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Table of Contents
Founded in 1889, the Sons of the American Revolution, or the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR or NSSAR), is an American hereditary society and congressionally chartered organization designed to maintain America’s values for patriotism as inspired by the Revolutionary War.
See the fact file below for more information on the Sons of the American Revolution or alternatively, you can download our 22-page Sons of the American Revolution worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
- In 1876, in celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a group of men who were descendants of revolutionary war veterans gathered in California. An organization called the Sons of Revolutionary War Sires or SRWS was founded to honor the lives of those people who patriotically participated in the war.
- It was William Osborn McDowell, a businessman from New Jersey who founded the Sons of the American Revolution on April 30, 1889, in line with the centennial inauguration of the first US President, George Washington.
- In addition to founding the SAR, McDowell also organized the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution the following year.
- Under Title 36 of the United States Code, the SAR was granted a congressional charter on June 9, 1906. Member, and then-US President Theodore Roosevelt signed the act.
AIM AND MEMBERSHIP
- “The institutions of American freedom, an appreciation for true patriotism, a respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship, [and] the unifying force of ‘e pluribus unum’ that has created, from the people of many nations, one nation and one people.”
- All males who can prove to be descendants of anyone who supported the causes of the American Revolution are accepted to be members. Among its notable member, include former US President Theodore Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, WWII general Douglas MacArthur, and Frederick Law Olmsted.
- Acceptable ancestors include the following criteria: (1) military veterans of the American Revolutionary War who served in the Continental Army, Navy, and state militias, (2) those who have signed the Declaration of Independence, (3) delegates of the Continental Congress, (4) civilians who supported the causes by providing arms and supplies, (5) those who signed oath of allegiance to the American cause, (6) foreign soldiers (from France and Spain) who fought to support American Independence.
- Since the founding of the SAR, there are over 175,000 descendants admitted to the organisation in over 550 chapters in the US, Canada, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE
- Meetings are known as the Fall and Spring Leadership Meetings and are usually held at the headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. Other meetings are held in selected historic places in the United States.
- There are over 60 committees within the SAR with appointed members.
- From 1889 until 1926, genealogical reference dating was kept by the Secretary General or Registrar General. In 1927, the collection was moved to Washington, DC.
- The SAR genealogical library offers access to online research databases.
- The SAR insignia was designed by Major Goldsmith Bernard West. Composed of a cross of eight points suspended by an eagle, the insignia is the cross of the ancient chivalric Order of St. Louis. The Order of St. Louis was founded in 1693, by Louis XIV.
- The medallion contains the image of George Washington and has the motto “Libertas et Patria” – which means Liberty and Country.
- The laurel wreath of republican victory surrounds the cross of the insignia. It is believed that the insignia was inspired by the St. Louis cross due to the diplomatic Aid provided by France to the American rebels, which hugely contributed to the victory of the Revolutionary War.
- The eight points represent eight spiritual orders, including the following:
- To have spiritual contentment
- To live without malice
- To weep over your sins
- To humble yourself at insults
- To love justice
- To be merciful
- To be sincere and open-hearted
- To suffer persecution
Sons of the American Revolution Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Sons of the American Revolution across 22 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Sons of the American Revolution worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Sons of the American Revolution, or the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR or NSSAR), which is an American hereditary society and congressionally chartered organization designed to maintain America’s values for patriotism as inspired by the Revolutionary War.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Sons of the American Revolution Facts
- American Revolution Profile
- Famous Members
- SAR Membership
- Patriot Ancestors
- Patriotic Holidays
- Presidential Members
- SAR Quick Facts
- Genealogical Trace
- SAR Insignia
- Patriotism
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Link will appear as Sons of the American Revolution Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, August 30, 2019
Use With Any Curriculum
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