GASSAR State Awards
Date: January 27-28
Photos:
See Chapter Spotlight |
See Member Spotlight
The Annual State Awards were well attended to see Wayne Brown sworn in as the State SAR President.
Also attending was out-going National President General J. Michael Tomme Sr. and the 1st Lady, Cilla Tomme.
The Piedmont Chapter won 12 Awards:
1) BG Robert L. Scott Jr. Veterans Award & Streamer ~ 1st Place
(Chapters 50-99 members)
2) Education Outreach Streamer & Certificate
3) Best Chapter Education Outreach Award
4) Georgia Society Membership Award
5) Distinguished Chapter
6) President General's Award Chapter of Excellence
7) President General's Award Chapter of Distinction
8) Billy Thompson Americanism Award Chapter of Excellence
9) Liberty Bell Americanism Award (based on Chapter size)
10) Partners in Patriotism Award
11) President General's Cup
12) President General's Activities Award
In addition, Compatriots Bill Kabel & Shep Hammack won the Patriot Award.
Shep also won the Good Citizenship Medal, and the Robert B. Vance Sr. Membership Trophy (State).
|
Traveling Trunk
Date: January 31st
On 1/31, Compatriots Paul Prescott and President Rick Reese Jr. visited Fellowship Christian School's 4th grade class
to present the Piedmont Chapters Traveling Trunk.
Through audience participation, questions and answers, and 'Show and Tell' of the Traveling Trunk's extensive collection
Colonial period items, everybody can see and experience what everyday life was like for our Patriot ancestors.
|
SAR Reenactment of Kettle Creek - Ceremony
Weekend of February 10-12
Photos:
Elijah Clark State Park |
GASSAR Militia |
KCBA Dinner
Parade |
Reenactment |
War Hill Ceremony
Each year, American Revolutionary War Lieutenant Colonel Elijah Clarke, nicknamed "Hero of the Hornet's Nest" is remembered
with his fellow patriots in Washington, GA. NSSAR Chapters from around the Southeast, including the Piedmont Chapter,
participate in a Memorial Service, Parade, a Battle Field Reenactment, and a Ceremony at War Hill. On Sunday, a church service
is held at one of the historic churches of Wilkes County.
The Battle of Kettle Creek (February 14, 1779) was a major encounter in the back country of Georgia during the American
Revolutionary War. It was fought in Wilkes County about eight miles (13 km) from present-day Washington, Georgia.
A militia force of Patriots decisively defeated and scattered a Loyalist militia force that was on its way to British-controlled Augusta.
There has been some amazing work conducted and continues to be done
at the site. Some of the amazing things that have been accomplished is the use of ground penetrating sonar and cadaver dogs
have located many fallen patriots in shallow graves on the site. These graves have been marked with white crosses and can be
see in the picture to the right. The Piedmont Chapter is proud to participate in this great event every year.
|
February Press Release ~ Chapter Donates Revolutionary War Research Book
by Publicity Chairman George Thurmond
Revolutionary War Research book donated by Piedmont Chapter ~ SAR
"Patriots in Georgia Revolutionary War Engagements 1776-1782"
by Dr. David Noble and Richard Marsh
"The Piedmont Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution recently donated to the libraries in Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell and
Northeast Spruill Oaks a valuable resource book on Patriots who served in 42 engagements in Georgia. Published by co-authors
David Noble and Richard Marsh this new publication serves as a foundational resource that lists the Patriots who fought in
Revolutionary War battles in Georgia where men were killed, wounded or captured. The book is the result of researching thousands
of Revolutionary War pension applications and books and documents from other states. The names of Patriots, their officers,
other patriots with which they associated, the Georgia engagements in which they participated along with other information has
been collected and compiled into a comprehensive research tool. The information is presented by engagement and individual Patriot.
The structure provides a complete picture of the engagement and listing of the Patriots who participated in each and a profile of
each individual Patriot and his actions across multiple engagements. The book is extensively indexed and contains information related
to over 2,000 Patriots. All information is annotated with detailed source data allowing the researcher to quickly identify National Archives
film roles, publications and documents from which the information was obtained in order to further their research. The 832 page book
has been distributed to 25 genealogical organizations around the country, including the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
and the Sons of the American Revolution and 25 libraries in Georgia."
