General Society of the Sons of the Revolution
Encyclopedia
Sons of the Revolution is a hereditary fraternal organization which was founded in 1876 and educates the public about the American Revolution
. The General Society Sons of the Revolution is the SR's national organization and is a Pennsylvania
non-profit corporation
located at Independence, Mo.
, and is governed by a board of managers, an executive committee, officers, standing committees and their members, and staff. The general society includes 28 state societies and 14 chapters in the United States
, as well as societies in France
and Mexico
, and describes its purpose as:
Sons of the Revolution should not be confused with Sons of the American Revolution
(SAR), a separate organization which was founded on April 30, 1889 at New York
by New Jersey
businessman William Osborn McDowell
. He disagreed with the Sons of the Revolution requirement of the time that other state societies be subordinate to the New York society, and intended to include members by recognizing additional types of public service of a revolutionary ancestor beyond that which contributed directly to the Revolution.
Junior, senior and life memberships are also available. Members receive benefits which include:
primarily by leading members of The Society of the Cincinnati
and businessman John Austin Stevens
who disagreed with society requirement that membership be based on the rules of primogeniture
, and intended to include members by recognizing any descendant of a revolutionary ancestor. Stevens held a preliminary meeting
on December 18, 1875 at the New-York Historical Society
at New York. At a second meeting held in January 1876, the first SR constitution
was adopted and a flier
which invited members was published.
The fledgling group languished for several years until December 4, 1883 when an elaborate "turtle feast" dinner
was held in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern
at lower Manhattan
in New York to commemorate the centennial
of the dinner and speech of U.S. Gen. George Washington where he bade farewell
to his officers
of the Continental Army
in the room by saying "[w]ith a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable." At the end of the 1883 dinner, the SR constitution was signed by more than 40 new members, and the group was reorganized as the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York Inc.
In the early years after the reorganization, Society of the Cincinnati President-General Hamilton Fish
gave much support and encouragement to the New York society. He referred often to its members as the "younger brothers of the Cincinnati."
society was formed in 1889. The General Society constitution was proposed on February 12, 1890 in Philadelphia and adopted on March 8, 1890 in New York. Members of the three state societies held a meeting on April 19, 1890 in Washington to inaugurate the General Society. In the next few years, several more state societies were formed and the General Society developed a more national character.
, by the California
society. The meeting's keynote
speaker was U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher
, R-Calif., an SR member since 1989 by right of descent from Pvt. Moses Tyler, who served in Capt. Peter Harwood's Co. of the Massachusetts Militia
.
Fraunces Tavern is a museum
and restaurant
housed in a restored building that played a prominent role in pre-Revolution and Revolution history. The building that houses the tavern, located at 54 Pearl Street
at the corner of Broad Street
, has been owned by the New York society since 1904, which claims it is Manhattan's oldest surviving building.
The building served also as the offices of the General Society until 2002, when the society headquarters moved to its current location in Independence, Mo. The museum maintains several galleries of art and artifacts about the Revolution including the McEntee "Sons of the Revolution" Gallery that displays much of the SR history.
, "expressed hope that the Sons would 'maintain the Fort as a memorial and eventually acquire the property.'" The fort was built in 1777 by British troops at the Village of Green's End near Middletown, R.I.
as part of the defenses of Newport.
society which placed markers at the graves of Samuel Adams
and James Otis Jr.
that are located in the Granary Burying Ground
at Boston
. The General Society joined the Georgia society in 2005 to place a wreath at the re-interment of U.S. Brig. Gen. Casimir Pulaski in Savannah, Ga.
Concurrent Resolution
25 of 1963, bells across the nation are rung 13 times at exactly 2:00 p.m. EDT
in honor of the 13 original states that were represented by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. At the appointed hour, four young descendants of the signers tap Philadelphia's famous Liberty Bell
, setting off the chimes of freedom from bell towers throughout the nation. There is also a series of related patriotic festivities which take place in the Independence Hall area
, including a colorful parade of Revolutionary War flags, fifes
and drums
, and a wreath
laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War at Washington Square
.
midshipman
, the Knox Trophy (New York) which was created in 1910 and given annually by the New York society to a U.S. Military Academy at West Point
cadet
, the Capt. Gustavus Conyngham
Award which was created in 1999 and given annually by the New York society to a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point
midshipman, the Recognition Award which was created in 2002 and given annually by the Massachusetts society to a U.S. Army ROTC
cadet, and the Knox Trophy (Massachusetts) which was created in 1924 and given annually until 1940 by the Massachusetts society to a U.S. Army
field-artillery battery
and "redleg" artillery operator.
observances of the anniversary of the British departure on November 25, 1783 from New York after the Revolution. After a controversial
New York Police Department
denial on May 21, 2008 of a New York society application for a parade
permit, officials accepted the application on July 30, 2008 for society members to march down Broadway
from New York City Hall
to Battery Park
, "where reenactors
in period costumes will lower a Union Jack
and raise the Stars and Stripes
in a symbolic reprise of what happened in 1783. British and French diplomats, along with others who had roles in the American colonies' struggle for independence" were invited to attend.
