, 1775 he spoke about the oath of enlistment and the appointment of George Washington as the first General and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United Colonies.
| Colonel James Wisenbaker (retired) (above), a West Point graduate, spoke on West Point as a strategic site during the Revolutionary War as well as his civilian career in Aerospace. | Lt. Colonel John Hendrickson (retired) spoke on "Life as a Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam," complete with photographs of helicopters, bases, and his fellow servicemen that documented part of his military career. | |
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(L-R) Harbor President James Bunker, James Gill, Jim Olds, John Ferris, Brandon Villardi
James Gill and Jim Olds receive SAR America 250 Silver Medals
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(L=R) Un Hui Yi, Robert Smith, Charmella Secrest
Ladies of the Quilt Reaction Force, presented quilts to Colonel James Wisenbaker, Lt. Colonel John Hendrickson, and Compatriot Robert Smith.
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Kern Chapter
Back to School
The Kern Chapter is back in the classroom following the COVID 19 closing of schools. We have added a new member to our school presentation Color Guards, DAR member Sandra Gonzles playing the drum.
During her presentation she plays several drum cadences for the students to hear. We have been doing presentations to fifth graders at schools since 2015 and in 2022 we added 8 video modules available to classrooms since we couldn't do in person presentations because of COVID 19.
Because our involvement in education we were nominated in the Education Category of the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Gala hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. We didn't win, but received a lot of interest in SAR.
| This is the picture shown during the Beautiful Bakersfield Gala Event. Picture was taken at Wreaths Across America. Arnie Burr reading a proclamation at the MIA POW flag pole before wreath was placed. | |
(L-R) Sandra Gonzales (DAR), Mary Ann Claxton (DAR), Mike Davis,
Arnie Burr, Steve Corbin, Larry Carrolla.
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(L-R) Arnie Burr, Mike Davis, Bruce Wearda, Kerry Adams, Trenton Spears, Larry Carroll
Kern Color Guard Memorial Day at
Historic Union Cemetery
Bakersfield, California
The Kern Chapter Color Guard presented Colors at two events on Memorial Day weekend, Bakersfield National Cemetery on Saturday and Historic Union Cemetery in Bakersfield on Monday. Following the morning event the Color Guard went to the Park at River Walk for the Thousand Flags event. The annual event is presented to honor, remember, and appreciate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving our nation.
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SAR Americanism Poster Contest Recognition
Tania Araujo standing between Arnie Burr and Mike Davis was presented with a $50 check from CASSAR for her poster on the Adams Family. Seated in front are three other students showing off their posters.
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The Kern SAR Color Guard and the Young Marines help retire over 3200 flags in 12 cremation caskets on June 14, Flag Day. This is the fifth year Greenlawn Cemetery Southwest has supplied cremation caskets and burning of the flags to properly retire old flags. | |
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Mother Lode Chapter
Heading to the Folsom Parade
Patriot Coffee
| Steve Belden, President Mother Lode Chapter, fueling up for the parade! | |
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Orange County
Flag Retirement
| CSSAR South Vice President John Ferris (left), Kevin Forrest (left of fire), South Coast Chapter, and Orange County Chapter Philip Mitchell (not shown), took part in assisting the Boy Scout Troop 727 and 7272 of Rancho Santa Margarita and VFW post 6024 to retire some 30 flags. | |
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(L-R) Don Boatright - Redlands Chapter President; Charlie Frye, Secretary;
John Flippin, Color Guard Commander
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Above: Ben Hobbins (left), Redlands Chapter, presents Richard Davis, Exalted Ruler, Elks Lodge 1643, Indio, California with an SAR Flag Certificate on Flag Day, June 14, 2023. | |
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Redwood Empire Chapter
Fathers Day 2023 Induction
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(L-R) Nash family: Matthew, Steve III, Steve II, Steve Nash. Bill Nay (right).
President William Nay of the Redwood Empire Chapter, had the privilege of being invited to the Father's Day gathering to induct 3 generations of the Nash family into the Redwood Empire Chapter, SAR.
Steve Nash, his two sons Mathew and Steve II, and Grandson Steve III. We chatted about our families legacy back to the American Revolution and the beginning of the America 250 programs to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the founding of our nation.
This is one of our United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps families. Steve Nash is a regional Director for the NSCC and his grandson is a Sea Cadet.
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Life Saving & Fire Safety Commendation Awards
Friedman's Home Improvement, Sonoma, California
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Gary Magnani (light blue shirt on left with Barry Friedman, CEO, on right) had a heart attack on March 23 after he walked through the entrance of Friedman’s Home Improvement, in Sonoma. Store employees sprung into action and saved his life with the aid of an AED they had just be trained to use.
On June 15, Magnani returned to Friedman’s to shake the hands with his heroes: Alfonso Camarena, Troy Garcia, Jason Honsvick, Tim Buschbacher, and Richard Vincent (absent). They were honored for their heroic actions and given Life Saving Medals from the SAR, certificates of appreciation from the city of Sonoma and recognition plaques from the Sonoma’s VFW Post 1943, of which Magnani is an active member.