The Sons of the American Revolution is a national patriotic, historical and educational society whose members are direct descendents of the
patriots who earned our independence. Men and boys who are interested in documenting their relationship to their American Revolutionary
ancestors and in joining an active group with similar interest, are encouraged to contact
Jaime Ruff at 404-427-8040
Photo (l-r): Bob Sapp, Rick Reese (Piedmont Chapter SAR President), Todd Williamson (Librarian),
Anne Vagts (Librarian), Paul Prescott and George Thurmond. Photo by Linda Reese.
|
The 23rd Anniversary Annual Dinner Meeting
Including the 2017 Youth Program Awards & George Washington's Birthday Celebration
Date: February 18th
Photos:
Social Time |
Meeting |
Awards 1 |
Awards 2 |
Details - March 2017 Piedmont Piper
The 23rd Anniversary Annual Dinner Meeting of the Piedmont Chapter was called to order by President Rick Reese, Jr., and Chaplain Bob Allgood
gave the Invocation. Then Piedmont Piper John Mortison played his bagpipes as the Piedmont Color Guard, assisted by Centennial High School JROTC Cadet
Mackenzy Davis, presented the colors under the direction of Color Guard Commander Paul Prescott. Sergeant-at-Arms John Wassell led
the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Pledge to the SAR.
Guest Speaker
GASSAR President Wayne Brown spoke about an overlooked hero of the Revolution John Glover, a fisherman, merchant, and military leader from Marblehead, MA
who served as a Brigadier General under George Washington. General Glover used his skills as a mariner to ferry Washington's troops from
Long Island across the East River to Manhattan (and safety from the British). Wayne's delivery was very entertaining and enlightening.
Youth Program Awards
JROTC Award ~
Our outstanding Cadet is Mackenzy Davis
Cadet Captain Mackenzie Davis is the top academic junior cadet in the JROTC program at Centennial High School. She is currently serving as the
Cadet Battalion Administrative Officer for a cadet battalion of over 100 cadets. She continually stays involved in all facets of the JROTC program.
She has been on the Academic Bowl Team, Raiders Team, Drill Team and the school Rifle Team where she was consistently one of the top 3 shooters
each week of the season. She is the Color Guard Team Commander and has personally been a part of over 20 Color Guards in the last two years.
Knight Essay Award ~
Our Chapter winner is Michelle Manganiello
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution invites all high school students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution
to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. It provides students with an opportunity to research and learn more about the Revolution.
Our Piedmont Chapter winner is Michelle Manganiello. Michelle is a senior at Centennial High School, and her essay is entitled "1776: The Year We Made History".
Michelle is accompanied by her parents, Dennis and Judy. We are pleased to recognize Michelle.
Eagle Scout Scholarship Contest ~
Our Eagle Scout scholarship applicant is Kyle Mercer Brown
Our Piedmont Chapter is very supportive of the Eagle Scout program. Our Scouting Committee Chairman, Michael Smith issued certificates in 2016 recognizing
the achievement of 115 Boy Scouts who reached the rank of Eagle Scout. Among all of those, the Piedmont Chapter submission to the state of Georgia for the
SAR Eagle Scout Scholarship contest was Kyle Mercer Brown. Kyle is a member of Troup 69 that meets at the Alpharetta First United Methodist Church.
In addition to his scouting accomplishments, Kyle is a well-rounded athlete in Track & Field and football at Kings Ridge Christian School. He also was on the
Academic Dean's list in his sophomore and Junior years. He is here tonight with his parents Alan and Denise Brown. I am pleased to present this award from our
Piedmont Chapter to Kyle Mercer Brown.