Many notable celebrities and public leaders in the United States have served as SR members.
They include the following persons.
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
. The General Society Sons of the Revolution is the SR's national organization and is a Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
non-profit corporation
Corporation
A corporation is created under the laws of a state as a separate legal entity that has privileges and liabilities that are distinct from those of its members. There are many different forms of corporations, most of which are used to conduct business. Early corporations were established by charter...
located at Independence, Mo.
Independence, Missouri
Independence is the fourth largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri, and is contained within the counties of Jackson and Clay. It is part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area...
, and is governed by a board of managers, an executive committee, officers, standing committees and their members, and staff. The general society includes 28 state societies and 14 chapters in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, as well as societies in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, and describes its purpose as:
"[T]o perpetuate the memory of the men, who in the militaryMilitaryA military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
, navalNavyA navy is the branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake- or ocean-borne combat operations and related functions...
and civil serviceCivil serviceThe term civil service has two distinct meanings:* A branch of governmental service in which individuals are employed on the basis of professional merit as proven by competitive examinations....
of the ColoniesThirteen ColoniesThe Thirteen Colonies were English and later British colonies established on the Atlantic coast of North America between 1607 and 1733. They declared their independence in the American Revolution and formed the United States of America...
and of the Continental CongressContinental CongressThe Continental Congress was a convention of delegates called together from the Thirteen Colonies that became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution....
by their acts or counselCounselA counsel or a counselor gives advice, more particularly in legal matters.-U.K. and Ireland:The legal system in England uses the term counsel as an approximate synonym for a barrister-at-law, and may apply it to mean either a single person who pleads a cause, or collectively, the body of barristers...
, achieved the IndependenceIndependenceIndependence is a condition of a nation, country, or state in which its residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory....
of the CountryNationA nation may refer to a community of people who share a common language, culture, ethnicity, descent, and/or history. In this definition, a nation has no physical borders. However, it can also refer to people who share a common territory and government irrespective of their ethnic make-up...
, and to further the proper celebrationIndependence Day (United States)Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain...
of the anniversaries of the birthday of WashingtonGeorge WashingtonGeorge Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
, and of prominent events connected with the War of the Revolution; to collect and secure for preservationPreservation (library and archival science)Preservation is a branch of library and information science concerned with maintaining or restoring access to artifacts, documents and records through the study, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of decay and damage....
the rollsRosterA roster is a list of names of people involved with an organization of some kind.A roster can be a list of people and the times when they are required to work or a list of students in a classroom....
, recordsPublic recordsPublic records are documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential. For example, in California, when a couple fills out a marriage license application, they have the option of checking the box as to whether the marriage is "confidential" or "Public"...
, and other documents relating to that period; to inspire the members of the Society with the patriotic spiritPatriotismPatriotism is a devotion to one's country, excluding differences caused by the dependencies of the term's meaning upon context, geography and philosophy...
of the forefathersAncestorAn ancestor is a parent or the parent of an ancestor ....
; to promote the feeling of friendshipFriendshipFriendship is a form of interpersonal relationship generally considered to be closer than association, although there is a range of degrees of intimacy in both friendships and associations. Friendship and association are often thought of as spanning across the same continuum...
among them."
Sons of the Revolution should not be confused with Sons of the American Revolution
Sons of the American Revolution
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is a Louisville, Kentucky-based fraternal organization in the United States...
(SAR), a separate organization which was founded on April 30, 1889 at New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
by New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
businessman William Osborn McDowell
William Osborn McDowell
William Osborn McDowell was a financier and businessman, and a founder and member of numerous patriotic and international organizations, and a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1913. His business ventures included railroads, mining, and land speculation...
. He disagreed with the Sons of the Revolution requirement of the time that other state societies be subordinate to the New York society, and intended to include members by recognizing additional types of public service of a revolutionary ancestor beyond that which contributed directly to the Revolution.
Membership
SR membership is open to:"Any male person above the age of eighteen years, of good characterMoral characterMoral character or character is an evaluation of a particular individual's durable moral qualities. The concept of character can imply a variety of attributes including the existence or lack of virtues such as integrity, courage, fortitude, honesty, and loyalty, or of good behaviors or habits...
