Volume 45, Number 1
www.passar.org/PCC
Winter 2016
COMPATRIOTS, MY PRIMARY GOAL FOR 2016 IS TO GET
MORE OF YOU INVOLVED IN OUR PATRIOTIC OUTREACH
EFFORTS, SO…
THE PAP PROGRAM HAS ARRIVED!
Here’s how every one of you, no matter how busy you are or where you live,
can get involved in promoting American patriotism.
Think about one of the key responsibilities every member of the SAR is charged
with: It’s Americanism – spreading knowledge of, and reverence for – the founding principles of our great nation.
Now think about all the easy patriotic things you could do – Let’s call them
PREMEDITATED ACTS OF PATRIOTISM - PAPs for
President Ellis Adams
short.
Here are some suggestions:

Fly the American flag on your front porch

Put an American flag sticker in one of your car windows

Take your children or grandchildren to see the Liberty Bell or some other Revolutionary War or patriotic
site near where you live

Donate to the new American Revolutionary War Museum in Philadelphia

Place flowers on a veteran’s grave

Donate to the USO

Call for a moment of silence at the dinner table – 9/11, D-Day, Pearl Harbor, etc.

Volunteer some time at the Betsy Ross House, Valley Forge Park, or any patriotic site near you that needs
support

Wear patriotic neckties, etc, available from the National Society SAR merchandise store
(Continued on page 2)
February 1 Meeting Location
The February Board of Management meeting
will be held at Charlotte’s Restaurant at 10 AM
3207 West Chester Pike. Newtown Square, PA
Phone 610-356-7100
[email protected]
Mark Your Calendars!
Two major meetings are coming up
on January 25th and February
20th—See pages 3 and 11.
Hope to see you there!
(Continued from page 1)

Use SAR note cards and holiday cards
 Put patriotic holiday items in your children’s or grandchildren’s stockings at Christmas – get them at the
National SAR store, at gift shops in the Independence Mall and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, at countless outlets in Wash, DC, and at national monuments nationwide

