Virginia Sons of the American Revolution commemorated veterans in multiple Veterans Day ceremonies

During the week of Veterans Day, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Color Guard participated in three Veterans Day ceremonies.

Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day. It commemorated the veterans of World War I, for which an armistice ended the fighting at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918. In June of 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed to officially end the War to end all Wars. In 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th to be the first commemoration of the victory. It was June 4, 1926, that Congress passed a concurrent resolution to officially recognize the end of the Great War. On May 13, 1936, an act was passed to officially recognize November 11th as a national holiday known as Armistice Day. In 1954, because of World War II and the Korean War, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars.

On November 10, 2020, in coordination with the American Red Cross, VFW and AMVets, a private ceremony to honor veterans was held at National Cemetery, Winchester. The SAR color bearers Marc Robinson, Allan Phillips and Sean Carrigan led veterans Ralph Hensley and Anthony Barns as they presented a wreath. Charles Hunter played Taps to honor veterans of all wars.

CJWII Color Guard at National Cemetery. From left to right: Sean Carrigan, Allen Phillips, Kelly Ford, Dale Corey, Marc Robinson and Dennis Parmerter. Photos courtesy of Allan Phillips.

On November 11, 2020, the SAR Color Guard presented colors for Middletown during their 5th annual ceremony to honor veterans. Due to inclement weather, it was conducted indoors at the Middletown Fire Station. Ray Steele emcee’d with Rev. Clay Knick providing chaplain services. SgtMaj Richard Van Norton, Jr. USMC (Ret.) was the guest speaker. The Color Guard consisted of musket men Brett Osborn and Allan Phillips, flag bearers Marc Robinson, Erick Moore, Dennis Parmerter and Dale Corey with sentinels Paul Christensen, Eric Robinson and Sean Carrigan. A wreath was presented by Mayor Charles Harbaugh, IV and SgtMaj Van Norton, followed by a three volley rifle salute by VFW Post 2123. This was followed by Taps played by Andrew Paul.

CJWII Color Guard at Middletown Fire Station. From left to right: Brett Osborn, Marc Robinson, Erick Moore, Dennis Parmerter, Dale Corey and Allan Phillips.

On November 12, 2020, the Color Guard presented a ceremony to the Commonwealth Senior Living Facility in Front Royal. Participating for the SAR were Dale Corey, Virginia SAR President Bill Schwetke, Marc Robinson, Dennis Parmerter, Doug Hall, Allan Phillips and Sean Carrigan.

CJWII Color Guard at Commonwealth Senior Living Facility. From left to right: Bill Schwetke, Marc Robinson, Dennis Parmerter, Doug Hall, Allan Phillips and Sean Carrigan.