Chapter Awards
Bob Shaw and Bob Sapp continued with Piedmont Chapter awards to:
Dale Miller - Certificate of Appreciation for his work as chapter Secretary
Jamie Ruff - Certificate of Appreciation for his work as chapter Registrar
John Wassell - Certificate of Appreciation for his work as chapter Sergeant-at-Arms
Rick Reese, Jr. - Bronze Roger Sherman Medal
Linda Reese - Martha Washington Medal for her tireless and cheerful work to provide breakfast for the chapter meetings each month.
Rick Reese, III - Chapter Distinguished Service Medal for his work as Piedmont Piper Editor, as well chapter and state photographer.
President Rick Reese made the following presentation to:
Bob Sapp - Certificate of Achievement on the occasion of his 90th Birthday on March 4, 2017
Wayne Brown then proceeded to induction the Piedmont Chapter officers present.
At a future meeting President Reese will induct the officers not present at the banquet.
Our 2017 Chapter Officers were:
President - Rick Reese, Jr.
Vice President - Ron Redner
Secretary - Eric Thorstenberg
Treasurer - Craig Benton
Chaplain - Bob Allgood
Registrar - Jamie Ruff
Piper Editor - Rick Reese, III
Chancellor - Eric Thorstenberg
Historian - Bill Lusk
Sergeant-at-Arms - John Wassell
Chaplain Bob Allgood delivered the benediction. The Piedmont Color Guard retired the Colors.
Sergeant-at-Arms John Wassel led the SAR recessional. President Rick Reese, Jr. adjourned the meeting.
|
NSSAR Spring Leadership Meeting in Louisville
Date: March 2 - March 4, 2017
Submitted by Rick Reese Jr.
Photos:
Click Here
The National SAR Spring Leadership Conference/Trustees Meeting was held at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, KY.
Members from local Atlanta SAR Chapters included:
Larry Guzy, Shep Hammack, Rick Reese Jr, Bob Sapp, George Thurmond.
|
Youth Program Awards ~ Brochure Contest Winners
Date: March 7th, 2017
Photos: Click Here
Our 2017 Brochure Contest Chapter Winner is Sami Rickheim.
Large Photo of Sami Rickheim and her Mother
Sami Rickheim, 8th grade student at Fellowship Christian School recently received a first place award in the Sons of the American Revolution
brochure contest for Middle School students. Sami produced a brochure on the national theme Foundational Documents. Her entry was
sponsored by the Piedmont Chapter that meets in Roswell. Sami received a check for $125 for her school entry along with a certificate for
winning the chapter competition. Sami's brochure will be entered in the state competition.
Our 2017 Brochure Contest Runner Up Winners Are...
Runner Ups
Michael Schenken and Evan Barker tied for first runner up, receiving a check for $25 and a certificate.
Audra Berends placed 3rd place and received a check for $15 for her work.
Honorable Mention certificates and checks for $10 were given to Natalie Kennedy, McClain Reed, Jordan Brewer, Katina Inglis and Maggie Pizza.
School entries were made under the encouragement of their teacher, Ms Joan Ergle for 8th Grade Social Studies.
80 students competed for these awards. Students were encouraged through their research to exhibit knowledge and
understanding of American History using any of the five foundational documents as the brochure theme. Each finalist
received a copy of the book "Founding Fathers, The Shaping of America".
|
April Chapter Meeting
Date: April 15th 2017
Photos: Click Here for Powerpoint Slides and Audio
Compatriot George Thurmond, who gave a very enlightening and enjoyable talk about Thomas Sumter ~ American Revolutionary War Hero.
- In 1776, Lieutenant Colonel of 2nd South Carolina Continental Line, then Colonel.
- Appointed Brigadier General of the South Carolina militia, serving until the end of the war.
- Refused to co-operate with other commands, implemented "Sumter's Law", stripping battle field.
- Defeated the British at Hanging Rock; Blackstock's Farm; Fishdam Ford.
- Served as a member of the House of Representatives and the US Senate (28 years) after the war.
- Died at the age of 97, the oldest living surviving general officer of the American Revolution.
|
Compatriot George Thurmond
Chapter President
March 2001 - Feb 2002
|
Patriots' Day Proclamation at Milton City Hall
Date: April 17th
Piedmont Color Guard members Paul Prescott, Bob Sapp, George Thurmond, and Rick Reese, Jr.
were assisted by Piedmont Junior SAR member David Jimenez to lead the Milton City Council meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance
on April 17, 2017.