Attend Fourth of July or Memorial Day parades and events.
USE YOUR IMAGINATION! This is only a sample of what ALL of our members might do
to discharge our obligation as SAR’s to promote American patriotism in the year to come.
Potentially, ALL of us could be found…
GUILTY AS CHARGED of committing at least one Premeditated Act of Patriotism
(ONE PAP) during 2016.
Please join in this 2016 President’s Initiative. Let me know as soon as you commit your first PAP.
My email and postal addresses are:
[email protected] (Use the subject line “PAP Submission”)
801 Ridge Pike, Apt 36, Lafayette Hill. PA 19444
Send me your name, the date you committed your first PAP, and your postal address. In return, I’ll send you
the handy pocket magnifier shown below as a reminder - every time you use it - to keep on committing PAP’s
throughout 2016 and beyond. (Sorry, you will only get a magnifier for your first PAP - one to a customer!)
The final design may vary from the provisional sample shown.
The name of every compatriot found guilty of committing his first PAP will be published in the quarterly Chapter newsletter. Wouldn’t it be great if every one of our 400-plus members was listed by the
end of 2016?
Also, if you wish, I encourage you to describe your PAP on our Chapter’s Face Book page. Go to
passar.org/PCC and then click on the Face Book Page Link.
The United States of America is facing unprecedented challenges worldwide, and Lady Liberty needs us to
rally around Old Glory as never before.…hoping to hear from you, Compatriots!
Ellis
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Fellow Compatriots:
WE HAVE HEARD YOU
Please join other members of our Chapter, including members of the Board of Management, at a special meet
& greet to be held on January 25th at 7:30 PM at the Masonic Village Auditorium, Masonic Village, 801
Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held on January 27 th.
Please come as you are - no dress code. Light refreshments will be served. Turn off Ridge Pike at the Manor
Road traffic light. Parking is available on the campus. Enter the facility at the main entrance, next to the flagpole (look for the U.S. flag, flying and illuminated 24/7).
Our Chapter belongs to all of us. Let’s start the process of more inclusion. We want our programs to promote
American patriotism and comradeship, and we aim to include input from as many Compatriots as possible.
We want you to know one another and we want to schedule events you will like, when and where you can participate – regardless of whether you work, you’re raising a family, or you’re retired. Your preferences matter.
We want to earn your dues!
If you wish to participate in our town meeting, kindly RSVP to Frank O’Donnell by January 20th at
[email protected] or call Frank at 610-568-5897.
Fraternally,
Ellis Adams
YOUTH CONTESTS
George Clarke, 1st Vice President, Poster, and Brochure Contest Chairman,
[email protected], (M) (484) 410-4436
One of the main goals of the SAR is to “inspire the community with the principles on which our nation was founded,” and to that end many contests have
been developed by the SAR to educate youth. Two of these contests are the
poster contest and the brochure contest.
The Poster Contest is for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students in which the student
is asked to draw a poster on a given subject. In previous years the subjects
have included Valley Forge and the Declaration of Independence and in both cases the posters developed by
our local school students have gone on to win not only the State contest, but the National contest as well. In
the case of the Declaration of Independence, one Delaware County school elected to make the poster contest a
school project. They developed a course of instruction for the entire student body and each student, all three
grades, made a poster on the Declaration. It was from that school that received the poster that took 1 st place at
National.
We received posters from many area schools and had some difficulty selecting the winners. We knew we had
something good going so as a special reward we invited the winners and their families to join us for a private
tour of Independence Hall.
The theme of the poster changes each year and the National Americanism Committee is trying something new
this year. They are letting the State societies select their own subject. This year the theme for the State will
be “Flags Flown over Pennsylvania during the Revolution.” It is hoped that whole classes will study the
flags; each student would then select their favorites and included them on their poster with a brief explanation
(Continued on page 4)
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(Continued from page 3)
of their selections. As Pennsylvania had so many visitors during the Revolution, both patriot and loyalist, it
will be exciting to see how well the students learn how extensive the Revolution was and how many people
