SAR conducts Color Guard Muster

On April 15-16, 2023, compatriots from the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in a color guard workshop and Virginia Frontier Region Meeting conducted by the General William Campbell Chapter in Abingdon, Virginia. Over the two days, guardsmen were given presentations on all aspects of the SAR color guard, had presentations on patriots and SAR programs.

The participants from the DAR and SAR.

On day one, Michael Weyler, Virginia Society 2nd Vice President provided information on Colonel William Grayson, namesake of Grayson County and his contributions to the colonial effort during the Revolutionary War and the early years of the newly born United States of America. Rob Richmond, compatriot from Tennessee presented the sermon given by Reverend Samuel Doaks at Sycamore Shoals in September 1780 to rally the mountain men as they prepared for the Battle of Kings Mountain. He then addressed pensions of the Revolutionary War and there historical and genealogical value. Frontier Region Color Guard Commander John Gullion gave a classroom presentation on musketry to include the safety check procedures, proper techniques in handling colonial muskets/rifles and the process of loading and firing the weapon. Virginia State Color Guard Adjutant Dale Corey presented the proper care of bladed weapons. Gullion and Corey then combined to drill the musket men in the firing of muskets during a formal SAR ceremony. Ladies from the Black’s Fort Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter who were attired in colonial dress, participated with demonstrations and presentations.

The musket men firing, from left to right: Mac Johnson, Sean Carrigan, Rob Richmond, Mike Weyler, Kevin Combs and John Gullion. 

On day two, guardsmen were instructed on the proper conduct and commands for flag ceremonies. They were further provided guidance on the appropriate respect given to the U. S. Flag, procedures and techniques for presenting and posting the colors, precedence of flags and the use of escorts in ceremonies. Further instruction was provided on the appropriate behavior at events.

The color guard, from left to right: Sean Carrigan, Kevin Combs, Mike Weyler, John Britton, Mike Shaver, Rob Richmond and Mac Johnson. (Photos courtesy of Dale Corey)

Participating from the SAR were Sean Carrigan and Dale Corey (Col James Wood II Chapter), Michael Weyler (Virginia 2nd VP, Col William Grayson Chapter and dual member of CJWII), John Britton, Kevin Combs, John Gullion, Mac Johnson, Michael Shaver (General William Campbell Chapter), Bruce Meyer (Thomas Nelson, Jr Chapter) and Rob Richmond (Tennessee Society and dual member of Gen Wm Campbell). Attending from Black’s Fort Chapter of the DAR were Joella Barbour, Susah Humphreys and Carole Mask.