The Sons of the American Revolution presented Sonoma Valley Fire District personnel with a Fire Safety Commendation Medals.
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
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(L-R) Alfonso Camarena, Troy Garcia, Jason Honsvick, and Tim Buschbacher.
Absent: Richard Vincent
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(L-R) Nate Dunn, Kevin Hill, Justin Semenero, Mark Branconi, Ben Mallett, Val Norton. All are with the Sonoma Valley Fire District, Sonoma, CA. | |
(L-R) Bill Van Valkenburg, Gary Magnani (cardiac victim), Don Littlefield, Troy Garcia, Jason Honsvick, Tim Buschbacher, Alfonso Camarena, John Gray (Cmdr. VFW Bear Flag Post 1943), Barry Friedman (CEO Friedman's), Sonoma Mayor Sandra Lowe, and Sonoma Valley Fire District Battalion Chief Brian Cyr. Bill Nay, President Redwood Empire Chapter SAR at the podium. | |
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Riverside Chapter
Memorial Day Remembrance
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On May 27, the Riverside Chapter participated, once again, in The Flags For Every Hero event at the Riverside National Cemetery.
In additions to the SAR and DAR chapters represented were thousands of volunteers placing close to 250,000 flags at the graves of deceased service men and women. For more information contact Mike Mann, Riverside Chapter President mikeronie1@icloud.com or check the website www.honoringourfallen.org.
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(L-R) Henry Lucas, Shaun Hunniford, John Matulich, Michael Mann,
John Ferris (OC chapter), Mark Kramer, Hal Cardwell. Picture by Veronica Mann.
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(L-R) Brandon and Kelly Villardi and members of the Butterfield Chapter DAR. | |
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CASSAR Knight Essay Contest Winner
Michael Mann, President, Riverside Chapter, presented Erick Jacobson with the SAR Knight Essay Medallion for winning the CASSAR Knight Essay Contest.
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Erick, a student at Temecula Valley High School was presented with a Certificate, Medal, Riverside Chapter Challenge Coin, a check for $1,000.00 from CASSAR for winning the California Society Knight Essay Contest and a $100 bill from the LACASSAR. Earlier in the year he received a $100.00 check from Riverside Chapter for winning our Chapter's contest. Congratulations! | |
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Sacramento Chapter
Memorial Day Remembrance
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Jim Faulkinbury stands next to the monument for Col. William Stephen Hamilton (1797-1850), Alexander Hamilton's youngest son who died of cholera in Sacramento in 1850.
You may recall Alexander Hamilton met his death following a duel with Aaron Burr. It is said, young William Hamilton then challenged Burr to a duel but Burr declined, because of
the boy's young age.
William Stephen Hamilton later served as a militia commander during the Winnebago War in 1827 and the Black Hawk War in 1832.
The medallion bearing the image of his father on the monument was donated by the citizens of Quincy, MA.
William is buried in Sacramento Historic Old City Cemetery, 1000 Broadway.
Hamilton's Store
Weaverville, Trinity County, California
The marker below is on a small stone monument on the right side of Mill Street, heading south. Marker is near the Mill Street Bridge at Weaver Creek. Look for it on your travels. Click here.
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Sacramento Chapter
Flag Day Picnic
June 17, 2023
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On Saturday, June 17, the Sacramento Chapter hosted a picnic with local chapters of the DAR and CAR as part of a informal get to know each other better, share ideas, celebrate Flag Day, and build comaraderie over hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cookies, and cupcakes. Special thanks to Compatriot John Mohamed for his help with Howe Community Park reservations and expense and Larry Brasher for providing the BBQ grill, hot dogs, burgers, buns, and refreshments.
Craig Anderson introduced the chapter's "1776 Book Challenge" project to place 1,776 Fifth Grade appropriate American Revolution books in school classrooms. Jim Faulkinbury gave a brief description of the history and origins of our national flag using 5 flags, Don Littlefield talked about a project the chapter has undertaken to thank and congratulate home owners who display the American Flag.
Craig Anderson awarded Kimm Richwine, Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter DAR, with the SAR Silver America 250 Medal and certificate. The team of Larry Brasher and Don Littlefield proved to have the magic in playing the game of Corn Hole. All-in-all it was a great opportunity to relax, have fun, and celebrate being an American!
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Historic Folsom's Hometown Parade
Sutter Street - Historic District
June 24, 2023
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(L-R) Front row: Steve Belden , Doug Drake, Don Littlefield.
Back row: Russ Kaiser, Jim Faulkinbury (hidden), David Beach, and Ernie Garcia.
Color Guard members from the Sacramento and Mother Lode Chapters participated in Historic Folsom's Hometown Parade along with ladies from the Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter DAR. The parade covers four blocks, downhill, totaling 1/2 mile, bordered by a pumped-up and cheering crowd of thousands.