from different areas were involved in forming this nation. It is a good bet that every student will select the
Betsy Ross flag, but how it goes from there should be quite interesting.
The Brochure Contest is for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Middle School students. They are asked to make a brochure on one of the five founding documents:
Articles of Confederation
Declaration of Independence
Constitution
Federalist Papers
Bill of Rights
This is the newest of the contests only being two or three years old and Pennsylvania has yet to submit their
first entry to the contest. The brochure is a tri-folded 8 ½” X 11” sheet of paper on which the student explains
the document that the class has studied. The Poster Contest, by its nature, is mainly drawings with wording to
explain the pictures. The Brochure is quite the opposite with mainly words and drawings used to support the
ideas the student is communicating.
In speaking with the teachers that cover these subjects we find that they are willing to spend a little extra time
to the help their student enter the contest, but they do not want to judge their student’s entries. This puts more
onto the Chapter as we need someone to judge the students’ work. These contests take time to administer and
additional help is always welcome. The Chapter covers Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia
counties and picking up the Posters from the various schools. Judging the Posters or Brochures can be fun,
but time consuming.
I am gratified when I see the depth of learning that these students are getting and the lengths that their teachers
are going to help them learn about the Revolution. Because of this I believe that we are, in some way, meeting our goal of inspiring these young people to see what it took to form this great nation.
2ND VP REPORT
Robert M. Gosner
This year, there will be a new formation in our playbook. President, Ellis Adams
has directed that both Vice-Presidents have an increased role in oversight with
respect to their assigned committees and/or activities. As your new Second VicePresident, I am requesting that all members assist with presenting award certificates and/or medals to our worthy recipients. Without limitation, your help is especially needed with Sr./Jr. ROTC awards, with the numerous Student and/or
Teacher awards, and/or with the various Americanism awards. Gentlemen, it is
easier to step forward to advance our mission to present an award and/or medal,
than to wait to be called upon.
The Second Vice-President, has oversight for a number of committees and/or activities, as follows: Americanism; Knight’s Essay; Chapter Student/Teacher
Awards; Awards for years of service and for meritorious service both internal and
external; Publicity and Public Relations; Eagle Scout Awards; Greenspan Scholarship Award; Newsletter; Sr./
Jr. ROTC Awards and Medals; Web Master; and Computer Member Database.
With respect to AMERICANISM, George Clarke has been promoting the poster contest and other activities. Phil Anders and James Hall have been promoting the flag recognition and other activities. Chairman
(Continued on page 5)
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(Continued from page 4)
of the KNIGHTS ESSAY CONTEST, John Mitchell reports interest from Radnor High School, Springfield
Township High School (Montgomery County), and expects to hear from others. Chairman of the STUDENT/
TEACHER AWARDS, Quincy Jones reports that 108 letters are sent yearly to various high school graduates
asking for one teacher and one student to be awarded a Good Citizenship Certificate. This past year, a response was received from 24 schools. The Student/Teacher award certificates are awarded at graduation, or
during other school meetings. Past Chairman of the GREENSPAN ENDOWMENT AWARD, William (Bill)
H. Rheiner reports that letters to participating schools were sent this past October 2015, and that the due date
for nominations will be 26 February 2016. A change of the guard from Bill to current Chairman, Jay Kolick
is expected. Chairman of the JR./SR. ROTC Awards, Col. (Ret.) John Gibson reports that he has received
inspirational essays from Lansdale, PA, Cadets, whom are in the Delta Flight Jr./ROTC United States Air
Force. The essay of the Chapter winner Jr. ROTC will be sent onto the State Society Jr. ROTC essay contest.
We thank Past Chairman James Hall for his exemplary service with the Jr./Sr. ROTC. EAGLE SCOUT
AWARDS are a huge undertaking, and it involves upwards of 500 awards yearly. Chairman, Mark Burt recently assumed his duties from our long-time stalwart, Lt. Col. (Ret.), Herb Armstrong. Chairman, Burt reported in his budget for fiscal year 2016 that he anticipates 500 Eagle Scout Certificates, and numerous other
awards given to these fine young men. This award has special meaning to me as my son, Compatriot, Robert
Matthew Gosner, received his SAR Certificate of Recognition to Eagle Scout in year 2009, signed by Compatriots, James Willis and Herb Armstrong. This has been a long standing tradition, as Chairman, Mark Burt