, and a descendantKinshipKinship is a relationship between any entities that share a genealogical origin, through either biological, cultural, or historical descent. And descent groups, lineages, etc. are treated in their own subsections....
of one who, as a military, naval, or marine officer, soldier, sailor or marine, in actual service, under the authority of the original thirteen Colonies or States or of the Continental Congress, and remaining always loyal to such authority, or a descendant of one who signed the Declaration of IndependenceUnited States Declaration of IndependenceThe Declaration of Independence was a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies then at war with Great Britain regarded themselves as independent states, and no longer a part of the British Empire. John Adams put forth a...
, or of one who, as a member of the Continental Congress or of the CongressLegislatureA legislature is a kind of deliberative assembly with the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws. The law created by a legislature is called legislation or statutory law. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures usually have exclusive authority to raise or lower taxes and adopt the budget and...
of any of the Colonies or States, or as an official appointed by or under the authority of any such legislative bodies, actually assisted in the establishment of American Independence by services rendered during the War of Revolution, becoming thereby liable to conviction of treasonTreasonIn law, treason is the crime that covers some of the more extreme acts against one's sovereign or nation. Historically, treason also covered the murder of specific social superiors, such as the murder of a husband by his wife. Treason against the king was known as high treason and treason against a...
, against the government of Great BritainGreat BritainGreat Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
, but remaining always loyal to the authority of the Colonies or States, or who served honorably in a military or naval expedition against the British during the War of the Revolution under the authority of the FrenchFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
or SpanishSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
governments...."
Junior, senior and life memberships are also available. Members receive benefits which include:
- Invitation to general-society, state-society and chapter events, including the triennial meetings and the annual Let Freedom Ring celebrations
- Issues of the general-society quarterly Drumbeat newsletter and the semiannual Flintlock & Powderhorn magazine
- Availability of accoutrements including membership certificate, rosette, formal and informal insignia, and other regalia
Founding
Sons of the Revolution was founded on February 22, 1876 at New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
primarily by leading members of The Society of the Cincinnati
Society of the Cincinnati
The Society of the Cincinnati is a historical organization with branches in the United States and France founded in 1783 to preserve the ideals and fellowship of the American Revolutionary War officers and to pressure the government to honor pledges it had made to officers who fought for American...
and businessman John Austin Stevens
John Austin Stevens
John Austin Stevens Jr. was a leader of business, an adviser of government and a student of the American Revolution. While he was born to a prominent banking family with political connections, it was his interest of U.S...
who disagreed with society requirement that membership be based on the rules of primogeniture
Primogeniture
Primogeniture is the right, by law or custom, of the firstborn to inherit the entire estate, to the exclusion of younger siblings . Historically, the term implied male primogeniture, to the exclusion of females...
, and intended to include members by recognizing any descendant of a revolutionary ancestor. Stevens held a preliminary meeting
Meeting
In a meeting, two or more people come together to discuss one or more topics, often in a formal setting.- Definitions :An act or process of coming together as an assembly for a common purpose....
on December 18, 1875 at the New-York Historical Society
New-York Historical Society
The New-York Historical Society is an American history museum and library located in New York City at the corner of 77th Street and Central Park West in Manhattan. Founded in 1804 as New York's first museum, the New-York Historical Society presents exhibitions, public programs and research that...
at New York. At a second meeting held in January 1876, the first SR constitution
Constitution (corporate)
A constitution is the set of regulations which govern the conduct of non-political entities, whether incorporated or not. Such entities include corporations and voluntary associations....
was adopted and a flier
Flyer (pamphlet)
__notoc__A flyer or flier, also called a circular, handbill or leaflet, is a form of paper advertisement intended for wide distribution and typically posted or distributed in public place....
which invited members was published.
The fledgling group languished for several years until December 4, 1883 when an elaborate "turtle feast" dinner
Banquet
A banquet is a large meal or feast, complete with main courses and desserts. It usually serves a purpose such as a charitable gathering, a ceremony, or a celebration, and is often preceded or followed by speeches in honour of someone....
was held in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern
Fraunces Tavern
Fraunces Tavern is a tavern, restaurant and museum housed in a conjectural reconstruction of a building that played a prominent role in pre-Revolution and American Revolution history. The building, located at 54 Pearl Street at the corner of Broad Street, has been owned by Sons of the Revolution in...
at lower Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
in New York to commemorate the centennial
Century
A century is one hundred consecutive years. Centuries are numbered ordinally in English and many other languages .-Start and end in the Gregorian Calendar:...
of the dinner and speech of U.S. Gen. George Washington where he bade farewell
Farewell speech
A Farewell speech or farewell address is a speech given by an individual leaving a position or place. They are often used by public figures such as politicians as a to the preceding career, or as statements delivered by persons relating to reasons for their leaving...
to his officers
Officer (armed forces)
An officer is a member of an armed force or uniformed service who holds a position of authority. Commissioned officers derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position...
of the Continental Army
Continental Army
The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
in the room by saying "[w]ith a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable." At the end of the 1883 dinner, the SR constitution was signed by more than 40 new members, and the group was reorganized as the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York Inc.
