Successful 4th of July celebrations with the Sons of the American Revolution

On July 4, 2020, members of the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (VASSAR) joined the Culpeper Minute Men Chapter in commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The ceremony was held on the courthouse lawn in Culpeper, Virginia and involved compatriots from the Colonel James Wood II (CJWII), Colonel William Grayson (CWG), Culpeper Minute Men (CMM) and Fairfax Resolves (FR) Chapters. It was emcee’d by Charles Jameson, President of the CMM and dual member with the CJWII chapter.

Compatriots Eric Robinson, Dale Corey, Marc Robinson, Mike Dennis, Sean Carrigan and Mike Weyler.

VASSAR President Bill Schwetke provided a welcome from the State Society. Ken Bonner, VASSAR Color Guard Commander led the multichapter color guard in presenting the colors. A presentation on the creation of the Declaration of Independence was made by Benjamin Franklin reenactor Barry Stevens. Tom Hamill of CMM read the Declaration. Ken Bonner led a musket salute fired by compatriots Sean Carrigan, Mike Dennis and Eric Robinson. Also participating from the CJWII chapter were Marc Robinson and Dale Corey.

The musket squad preparing to fire: Sean Carrigan, Mike Dennis, Eric Robinson and Ken Bonner.

Later that day, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in a the Middletown Independence Day Parade, marching with several organizations. The Chapters part in the parade was led by Chapter President Marc Robinson and Chapter Vice President Thomas “Chip” Daniel. They were followed by a tractor driven by compatriot Wayne Barringer. He provided transportation for Shenandoah Society Children of the American Revolution members Jackie, Sam and Leona Gill in colonial attire.

Marc Robinson and Chip Daniel carrying the Chapter banner, followed by the vehicle driven by Wayne Barringer with Jackie, Sam and Leona Gill riding in front.

Also riding in the vehicle were compatriot Dale Corey, Deborah Corey (John Alexander Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution) and Vangy Robinson. Following them were musket men Eric Robinson, Sean Carrigan and Erick Moore. They were followed closely by Rutherford’s Rangers, French and Indian War representatives Rocky Shores, Jeff Pennington, Steve Doss and Charles “Duck” Belding.

Reenactors Rocky Shores (Ranger), Eric Robinson (SAR/Ranger), Sean Carrigan (SAR), Duck Belding (Ranger), Jeff Pennington (Ranger) and Erick Moore (Ranger/SAR).