received his own SAR Eagle Scout award in year 1963.
Many of our Compatriots were first introduced to the SAR in their youth when they received one of
the various SAR award certificates and/or medals. Remember, the mission of the SAR is first and foremost
that we reach and teach our youth.
“Wreaths Across America”
For the past few years Philadelphia Continental Chapter’s Color Guard in their “Washington’s Life Guard”
uniforms took part in laying wreaths at Philadelphia National Cemetery veteran’s graves. This year Past President Jim Sanborn was asked by Compatriot retired CPO (SS) Floyd N. Turner, USN (Ret) to take part in the
Services Wreath Ceremony at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Floyd has organized and directed the
wreath-laying program for several years at Indiantown Gap. To launch the laying of the 9000 or so wreaths on
the graves, a service is held at the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial facility. Members of each armed service accompanied by Gold Star and
Blue Star Mothers with Boy Scout escorts lay a ceremonial wreath at
the memorial dedicated to their service. A wreath is also presented at
the Merchant Marine veterans memorial in remembrance of the merchant mariners who served in WWII. The casualty rate of the Merchant
Marine during WWII was second only to that of the US Marine Corps.
Merchant Marine Vets of WWII are now few in number, and most who
do survive are physically unable to take part. Jim served as a deck officer in the Merchant Marine and was joined by Edward Moe, President
of the Susquehanna Chapter, Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII in
laying the Merchant Marine Ceremonial Wreath. Both Jim and Ed are
alumni of the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. The
program at Indiantown Gap was moving, spectacular, and very well
done; a great tribute to those who lie in peace at the cemetery. There
was a fly-over of WWII and Korean War aircraft in the “Missing Man”
formation. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a rider-less horse entered
the arena, followed by three rifle volleys and taps. Perhaps one of the
most encouraging facts of that day was that over 2100 young people,
Boy Scouts, Naval Sea Cadets and Civil Air Patrol units took part. One
had to see the turnout of all the wreath-laying volunteers to fully appreciate the enormity of this very dignified patriotic salute.
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50 Year Award
Phil Anders, President of the Philadelphia Continental
Chapter, presenting the 50-year Membership Certificate and pin to Judge Richard B. Abell, a Life Member
of the Chapter, on 10 October 2015 at the George
Washington Chapter (of which the Compatriot is also a
Dual member) meeting of the VASSAR, held at Belle
Haven CC, Arlington, VA. PG Tom Lawrence and his
wife, Mickey Jo, were also in attendance and an SAR
wreath-laying by the Lawrences, Chapter President
Dwight Whitney and International District VPG Michael Elston, followed the meeting at the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery
COLOR GUARD REPORT
The Guard again this year participated in the Coatesville
Veterans Parade on November 6th. The weather held
good compared with past years and the parade was a rousing success. We fielded 6 Guardsmen to haul the colors
and the DAR ladies followed us.
November 11th saw the Guard at the Progressive Insurance facility in Willow Grove. This was a new assignment for the Guard and proved to be a most worthwhile
experience. The company picked two veterans from the
area to receive rebuilt autos which the company had acquired. The cars were beautiful and in excellent condition. We understood the company gave 132 cars this year
to deserving veterans nationwide.
PCC Color Guard with the DAR ladies at the Coatesville
parade
The next day, November 12th, saw the installation of officers for 2016 at the Aronimink GC. The Guard is always available at this affair to haul in and retire the colors.
The Guards attire with red bow ties is an elegant touch in
formal wear.
Sunday December 13th was the annual Lucia Celebration at Christ Church (Old Swedes) in Swedesburg, PA,
near Bridgeport. This a simply beautiful service featuring the young children of the parish. The Guard escorts
and protects General Washington during his surprise visit.
The last event of the year is the March In at Valley Forge National Historical Park on the 19 th. What a gorgeous sight to observe the march up Muhlenburg Hill with flags flying in the twilight. This commemorates
the arrival of the Continental Army at the Valley Forge Encampment during the winter of 1777-1778.
The Guard has enjoyed another successful year with 33 engagements. We truly appreciate your support!
Jim Willis, Captain of the Guard
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We all Had a Great Time at the Installation Banquet
George Clarke (left) received a 20 year