In the early years after the reorganization, Society of the Cincinnati President-General Hamilton Fish
Hamilton Fish
Hamilton Fish was an American statesman and politician who served as the 16th Governor of New York, United States Senator and United States Secretary of State. Fish has been considered one of the best Secretary of States in the United States history; known for his judiciousness and reform efforts...
gave much support and encouragement to the New York society. He referred often to its members as the "younger brothers of the Cincinnati."
General Society formation
Recognizing that SR members from states other than New York might form state societies in their states, the group's officers amended its constitution in 1884 to provide that state societies may organize as "auxiliary branches." Consequently, the Pennsylvania society was formed in 1888, and the District of ColumbiaWashington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
society was formed in 1889. The General Society constitution was proposed on February 12, 1890 in Philadelphia and adopted on March 8, 1890 in New York. Members of the three state societies held a meeting on April 19, 1890 in Washington to inaugurate the General Society. In the next few years, several more state societies were formed and the General Society developed a more national character.
Activities
The General Society and state societies offer patriotic, historical and educational activities for its members and the public. In addition to various dinners, exhibits and holiday events, the societies produce the following specific activities.Triennial general meetings
Since its founding, the General Society has held triennial meetings of the membership. The 40th meeting was held on September 24 through 27, 2009 in Glendale, Calif.Glendale, California
Glendale is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 Census, the city population is 191,719, down from 194,973 at the 2000 census. making it the third largest city in Los Angeles County and the 22nd largest city in the state of California...
, by the California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
society. The meeting's keynote
Keynote
A keynote in literature, music, or public speaking establishes the principal underlying theme. In corporate or commercial settings, greater importance is attached to the delivery of a keynote speech or keynote address...
speaker was U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher
Dana Rohrabacher
Dana Tyron Rohrabacher is the U.S. Representative for , and previously the 45th and 42nd, serving since 1989. He is a member of the Republican Party...
, R-Calif., an SR member since 1989 by right of descent from Pvt. Moses Tyler, who served in Capt. Peter Harwood's Co. of the Massachusetts Militia
Militia (United States)
The role of militia, also known as military service and duty, in the United States is complex and has transformed over time.Spitzer, Robert J.: The Politics of Gun Control, Page 36. Chatham House Publishers, Inc., 1995. " The term militia can be used to describe any number of groups within the...
.
Citizen awards
The General Society has established various citizen awards which are given to individuals and state societies for their work to continue the SR mission and honor the memory of the participants of the Revolution. The awards include the Modern Patriot Award, the Patrick Henry Award, the Jay Harris Award, the Richard Farmer Hess Leadership Award, the Trent Trophy, the Membership Achievement Award and the Presidential Commendation of Merit. The 2009 Modern Patriot Award, symbolized by a Paul Revere Bowl, was presented to U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of California.Fraunces Tavern
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
and restaurant
Restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment which prepares and serves food and drink to customers in return for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services...
housed in a restored building that played a prominent role in pre-Revolution and Revolution history. The building that houses the tavern, located at 54 Pearl Street
Pearl Street (Manhattan)
Pearl Street is a street in the Lower section of the New York City borough of Manhattan, running northeast from Battery Park to the Brooklyn Bridge, then turning west and terminating at Centre Street...
at the corner of Broad Street
Broad Street (Manhattan)
Broad Street is located in the Financial District in the New York City borough of Manhattan, stretching from South Street to Wall Street.- History :...
, has been owned by the New York society since 1904, which claims it is Manhattan's oldest surviving building.
The building served also as the offices of the General Society until 2002, when the society headquarters moved to its current location in Independence, Mo. The museum maintains several galleries of art and artifacts about the Revolution including the McEntee "Sons of the Revolution" Gallery that displays much of the SR history.
Green End Fort
The Rhode Island society has maintained Green End Fort since 1969 when its owner, Newport Historical SocietyNewport Historical Society
The Newport Historical Society is a historical society in Newport, Rhode Island that was chartered in 1854 to collect and preserve books, manuscripts, and objects pertaining to Newport's history.-History of the Society:...