City Council member and Piedmont SAR member Bill Lusk read a Patriots' Day Proclamation and presented a copy
to the assembled audience which included Piedmont SAR Chapter members, Martha Stewart Bulloch DAR chapter members,
Martha Stewart Bulloch C.A.R. members, and the Patriots of Liberty DAR members.
It is noteworthy to know that this meeting of the Milton City Council took place in their newly constructed City Hall facility
located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA. This modern facility contains a state-of-the-art video system.
|
JROTC Awards Presentation at Centennial High School
Date: April 20th
On April 20th, Piedmont Chapter President Rick Reese Jr. attended the Centennial High School JROTC awards program.
During that ceremony, he presented the Piedmont Chapter SAR JROTC Medal and Certificate to
Cadet Captain Mackenzy Davis. The Centennial JROTC program is under the leadership of senior military instructor
Lt. Col. (ret) Jon Nepute. The Piedmont chapter supports the JROTC programs at five area high schools in our geography.
|
State Brochure Contest Winner
Date: May
Sami Rickheim, 8th grade student at Fellowship Christian School recently received a first place award in the Sons of the American Revolution
Georgia state brochure contest for Middle School students
Sami produced a brochure on the national theme Foundational Documents.
Her entry was sponsored by the Piedmont Chapter that meets in Roswell. Sami received a check for $150 for her state winning entry
along with a certificate. Previously, she received a check for $125 for chapter competition. Sami's brochure will be entered in the
national competition for a chance to win $300.
Shown in photo are George Thurmond, Rick Reese Jr., Sami Rickheim,
and 8th Grade Social Studies Educator, Ms. Joan Ergle.
|
Remembering DAR member Joyce Mortison
Date: May 14th
On Sunday, May 14, 2017 many of the Piedmont Chapter attended a ceremony celebrating the life of Joyce Mortison, who passed away on May 10, 2017.
She was the wife of Piedmont Chapter member John Mortison for 55 years and a member of the Chestatee River Chapter of the DAR for 13 years.
John requested the Piedmont Color Guard, and GASSAR Color Guard members to present the colors at her service at the Roswell Funeral Home in Roswell, GA.
Our sincerest sympathy goes out to John and his family.
Obit from the AJC
Images from the service - Click Here
|
Remembering Susan Finley
Date: May 20th
From President Rick Reese -
"It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Susan Glause Finley, the wife of our friend and
Piedmont Chapter member Al Finley, on Monday night. [5/15]
Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate her life in the Parlor at Roswell United Methodist Church
on May 20, 2017 between 10am - 2pm. The family will also hold a final resting ceremony at Muskingum University on May 28.
The visitation for Susan Finley is being held on the date of our May 20 Piedmont Chapter meeting. I encourage chapter members
to attend the celebration of the life of Susan Finley after our chapter meeting which I will try to conclude in plenty of time to
make that possible."
Obit from the AJC
|
Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony
Date: Sunday May 28th
On Sunday May 28th, Piedmont Chapter Color Guard members George Thurmond and Rick Reese, Jr. participated in the Pearl Harbor
Memorial Ceremony in the Marietta National Military Cemetery.
This is a ceremony that our Piedmont Chapter has supported by presenting colors for many, many years.
The back cover of the Program contains an image of compatriots Jack Ferguson and Bob Sapp, who originally presented the colors for this program.
The memorial ceremony is sponsored by the Harry Robert Kerr Chapter of Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, Inc.
Pearl Harbor occurred 75 years ago this year at 7:48 am Hawaiian time.