pin and certificate from PCC and PASSAR past president Tom Showler
Installation of the new PCC officers
PASSAR President Joe McMullen (left) installed new
PCC President Ellis Adams (center)
President Phil Anders presented awards to Kelsey
Brown, John Briggs, and John Mitchell
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CALIFORNIA
SONS of the AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Our newly installed president, Ellis Adams, has come up with the idea of putting a chapter history page in each
issue of the Newsletter. Early history is sparse but a few compatriots have researched what is available. There
is no original work here, all of the material is taken from the work of these men. We will start with the earliest
history known and develop the work through the formation of the Pennsylvania Society and hence to the Philadelphia Chapter.
So let this project commence.
After the formation of a number of state societies the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
was formed out of a desire for a “more perfect union”. The original state society was founded in San Francisco, California and called “The Sons of Revolutionary Sires”. The preparations for the celebration of the Centennial of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 th, 1776 spread a wave of patriotism
throughout the country and broke with force into California where a number of patriots lived whose ancestors
had fought in the Revolution.
On the evening of October 22, 1875, Dr. James Cogswell, DDS, invited six men to his office in San Francisco
to discuss plans for participating in the celebration on July 4, 1876. They discussed the possibility of forming a
society to perpetuate the memory of their ancestors who fought in the American Revolution. They voted to call
themselves “The National Society of Sons of Revolutionary Sires” and Dr. Cogswell was elected president.
This group met several times during the winter of 1875-1876 to prepare for the great celebration. A meeting
was held June 29, 1876 where General A M Winn was elected president and it was resolved to organize as
“Sons of Revolutionary Sires” for the purpose of participating in the celebration. General Winn and the secretary, Dr. Emory L Willard, were directed to make the necessary arrangements for a parade. 24 original members attended this meeting.
The next meeting was on July 1, 1876 at the Palace Hotel. An invitation to join in the Fourth of July procession was read and accepted. General Winn was directed to procure carriages for the members participating in
the parade and other members were appointed to procure 13 banners representing the original colonies. It
turned out that shields instead of banners were carried. The group again met at the Palace Hotel on July 4 th
where many new men were enrolled. The total membership was now over 80 and among this number were 10
actual sons of Revolutionary sires. The parade attracted a great deal of attention with the line of march starting
from the Palace and passing through the principal streets of San Francisco. After the parade, the men returned
to the Palace and unanimously resolved to continue the association as a “Society of Sons of Revolutionary
Sires”. At a meeting on July 11, the officers were instructed to prepare a constitution and by-laws. On August
2, the assembled members overwhelmingly voted to adopt the new constitution and by-laws.
From its inception, the promoters of the California Society planned that the organization should be national in
scope. Among other items the constitution provided for the organization of “auxiliaries, co-equal branches and
representative bodies”.
Jim Willis, Historian, Philadelphia Continental Chapter
Chapter Activity Schedule
Jan 25
Meet & Greet at Masonic Village
7:30 PM
Feb 1
PCC Monthly Meeting at Charlottes
Restaurant
10:00 AM
Feb 4
Williamson School Annual Program
6:00 PM
Feb 5—6
PASSAR Quarterly Meeting
9:00 AM
Feb 20
G Washington Birthday Celebration
March to Washington Square
10:30 AM
March to Independence Hall
11:15 AM
Return to City Tavern
11:45 AM
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March 7
PCC Monthly Meeting at Charlottes
Restaurant
10:00 AM
April 4
PCC Monthly Meeting at Charlottes
Restaurant
10:00 AM
April 15
Mason’s March to Franklin Grave
10:00 AM
April 22
DAR Installation, Eden Resort, Lancaster
NSSAR Headquarters building has a new look!
The Statue, weighing
900 Lbs., has been
placed on an 18,000
pound slab of Kentucky limestone and
gives a 16 foot high
presence in front of the
National headquarters
of the SAR. The architect, Don Preston
consulted with sculptor, James Muir who
suggested that the
stone be unfinished to
represent our nation as
a “Work in Progress”.
Jim Hall (l) adds a few words during the dedication while President General Tom Lawrence
looks on.
Former Philadelphia Continental President, Jim Hall, was on hand November 20, 2015 for the dedication of
the Sons of Liberty –1775. The Philadelphia Continental chapter with the help of the Late Robert McNeil and