, "expressed hope that the Sons would 'maintain the Fort as a memorial and eventually acquire the property.'" The fort was built in 1777 by British troops at the Village of Green's End near Middletown, R.I.
Middletown, Rhode Island
Middletown is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 16,150 at the 2010 census. It lies to the south of Portsmouth and to the north of Newport on Aquidneck Island, hence the name "Middletown."-Geography:...
as part of the defenses of Newport.
Grave-marker and wreath placements
Several state societies have placed SR markers and wreaths at the graves of identified revolutionary patriots including that of the MassachusettsMassachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
society which placed markers at the graves of Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams was an American statesman, political philosopher, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. As a politician in colonial Massachusetts, Adams was a leader of the movement that became the American Revolution, and was one of the architects of the principles of American...
and James Otis Jr.
James Otis, Jr.
James Otis, Jr. was a lawyer in colonial Massachusetts, a member of the Massachusetts provincial assembly, and an early advocate of the political views that led to the American Revolution. The phrase "Taxation without Representation is Tyranny" is usually attributed to him...
that are located in the Granary Burying Ground
Granary Burying Ground
Founded in 1660, the Granary Burying Ground in Massachusetts is the city of Boston's third-oldest cemetery. Located on Tremont Street, it is the final resting place for many notable Revolutionary War-era patriots, including three signers of the Declaration of Independence, Paul Revere and the five...
at Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
. The General Society joined the Georgia society in 2005 to place a wreath at the re-interment of U.S. Brig. Gen. Casimir Pulaski in Savannah, Ga.
Let Freedom Ring celebrations
The Pennsylvania society has sponsored since July 4, 1969 "Let Freedom Ring," the nationwide celebration of those who helped achieve our nation's independence during the Revolution. According to U.S. SenateUnited States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
Concurrent Resolution
Concurrent resolution
A concurrent resolution is a resolution adopted by both houses of a bicameral legislature that lacks the force of law and does not require the approval of the chief executive.-United States Congress:...
25 of 1963, bells across the nation are rung 13 times at exactly 2:00 p.m. EDT
Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
in honor of the 13 original states that were represented by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. At the appointed hour, four young descendants of the signers tap Philadelphia's famous Liberty Bell
Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American Independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Formerly placed in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House , the bell was commissioned from the London firm of Lester and Pack in 1752, and was cast with the lettering "Proclaim LIBERTY...
, setting off the chimes of freedom from bell towers throughout the nation. There is also a series of related patriotic festivities which take place in the Independence Hall area
Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park in Philadelphia that preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution and the nation's founding history. Administered by the National Park Service, the park comprises much of the downtown historic...
, including a colorful parade of Revolutionary War flags, fifes
Fife (musical instrument)
A fife is a small, high-pitched, transverse flute that is similar to the piccolo, but louder and shriller due to its narrower bore. The fife originated in medieval Europe and is often used in military and marching bands. Someone who plays the fife is called a fifer...
and drums
Drum
The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments, which is technically classified as the membranophones. Drums consist of at least one membrane, called a drumhead or drum skin, that is stretched over a shell and struck, either directly with the player's hands, or with a...
, and a wreath
Wreath
A wreath is an assortment of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs and/or various materials that is constructed to resemble a ring. They are used typically as Christmas decorations to symbolize the coming of Christ, also known as the Advent season in Christianity. They are also used as festive headdresses...
laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War at Washington Square
Washington Square (Philadelphia)
Washington Square, originally designated in 1682 as Southeast Square, is an open-space park in Center City Philadelphia's Southeast quadrant and one of the five original planned squares laid out on the city grid by William Penn's surveyor, Thomas Holme. It is part of both the Washington Square West...
.
Military awards
The General Society and several state societies have established various educational and military awards which are given to individuals and groups for their academic or service performance. The awards include the Annapolis Cup which was created in 1905 and given annually by the general society and the Maryland society to a U.S. Naval AcademyUnited States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
midshipman
Midshipman
A midshipman is an officer cadet, or a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Kenya...
, the Knox Trophy (New York) which was created in 1910 and given annually by the New York society to a U.S. Military Academy at West Point
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
cadet
Cadet
A cadet is a trainee to become an officer in the military, often a person who is a junior trainee. The term comes from the term "cadet" for younger sons of a noble family.- Military context :...
, the Capt. Gustavus Conyngham
Gustavus Conyngham
Gustavus Conyngham was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and was a merchant sea captain, officer in the Continental Navy and a privateer....
