Local SAR at Stratford Hall Naturalization and Commemoration in Westmoreland County

Stratford Hall is home to famous Lee family members who greatly influenced the history of the United States. Richard Henry Lee and his brother Francis Lightfoot Lee signed the Declaration of Independence after serving both Virginia and Continental Conventions. Cousin Light Horse Harry Lee served as a Dragoon commander for General George Washington and gave Washington’s eulogy containing the famous phrase “First in War, First in Peace, First in the Heart of his Countrymen”. Over a half century after the Revolution, Robert E. Lee, son of Light Horse Harry Lee, became commander of the Confederate Army during the Civil war.

Richard Henry Lee was by far the most outspoken advocate for declaring independence from Great Britain. He authored the Leedstown Resolutions in 1766, one of the earliest such documents in the Colonies that called for the King of England to reverse decisions on a variety of issues that were oppressive for the Colonies. As a member of the 2nd Continental Congress he issued a proclamation on June 7, 1776 calling for the Colonies to declare Independence from Great Britain. On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was produced.

On June 7, 2025 Stratford Hall sponsored the 249th anniversary commemoration of Richard Henry Lees call for Independence by coupling a Naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens with an afternoon of events the public and the new citizens could enjoy. The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter (SMJC) from Loudoun County organized Virginia SAR and DAR participation.

A combined SAR and DAR Color Guard presented colors to open the Naturalization Ceremony following a town crier announcing the ceremony was about the start. The town crier was SMJC member David Welker. The combined color Guard was composed of: Color guard Commander SMJC President Barry Schwoerer, Lead Musket Chip Daniel (CJW-II), U.S. Flag Jim Watts (SMJC), Virginia State Flag Sean Carrigan (CJW-II), SAR 250 flag Allen Phillips (CJW-II), SMJC Chapter flag Ken Bonner (SMJC), a member of the Richard Henry Lee Chapter SAR, DAR 250 flag Paula Schwoerer (Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill Chapter (EMH) DAR), DAR National Flag Mimi Spear (Lanes Mill Chapter DAR), Trail musket Andrew Packett (James Monroe Chapter SAR). At the completion of the naturalization ceremony the combined color Guard retrieved and retired colors.

Following the Naturalization ceremony the Combined color guard joined new citizens for photo ops in front of the Great House at Stratford Hall. They then moved to tents and tables for displays and meeting guests. Mrs. Schwoerer from the EMH DAR Chapter demonstrated the making of Corn husk dolls and handed out small rolled documents (Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence), and helped visitors use a quill pen and ink to write their name.

A Combined SAR firelock team demonstrated operation of flintlock muskets and rifles with a three-shot volley twice during the afternoon. Other members of SAR and DAR talked with visitors about the life and times of Revolutionary War soldiers and families. Rev War games such as ball and cup, and rolling a hoop were available for children.

A Dragoon (Cavalry) unit of six uniformed riders on horses demonstrated a variety of formations used as battle formations. They also brought the horses to the audience where they answered questions and allowed the public to touch and pet the horses.

The 250th Anniversary of Richard Henry Lee’s Proclamation calling for independence will be held at Stratford Hall on June 7, 2026. That event is Virginia 250 Committee designated 250th Anniversary event. The public is invited.