local SAR Chapter celebrates Constitution Day with DAR

The Cameron Station Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Sgt Maj John Champe (SMJC) Chapter Virginia Sons of the American Revolution co-sponsored the commemoration of the Ratification of the United States Constitution at a Patriotic lunch at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum lawn in Sterling on Sunday, September 15. Joining the commemoration were members of the Reverend John Marks Society (RJMS) Children of the American Revolution, members of Fairfax Resolves Chapter SAR and members of Lanes Mill Chapter DAR.

The color guard was led by SMJC Vice President and Color Guard Commander Mark Sink. Members of SAR, DAR and C.A.R advanced and presented colors. Ken Bonner (SMJC) carried the United States Flag, Darrin Schmidt (FFR and 2nd Vice President Virginia SAR) carried the Virginia Commonwealth Flag,Kimberly Clifner (Cameron Station DAR) carried the DAR Flag, Katherine Rensel (Cameron Station DAR) carried the DAR 250th Anniversary flag, Barry Schwoerer (SMJC) carried the SMJC Flag, MacPhearson Strassburg carried the RJMS C.A.R Flag, Larry McKinley (FFR SAR) carried the SAR 250th Anniversary flag, and Steve Van Deusen carried the U.S. Light Dragoons guidon. The guidon is the logo for the SMJC Chapter VA SAR.

Cameron Station Chapter DAR provided a lunch for attendees and a Constitution that attendees could sign with a quill pen and dip ink provided by the SMJC Chapter SAR. A variety of Colonial era games were available for children attending. Larry McKinley acted as a town crier to announce that the Constitution had been ratified and then read the preamble and in a loud voice said "Let Freedom Ring". Small bells were rung by each attendee and a 1/3 size Liberty Bell on the SMJC Float was rung thirteen times.

The SMJC Float was available for people to visit. They could ring the replica Liberty Bell and view a variety of images of historical documents and founding fathers. Attendees were asked to board the float and stand near the liberty bell where they were asked to read the preamble while being digitally recorded by SMJC member Warner Workman. Some readings were with groups, others individually. After editing and clean-up the videos will be posted to YouTube.