Award which was created in 1999 and given annually by the New York society to a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point
United States Merchant Marine Academy
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of the five United States Service academies...
midshipman, the Recognition Award which was created in 2002 and given annually by the Massachusetts society to a U.S. Army ROTC
Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps
The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps is the United States Army component of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. It is the largest ROTC program, with 20,000 ROTC cadets in 272 ROTC programs at major universities throughout the United States.The modern Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps...
cadet, and the Knox Trophy (Massachusetts) which was created in 1924 and given annually until 1940 by the Massachusetts society to a U.S. Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
field-artillery battery
Artillery battery
In military organizations, an artillery battery is a unit of guns, mortars, rockets or missiles so grouped in order to facilitate better battlefield communication and command and control, as well as to provide dispersion for its constituent gunnery crews and their systems...
and "redleg" artillery operator.
Evacuation Day observances
The New York society has organized infrequent Evacuation DayEvacuation Day (New York)
Following the American Revolution, Evacuation Day on November 25 marks the day in 1783 when the last vestige of British authority in the United States — its troops in New York — departed from Manhattan...
observances of the anniversary of the British departure on November 25, 1783 from New York after the Revolution. After a controversial
Controversy
Controversy is a state of prolonged public dispute or debate, usually concerning a matter of opinion. The word was coined from the Latin controversia, as a composite of controversus – "turned in an opposite direction," from contra – "against" – and vertere – to turn, or versus , hence, "to turn...
New York Police Department
New York City Police Department
The New York City Police Department , established in 1845, is currently the largest municipal police force in the United States, with primary responsibilities in law enforcement and investigation within the five boroughs of New York City...
denial on May 21, 2008 of a New York society application for a parade
Parade
A parade is a procession of people, usually organized along a street, often in costume, and often accompanied by marching bands, floats or sometimes large balloons. Parades are held for a wide range of reasons, but are usually celebrations of some kind...
permit, officials accepted the application on July 30, 2008 for society members to march down Broadway
Broadway (New York City)
Broadway is a prominent avenue in New York City, United States, which runs through the full length of the borough of Manhattan and continues northward through the Bronx borough before terminating in Westchester County, New York. It is the oldest north–south main thoroughfare in the city, dating to...
from New York City Hall
New York City Hall
New York City Hall is located at the center of City Hall Park in the Civic Center area of Lower Manhattan, New York City, USA, between Broadway, Park Row, and Chambers Street. The building is the oldest City Hall in the United States that still houses its original governmental functions, such as...
to Battery Park
Battery Park
Battery Park is a 25-acre public park located at the Battery, the southern tip of Manhattan Island in New York City, facing New York Harbor. The Battery is named for artillery batteries that were positioned there in the city's early years in order to protect the settlement behind them...
, "where reenactors
Historical reenactment
Historical reenactment is an educational activity in which participants attempt torecreate some aspects of a historical event or period. This may be as narrow as a specific moment from a battle, such as the reenactment of Pickett's Charge at the Great Reunion of 1913, or as broad as an entire...
in period costumes will lower a Union Jack
Union Flag
The Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack, is the flag of the United Kingdom. It retains an official or semi-official status in some Commonwealth Realms; for example, it is known as the Royal Union Flag in Canada. It is also used as an official flag in some of the smaller British overseas...
and raise the Stars and Stripes
Flag of the United States
The national flag of the United States of America consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars alternating with rows...
in a symbolic reprise of what happened in 1783. British and French diplomats, along with others who had roles in the American colonies' struggle for independence" were invited to attend.
Partial list of notable members
They include the following persons.
- U.S. President HarrisonBenjamin HarrisonBenjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States . Harrison, a grandson of President William Henry Harrison, was born in North Bend, Ohio, and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana at age 21, eventually becoming a prominent politician there...
of Ohio - U.S. President Theodore RooseveltTheodore RooseveltTheodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States . He is noted for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, and his leadership of the Progressive Movement, as well as his "cowboy" persona and robust masculinity...
of New York - U.S. President HooverHerbert HooverHerbert Clark Hoover was the 31st President of the United States . Hoover was originally a professional mining engineer and author. As the United States Secretary of Commerce in the 1920s under Presidents Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge, he promoted partnerships between government and business...
of California - U.S. President Truman of Missouri
- U.S. President EisenhowerDwight D. EisenhowerDwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army...
of Kansas - U.S. President FordGerald FordGerald Rudolph "Jerry" Ford, Jr. was the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977, and the 40th Vice President of the United States serving from 1973 to 1974...
