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What Is The Sons of the American Revolution?

The SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was incorporated on January 17, 1890 in Connecticut and later chartered by the United States Congress on June 9, 1906. Prior to this date a number of state societies were formed in the 1890's. The Sons of Revolutionary Sires, organized July 4, 1876 in San Francisco led these. The first Congress of the National Society was held in Louisville, Kentucky on April 30, 1890 which was the 100th anniversary of George Washington's taking of the oath of office of President of the United States.

  • The purposes of the Sons of the American Revolution are patriotic, historical and educational. This includes:
  • Perpetuating the memory of Revolutionary War Patriots
  • Promoting fellowship among their descendants
  • Inspiring the community with a reverence for the principles of government founded by our forefathers
  • Encouraging historical research of the American Revolution
  • Preserving the records of Revolutionary War patriots
  • Marking the locations of the Revolution events and its soldiers
  • Celebrating anniversaries of the Revolution
  • Fostering true patriotism
  • Maintaining and extending institutions of American freedom
  • Carrying out the purpose of the Preamble of the Constitution
  • Following the injunctions of Washington's farewell address to the American people

The National Headquarters is located in Louisville, Kentucky. There are 50 state societies including the District of Columbia. There are also societies in France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Switzerland. The current membership is approximately 25,000 active members.

What Does The Organization Do?

  • Honors individuals for outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement on a national, regional and local level
  • Honors persons for outstanding bravery and self sacrifice in the face of imminent danger
  • Honors members of the United States Congress for outstanding service to the nation
  • Honors outstanding high school students annually with the presentation of a Good Citizenship Award
  • Honors outstanding Junior and Senior ROTC cadets annually with the presentation of the ROTC Award
  • Honors Law Enforcement officials for outstanding service with the Law Enforcement Award
  • Selects an outstanding Eagle Scout annually at the chapter, state and national level. The national winner receives a college scholarship
  • Assists veterans in Veterans Hospitals
  • Conducts a national historical orations contest annually
  • Sponsors Boy Scout troops and societies of the Children of the American Revolution
  • Places SAR Markers at the grave sites of Revolutionary War Patriots and SAR Members
  • Commemorates Revolutionary War Patriots with appropriate ceremonies
  • Participates in new citizenship swearing-in ceremonies
  • Observes patriotic anniversaries
  • Cooperates with the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Children of the American Revolution and other hereditary organizations in the  promoting of patriotism

 

What Are The Requirements For Membership?

Any man of age eighteen (18) years or over, who is a lineal descendant of an ancestor who supported the war for American Independence, is eligible for membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. These ancestors are referred to as Revolutionary War Patriots and include those persons who fought in the military and/or the militia, who provided supplies to the American cause, who served on political bodies supporting the Revolution, who signed oaths of support and similar acts.

 

Acceptable Service

  • Signer of the Declaration of Independence
  • Military or naval service at the Battle of Point Pleasant,
  • October 10, 1774 or in service from April 19, 1775 to November 26, 1783
  • Civil service under the Colonies from April 19, 1775 to November 26, 1783
  • Patriotic service by men or women during the Revolutionary period, including members of committees made necessary by the war, such as Committee of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety, committee to care for soldiers' families including Committees from six months before the Battle of Point Pleasant which furthered the cause of the Colonies
  • Any pledge to support the cause of the colonies, such as signing the Oath of Fidelity and Support, the Oath of Allegiance, Articles of Association or the Association Test Members of Continental Congresses
  • Furnishing a substitute for military service
  • Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration, 1775, the Albermarle,
  • Virginia Declaration and similar declarations. Signers of petitions addressed to and recognizing the authority of the provisional and new state governments. Persons accepting obligations or acting under direction of the new provisional and new state governments, such as persons directed to hold elections, to oversee road construction, to collect provisions, etc
  • Members of the Boston Tea Party; Kaskasia Campaign; Galvez Expedition; Cherokee Expedition; Edenton Tea Party
  • Physician, surgeon, nurse or others rendering aid to the wounded, and ministers known to be in sympathy with the Colonies, either by sermon, speech or action
  • Defenders of forts and frontiers; rangers
  • Prisoners of war, including those on the British ship "Old Jersey" and other prison ships
  • Rendering material aid, such as furnishing supplies with or without remuneration; lending money to the Colonies; munitions makers and gunsmiths; or anything which furthered the Cause

 

To Obtain Sponsorship for Membership

Contact one of the following AZSSAR members:

 

National SAR Society Online

 The National Society of The Sons of the American Revolution