Local SAR Chapter sponsored a Reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old Courthouse in Leesburg

The afternoon of Independence Day 2025 saw members of SAR, DAR and C.A.R assemble at the Spirit of Loudoun for a Reading of the Declaration of Independence. They were joined by Kelly Burk, Mayor of Leesburg, and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors members Sylvia Glass (Broadrun District). Juli Briskman (Algonkian District), and Kristen Umstattd (Leesburg District).

The event was sponsored by the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter (SMJC), VA SAR. The Declaration was read in seventeen parts with a summary of “What happened to the Signers” presented by VA SAR 2nd VP, and SMJC member, Ken Bonner. The Reverend John Marks Society, Children of the American Revolution led the Pledge of Allegiance as a team of SAR members formed a Color Guard and presented colors. A 1/3 size replica of the Liberty Bell was rung after each reader completed their part, and multiple rings executed with the audience yelling out “Let Freedom Ring” as the reading was complete.

Ten members of the SMJC Chapter participated. Participating were: Barry Schwoerer (President), Mark Sink (Vice President), David Welker (Historian), Warner Workman (Floatmeister), Ken Bonner (past President), Richard Ryan, Chris Vaughan (C.A.R Liaison committee Chairman), Ryan Vaughan, Connor Vaughan, and Martin Gainey. They were joined by four chapters of Daughters of the American Revolution. They were: Paula Schwoerer representing Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill, Nancy Watford and Lana Workman representing the Ketoctin Chapter, Karla Gainey and Anne Ballenger (Regent) representing the Mary Hemings Bell Chapter, and Sheryl Belinsky, Cathy Schott (Regent) and Charlotte Wilcher representing the Stone Bridge Chapter. Representing Virginia District VIII NSDAR was Anita Bonner.

Ten members of the Reverend John Marks Society C.A.R participated, two senior members (Wyndy Frederick-Senior President, and Krista Magalhaes-Senior Registrar). Four Magalhaes children and four Vaughan children participated. All eight junior members led the pledge of allegiance. Ryan and Connor Vaughan (also members of SMJC Chapter SAR) read a section of the Declaration of Independence.

Several members of the public watched the ceremony from the lawn in front of the Spirit of Loudoun. The SMJC Chapter provided a variety of Patriotic give aways on a table beside the historic old courthouse.

On August 16, the SMJC Chapter will host the 249th anniversary of the First Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Virginia. It was read by Sheriff Noland at the original Loudoun County Courthouse roughly located where the historic Courthouse is located today.