Wiki - Pearl Harbor
Click Here to see Program |
See Photos from Event
|
"Roswell Remembers" Memorial Day Ceremony
Date: May 29th
On Monday May 29 the Piedmont Chapter participated in "Roswell Remembers". Our chapter had a tent alongside the
Martha Stewart Bulloch DAR and CAR. Using items from our Traveling Trunk program which were typically used by people living
during the Revolutionary War period, we had the opportunity to speak with a multitude of people attending the event on the
Roswell City Hall grounds. Conversations ranged from questions about the time period to questions about how to join the
Sons of the American Revolutions. Young people of all ages stopped to talk or play with some of the games from that period.
We also had a display of full sized historic flags staked in the ground along the walkway toward our tent. George Thurmond spent a
significant amount of his time talking to the attendees who stopped to look at the flags and listen to George's description about the flags
and their use and significance.
Piedmont Color Guard members George Thurmond, Bob Sapp, and Rick Reese, Jr. took a break from talking with the event attendees to
present the Colors at the opening of the formal ceremonies. The attendees were estimated to between 6000-7000 people.
Click Here for Event Photos
|
Memorial Day Ceremony in Marietta
Date: May 29th
Piedmont Chapter Sgt.-at-Arms John Wassell represented the Piedmont Chapter, by placing a Wreath during the
Memorial Day Ceremony at the Marietta National Cemetery.
The ceremony began at noon and is held each Memorial Day "to honor our Veterans, both past and present and to remember those
who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country."
"The ceremony Monday, May 29, 2017, will be the 72nd consecutive ceremony planned and conducted by the NMDA.
The National Memorial Day Association of Georgia and The Avenue of Flags, Inc, was founded on March 16, 1946, in Atlanta, Georgia.
It is composed of individual Patron Members and of Member Organizations who wish to remember and honor the men and women who
have served in the United States of America Armed Forces, the many who have given their lives to protect our freedom, the many
who are now deceased, and those currently serving in the Armed Forces."
|
Flag Retirement Ceremony
Date: June 10th
The Robert Forsyth and Piedmont Chapters held their combined Flag Retirement ceremony on June 10, 2017 at the
Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming, GA. Color Guard and Militia members from both chapters participated in the event.
Robert Forsyth Chapter President Allen Greenly was the master of ceremonies.
In attendance were members from both chapters, DAR members, CAR members, American Legion members, and
Boy Scout Noah Lange who played 'Taps' on the bugle at the conclusion of the ceremony. The SAR, DAR, C.A.R and
Home Depot are co-sponsors of the Flag Retirement receptacles that are located at the front of selected Home Depot stores.
The Flag Recycling Receptacles associated with the Piedmont Chapter are at the Home Depot store located at 5300 Windward
Parkway in Alpharetta, and the Home Depot store located at 1580 Holcomb Bridge Rd in Roswell.
See Ceremony Photos Photos by MSBSCAR Senior President Tammra Baker
|
"Honor Our Heroes" at the World Harvest Church
Date: July 2nd
On this day, Georgia Color Guard members Bill Kabel, Bob Sapp, George Thurmond, and Rick Reese, Jr.
presented the colors for two services honoring first responders and the heroes from all military branches at the
World Harvest Church in Roswell. This is an event that our Color Guard has supported for many years.
|
Windward 4th of July Children's Parade
Date: July 4th
Piedmont Chapter color guard members George Thurmond and Rick Reese
led this years Windward Community 4th of July Children's Parade.
|
Eagle Scout of Honor
Date: July 10th
Piedmont Chapter President Rick Reese, Jr. presented Rishi Mocherla with certificate of recognition on behalf
of the Sons of the American Revolution. .
|
Honoring Eagle Scout Noah Frederick Lange
Date: September 5, 2017
See Ceremony Photos - Click Here
"On Tuesday evening, September 5, 2017, Boy Scout Troop 10 with parents and friends assembled in Saint Benedict's Catholic Church
parish hall in Duluth, GA to hold their awards ceremony for scouts achieving higher ranks and earning merit badges for their scouting
activities."
"This ceremony also included the posthumous award of the rank of Eagle Scout to Noah Frederick Lange. This young man was a friend
of our Piedmont Chapter who supported our flag retirement ceremonies in 2016 and 2017 by playing taps at those ceremonies.