of Michigan - U.S. President George H.W. Bush of Texas
- U.S. President George W. BushGeorge W. BushGeorge Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
of Texas - U.S. Secretary of War John W. WeeksJohn W. WeeksJohn Wingate Weeks was an American politician in the Republican Party. He served as a United States Representative for Massachusetts from 1905 to 1913, as a United States Senator from 1913 to 1919, and as Secretary of War from 1921 to 1925.-Life and career:Weeks was born and raised in Lancaster,...
of Massachusetts - U.S. Treasurer Daniel Nash Morgan of Connecticut
- U.S. Ambassador Larz AndersonLarz AndersonLarz Anderson III was a wealthy American businessman and diplomat who briefly served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan ....
of Massachusetts - U.S. Ambassador John Langeloth Loeb Jr.John Langeloth Loeb, Jr.John L. Loeb Jr. is a businessman, philanthropist, art collector, and former United States Ambassador to Denmark and Delegate to the United Nations ....
of New York - U.S. Sen. Lamar AlexanderLamar AlexanderAndrew Lamar Alexander is the senior United States Senator from Tennessee and Conference Chair of the Republican Party. He was previously the 45th Governor of Tennessee from 1979 to 1987, United States Secretary of Education from 1991 to 1993 under President George H. W...
of Tennessee - U.S. Sen. John McCainJohn McCainJohn Sidney McCain III is the senior United States Senator from Arizona. He was the Republican nominee for president in the 2008 United States election....
of Arizona - U.S. Sen. Hugh ScottHugh ScottHugh Doggett Scott, Jr. was a politician from Pennsylvania who served in both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and who also served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee.- Early life :He was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on November 11, 1900...
of Pennsylvania - U.S. Sen. Lawrence TysonLawrence TysonLawrence Davis Tyson was an American general, politician and textile manufacturer, operating primarily out of Knoxville, Tennessee, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He commanded the 59th Brigade of the 30th Infantry during World War I, and served as a Democratic United States...
of Tennessee - U.S. Rep. Franklin BartlettFranklin BartlettFranklin Bartlett was a U.S. Representative from New York.-Biography:Bartlett was born in Worcester County, Massachusetts, and graduated from the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute in 1865 and from Harvard University in 1869. He attended Columbia College Law School in 1869. He was admitted to the bar...
of New York - U.S. Rep. Perry BelmontPerry BelmontPerry Belmont was an American politician and diplomat.-Biography:He was born on December 28, 1851 in New York City to August Belmont. His brothers were Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont and August Belmont, Jr....
of New York - U.S. Rep. Chester C. BoltonChester C. BoltonChester Castle Bolton was a U.S. Representative from Ohio, husband of Frances P. Bolton and father of Oliver P...
of Ohio - U.S. Rep. Edmund Nelson CarpenterEdmund Nelson CarpenterEdmund Nelson Carpenter was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.Edmund N. Carpenter was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His parents were Benjamin Gardner Carpenter and Sarah Ann Feld and he was one of five children...
of Pennsylvania - U.S. Rep. Howard CobleHoward CobleJohn Howard Coble is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1985. He is a member of the Republican Party.-Early life, education, and pre-political career:Coble was born in Greensboro, North Carolina...
of North Carolina - U.S. Rep. E. Hart FennE. Hart FennEdward Hart Fenn was a U.S. Representative from Connecticut.Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Fenn attended private schools, Hartford High School, and Yale University....
of Connecticut - U.S. Rep. Benjamin Franklin James of Pennsylvania
- U.S. Rep. Jefferson Monroe LevyJefferson Monroe LevyJefferson Monroe Levy was a three-term U.S. Congressman from New York, a leader of the New York Democratic Party, and a renowned real estate and stock speculator....
of New York - U.S. Rep. George Brinton McClellan Jr. of New York
- U.S. Rep. Jacob van Vechten OlcottJ. Van Vechten OlcottJacob Van Vechten Olcott was a U.S. Representative from New York.Born in New York City, Olcott attended the public schools and the College of the City of New York....
of New York - U.S. Rep. Dana RohrabacherDana RohrabacherDana Tyron Rohrabacher is the U.S. Representative for , and previously the 45th and 42nd, serving since 1989. He is a member of the Republican Party...
of California - Admiral of the Navy George DeweyGeorge DeweyGeorge Dewey was an admiral of the United States Navy. He is best known for his victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War...
of Vermont - Quartermaster General of the Army Charles Greene Sawtelle of the District of Columbia
- Maj. Gen. Franklin Wilmer Ward of New York
- Maj. Gen. William Denison Whipple of New York
- Brig. Gen. Morris Cooper Foote of New York
- Brig. Gen. Green Clay Goodloe of the District of Columbia
- Brig. Gen. Lyman W.V. KennonLyman W.V. KennonLyman Walter Vere Kennon was a career United States military officer in active service from 1881 to 1918, attaining the rank of brigadier general. During the Spanish-American War Kennon was in command of Company "E" 6th Infantry Regiment and was cited for bravery at San Juan Hill...