its chapter members raised $50,000 to make this minuteman statue possible. The Statue commissioned by
James Muir (a fellow Compatriot), has found a permanent placement in front of the National Society of Sons
of the American Revolution headquarters, located at 809 West Main Street, Louisville, KY. A 14 minutes
“YouTube Video” of the installation can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gnl9xDT2YY.
After the event a luncheon was held for more
than 120 dignitaries and
guests
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PHILADELPHIA CONTINENTAL CHAPTER 2016
OFFICERS and COMMITTEE CHAIRS
OFFICE
PRESIDENT
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
2NDVICEPRESIDENT
SECRETARY
TREASURER
ASST TREASURER
GENEALOGIST
REGISTRAR
CHANCELLOR
CHAPLAIN
HISTORIAN
SURGEON
CPT of the GUARD
SGT at ARMS
AIDES to PRESIDENT
NAME
Ellis C. L. Adams
George M. Clarke
Robert M. Gosner, Jr.
Jonathan M. Jacobs
John M. Briggs
L. Carl Fletcher
C. Kelsey Brown
John F. Mitchell, III
Michael W. Freeland, Esq.
Kenneth L. Hanson
James H. Willis
John A. Gibson
James H. Willis
Philip M. Anders
Philip M. Anders
James H. Willis
PHONE
484-351-8634
610-687-8111
484-467-1556
215-229-1185
610-649-0866
610-430-0755
215-659-1686
610-630-1575
610-649-0707
610-382-2040
484-266-0026
610-348-5747
484-266-0026
610-918-0213
610-918-0213
484-266-0026
E-Mail
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
AMERICANISM
KNIGHT ESSAY
POSTER CONTEST
STUDENT/TEACHER
AWARDS
BSA EAGLE SCOUT
GREENSPAN
ROTC/JROTC
CAR/DAR
COMP. DATABASE
FINANCE
FLAG CERTIFICATE
GRAVES
LONG RANGE PLAN
MEMBERSHIP
MILITARY AFFAIRS
PROGRAMS
PUBLIC RELATIONS
NEWSLETTER
NOMINATING
Webmaster
Gregory J. Shively
John F. Mitchell
George M. Clarke
Quincy T. Jones
Robert M. Gosner, Jr.
Mark E. Burt
Jay Kolick
COL John A. Gibson (Ret)
Lanny R. Patten
Ned A. Little
George M. Clarke
J. Thomas Showler
Joseph R. Stokes, Jr.
Philip M. Anders
Joseph R. Stokes, Jr.
BG Richard D. Merion
James H. Willis
Jonathan M. Jacobs
L. Carl Fletcher
Philip M. Anders
Bruce S. Edmonds
609-385-7630
610-630-1575
610-687-8111
610-688-5532
484-467-1556
610-467-0925
610-248-7987
610-348-5747
610-520-9577
610-337-8042
610-687-8111
215-632-4229
610-431-4751
610-918-0213
610-431-4751
610-692-1760
484-266-0026
215-229-1185
610-430-0755
610-918-0213
215-881-8514
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
N/A
[email protected]
N/A
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
BOM - Class of 2016
BOM - Class of 2017
BOM - Class of 2018
W. Bruce Hustis
Jonathan M. Jacobs
Lanny R. Patten
James H. Sanborn
John Ace Gibson
James F. Hall
Philip M. Anders
Roger W. Huffman
Frank A. Leone
Frank A. O’Donnell
Kenneth L. Hanson
Ned Allen Little
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Annual George Washington’s Birthday Celebration
February 20th, 2016
Be sure to make reservations early for you and spouse and family for the chapter’s Annual George
Washington Birthday Celebration at 10:00 AM Saturday February 20th, at the City Tavern. This year
as last year, a contingent of hearty souls will be led by
our Color Guard and bagpiper Bill Watson from City
Tavern at 10:30 AM sharp to the Washington Square
Eternal Flame. This is the spot of the Revolutionary
War Unknown Soldier Tomb and during a brief ceremony a wreath will be set in place at the Tomb. The
party will then march off to the Plaza in front of Independence Hall for a second wreath laying at General
Washington’s statue. Those not directly involved in the
ceremony will watch from the north side of Chestnut
Street. Following this ceremony all hands will return to
the City Tavern for a reception upstairs in the Long
Room.
This is a cash bar arrangement and a most anticipated event. After ample time for libation and renewing old friendships luncheon will be served at 12:45. The entree selection is Colonial Turkey Pot Pie
preceded by a Tavern Country Salad and for dessert, Fresh Fruit Cobbler served warm. Cost of luncheon $46.00.
Major General Wesley E. Craig, US Army Retired, former Adjutant General of
Pennsylvania, will be the luncheon speaker.
DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IS 2/16/2016
George Washington’s Birthday Luncheon Reservation
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Pot Pie
Veg.
Name __________________________________________
______
______
Guests__________________________________________
______
______
__________________________________________
______
______
__________________________________________
______
______
Total @ $46 each ___________
Send check payable to PCCSAR to Carl Fletcher, 1441 Quaker Ridge, West Chester, PA 19380-6944
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Philadelphia Continental Chapter – SAR
3346 N SMEDLEY ST
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19140-4901
George Washington’s Birthday Luncheon
Saturday, February 20, 2016
City Tavern
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