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Parade participants of the Sacramento Chapter SAR and Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter DAR | |
(L-R) David Beach, Jim Faulkinbury, Russ Kaiser, Ernie Garcia, Steve Belden, Don Littlefield | |
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San Diego Chapter
Flag Day
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(L-R) Jim McAdory, Rob Welch, Carolyn and Duncan Campbell.
Members of the San Diego Chapter Color Guard marched in the La Mesa Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 3rd. There was a large turnout of participants and spectators with perfect parade weather, cool with overcast. The Parade started at 10AM and moved through downtown La Mesa along La Mesa Blvd.
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San Diego Chapter
ROTC/JROTC Recognition
We had our final ROTC/JROTC award presentation of the 22-23 school year with Compatriot Rob Welch presenting the SAR JROTC Bronze Medal with certificate to Cadet Adrian Nasori, a Junior at Coronado HS, Coronado, CA.
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San Diego Hosts a Brunch
It’s been a long time since the San Diego Chapter last had a primarily social gathering, but that dry spell ended on Saturday, June 24th when Chapter President Peter Fagen and his wife Sarah, hosted a brunch followed by grilled hot dogs for our members and guests. We had perfect weather for the outdoor gathering for the 30 people that attended.
| We took the opportunity for those with the Family Tree app setup on their phone to make a connections to distant cousins in our Chapter. It’s remarkable how many of our members find common family connections. | Chapter President Peter Fagen presented an America 250 minute and Sarah Fagen was presented with the SAR Bronze Medal of Appreciation and certificate for her support and service to the San Diego Chapter. | |
Johnny Cash Tribute Performance
We were treated to a performance by Compatriot Skip Cox of a portion of his Johnny Cash tribute show. In true showman fashion, Skip became the “man in black” and delivered a great performance.
There was a general agreement that a gathering such as this would be a great addition to next year’s San Diego Chapter activities.
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South Coast Chapter
Memorial Day
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On Monday, May 29, the South Coast Chapter Color Guard was invited by the Mission Viejo Chapter DAR to present the Colors for the Memorial Day ceremony at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest California. | |
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(L-R) Kevin Forrest, Jim Hernandez with Bonnie Murray,
Mission Viejo Chapter DAR and granddaughter
| (L-R) Kevin Forrest, Nolan Forrest, Jim Hernandez & Shane Gates | |
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Yosemite Chapter
Community Involvement
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(L-R) Jackson Dhindsa, Jon Russell, Scott Nichols, Randy Dhindsa and Jim Riley.
On May 28, the Yosemite Chapter Color Guard presented Colors at a Memorial Day concert by the Fresno Community Concert Band at Shaghoian Theater, Clovis North High School.
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(L-R) Randy Dhindsa, Scott Nichols, Jackson Dhindsa, Jim Riley
On May 29, the Yosemite Chapter Color Guard presented and posted Colors at a Memorial Day ceremony for the American Legion Post 4.
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On May 23, President Scott Nichols (left) and Exec VP Jim Riley (right) presented a history lesson to 90 5th and 6th graders at Webster Elementary, Golden Valley USD. | |
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The Harbor Chapter is looking forward to hosting the 148th BOM meeting November 3-4 aboard the iconic RMS Queen Mary. Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. On her maiden voyage in 1936 she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built.
The Queen Mary has a rich maritime history that includes Winston Churchill signing the D-Day declaration during WWII as well as pop-culture relevance in the film "Assault on a Queen" starring Frank Sinatra. The Queen Mary's final cruise was October 31,1967 and the ship has been a featured part of Long Beach's shoreline ever since. History buffs and visitors of all ages can explore the ship's museum, tours, and exhibits.
Hotel Reservations are now available for 148th BOM Meeting Onboard the Queen Mary using the group link below or by calling: 888-217-1153. The Group code is: 1123CASSAR
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Click the image to play the America 250 SAR Video | |
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July 4 — Independence Day
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September 4 — Labor Day
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July 15-20 — SAR 133rd National Congress, Orlando, FL
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November 3-4 — 148th CASSAR Board of Managers Meeting
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Every member who participates in SAR programs and interacts with youth under the age of 18, is required to successfully complete SAR Youth Protection Training. Training is online, takes about 20 minutes, and is valid for three years.
Send your certificate of completion to Dan McKelvie: mckelvie@sbcglobal.net.
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CALL FOR ARTICLES — July 20, 2023 Deadline
Please send news of events and high resolution digital photos to
Don Littlefield at dblittlefield@comcast.net
— RELEASE FORMS —
All photos or or other materials that show or name any
minor under the age of 18
must be accompanied by a signed Release Form.
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Cyber Scams
If you receive an email, text, or voice mail from a purported Officer or Compatriot seeking any type of financial assistance, consider it a hoax. Phishing messages are very sophisticated and may include the unauthorized use of the SAR logo, a compatriot's name, or a pseudo SAR email address. Stop — Think — Verify !!!
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The California Compatriot is the official newsletter of the California Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Unless explicitly stated, the opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the California Society SAR.
Editor: Donald B Littlefield
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