of Rhode Island - Brig. Gen. Edmund RiceEdmund Rice (general)Edmund Rice was a soldier in the United States Army and a Medal of Honor recipient who achieved the rank of Brigadier General.-Early life:...
of Massachusetts - Brig. Gen. Robert Mack Tarbox of New York
- Bevet Brig. Gen. DeLancey Floyd-JonesDeLancey Floyd-JonesDeLancey Floyd-Jones was a career officer in the United States Army, serving in the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War, as well as on frontier duty in the Old West.-Early career:...
of New York - Col. Charles Greenlief Ayers of New York
- Brevet Lt. Col. Asa Bird GardinerAsa Bird GardinerAsa Bird Gardiner was a controversial American soldier, attorney, and prosecutor. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the American Civil War in 1872, it was rescinded when the supporting documentation was not found...
of New York - Maj. Pierre Christie Stevens of the District of Columbia
- Brevet Major James Edward CarpenterJames Edward CarpenterJames Edward Carpenter served in the Union Army in 1861 as a private in the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry. In 1862 he became a second lieutenant and progressed in rank to first lieutenant, captain, then a brevet major of volunteers due to gallantry...
of Pennsylvania
See also
- The Society of the CincinnatiSociety of the CincinnatiThe Society of the Cincinnati is a historical organization with branches in the United States and France founded in 1783 to preserve the ideals and fellowship of the American Revolutionary War officers and to pressure the government to honor pledges it had made to officers who fought for American...
(1783) - Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York (1790)
- National Society Sons of the American RevolutionSons of the American RevolutionThe National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is a Louisville, Kentucky-based fraternal organization in the United States...
(1889) - National Society Daughters of the American RevolutionDaughters of the American RevolutionThe Daughters of the American Revolution is a lineage-based membership organization for women who are descended from a person involved in United States' independence....
(1890) - The Daughters of the Cincinnati (1894)
- National Society Children of the American RevolutionChildren of the American RevolutionThe Children of the American Revolution was founded in 1895 by Harriett Lothrop. After proposing the idea for a children’s branch at the Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress, it was promptly chartered by the United States Congress...
(1895) - Order of Washington (1895)
- The Order of the Founders and Patriots of America (1896)
- National Society Daughters of the Founders and Patriots of America (1898)
- Descendents of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence (1907)
- Hereditary Order of the Descendants of the Loyalists & Patriots of the American Revolution (1973)
- Society of the Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge (1976)
- Presidential Families of America (1995)
- Hereditary Order of the Families of the Presidents and First Ladies of America (2003)
- Hereditary Order of the Signers of the Bush Declaration (2004)
External links
- General Society Sons of the Revolution
- Fraunces Tavern
- Fraunces Tavern Museum
- Let Freedom Ring
- Alabama Society
- Arizona Society
- California Society
- Connecticut Society
- Delaware Society
- District of Columbia Society
- Florida Society
- Georgia Society
- Gen. Nathanael Greene Chapter (Atlanta)
- John DeVane Chapter (Athens, Ga.)
- Illinois Society
- Indiana Society
- Kentucky Society
- Louisiana Society
- Maryland Society
- Massachusetts Society
- Michigan Society
- Minnesota Society
- Missouri Society
- Kansas City Chapter (Kansas City, Mo.)
- New Jersey Society
- New York Society
- North Carolina Society
- Pennsylvania Society
- Lancaster Chapter (Lancaster, Pa.)
- Rhode Island Society
- South Carolina Society
- Tennessee Society
- Chattanooga Chapter (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
- Capt. Robert McFarland Chapter (Morristown, Tenn.)
- John Rice Irwin-Anderson County Chapter (Norris, Tenn.)
- Gen. John Sevier Chapter (Sevierville, Tenn.)
- Evan Shelby Chapter (Bradley County, Tenn.)
- Gen. Nathanael Greene Chapter (Greeneville, Tenn.)
- Gideon Morgan Chapter (Kingston, Tenn.)
- Gen. Henry Knox Chapter (Knoxville, Tenn.)
- Gov. William Blount Chapter (Maryville, Tenn.)
- Robert Donelson Chapter (Nashville, Tenn.)
- Texas Society
- Virginia Society
- Washington Society
- West Virginia Society
- Wisconsin Society
- Europe Society (France)
- Mexico Society