Noah was also a member of the Martha Stewart Bulloch Society Children of the American Revolution, serving as society Historian."
"Noah was working on his Eagle Scout project, but unfortunately passed away before he was able to complete the work. Noah was almost
finished with his Eagle Project of restoring the prayer garden, including the design and construction of four wooden benches as well as
planting flowers, mulching and cleaning up the area, for St. Benedict's Catholic Church. But he passed away prior to the completion of the
project, so his troop finished the last stage of the project in Noah's honor. The special Eagle Board of Review was convened on Aug. 29
and awarded Noah Lange the Rank of Eagle Scout."
"Representing the Piedmont Chapter, I was honored to attend the September 5th event, address the attendees about Noah's achievement,
and present his parents, Jim and Michelle Lange, with a Certificate of Recognition from the National Society Sons of the American Revolution
celebrating Noah's earning the rank of Eagle Scout." ~ Written by Rick Reese Jr.
|
Noah Frederick Lange ~ on June 14th, 2016
Eagle Scout Award
|
Proclamation for Roswell King
Date: October 9, 2017
The Mayor of Roswell, Jere Wood and Roswell City council members Nancy Diamond, Lori Henri, Jerry Orlans, Michael Palermo,
and Marcelo Zapata, announced a Proclamation for Roswell King, founder of Roswell Georgia.
The ceremony was scheduled for Saturday October 14th at 2 pm, where the Piedmont Chapter - Sons of the American Revolution would
honor the patriot King with a Grave Marker.
The SAR Color Guard, and the local chapters of the DAR & C.A.R. participated in the event.
|
Grave Marking for Patriot Roswell King
Date: October 14, 2017
See Ceremony Photos - Click Here
The Piedmont Chapter - Sons of the American Revolution, the SAR Color Guard, the local chapters of the DAR and C.A.R. participated in the event,
honoring Patriot King with a Historic Grave Marker for his service in the Revolutionary War.
Under the direction of Piedmont Graves Committee Chairman Roy Greene, the ceremony was held at Founders Cemetery on Sloan street in Roswell, GA.
Roswell City council member Nancy Diamond, read the Proclamation for Roswell King, founder of Roswell Georgia.
We are grateful for the participation of the Georgia State SAR color guard led by Color Guard commander Bill Palmer, master of ceremonies Bobby Shaw,
John Mortison (Piedmont Chapter Piper), GASSAR President Wayne Brown, Roswell City Councilwoman, Nancy Diamond, GA State District Representative Betty Price,
Chuck Rann and Charlie Bruce (descendants of Roswell King), Allen Greenly (President of the Robert Forsyth Chapter SAR), Shep Hammack
(President of the Mount Vernon Chapter SAR), John Flikeid (VP of the Robert Forsyth Chapter SAR), Lee Hulsey (Past President of the John Collins Chapter SAR),
Bill Kabel (GASSAR Veterans Committee Chair and Past President Piedmont Chapter), Bruce Maney (member GA Branch, National Society Sons and Daughters of Pilgrims),
Catherine Jimenez (Regent of the Martha Stewart Bulloch DAR Chapter), Dawn Levy (Regent of the Roswell King DAR Chapter), Leslie Strickland Watkins
(President Georgia Society SAR Ladies Auxiliary), Eva Russo (member Martha Stewart Bulloch Society Children of the American Revolution), and George Thurmond
(Past President GASSAR and Piedmont Chapter) for his wisdom and guidance, as well as the numerous members of the SAR and DAR Chapters who attended this
historical event, making it a memorable success.
See Ceremony Program / Biography of Roswell King
See Ceremony Photos Group 1
See Ceremony Photos Group 2
|
|
Traveling Trunk Presentation
Date: December 12th
On Tuesday 12 December 2017 Paul Prescott and Rick Reese Jr. delivered a traveling trunk presentation to the 4th grade students
of the Swift School in Roswell. 38 students and six teachers were in the audience, as they talked to the group about what life was like
during the Revolutionary War period. President Reese was dressed in his continental uniforms, while Paul was in his militia attire.
|
Welcome page |
Top
|
