Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter hosts Commemoration of John Champe and Patriots Day

Six chapters of Virginia Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Chapters, five chapters of Virginia Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapters, and the Society of Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge joined to commemorate Loudoun County Native John Champe and Commemorate The Shot Heard around the World, or the Battle at Lexington and Concord.

SAR Chapters presenting wreaths included: the Sgt Maj John Champe chapter by Vice President Mark Sink, the International Division by Vice President General Ken Bonner, the George Mason Chapter by President Ken Morris, the German Society by David Cook, the Col. James Wood II chapter by Past President Paul Christensen, and the George Washington Chapter by Vice President Marty Johnson

DAR Chaptes presenting wreaths included: the Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill Chapter by Paula Schwoerer, the Camron Parish Chapter by Shawn Beyer, the Lanes Mill Chapter by Anita Bonner, the Stone Bridge Chapter by Charlotte Wilcher, and the Mary Hemings Bell Chapter by Anne Beland.

Representing the Society of Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge was Cynthia Swain Strassberg, Brigade Inspector

Five new members were inducted by President Schwoerer. They were: Craig Mastapeter, Frank Babetski, Stephen Grisetti, James Grisetti, and Gregory McNutt. The SMJC Chapter now has 89 regular member.

Anita Bonner led the singing of the National Anthem.

President Schwoerer presented a summary of the life of John Champe, chapter namesake. Champe was a Loudoun County native who enlisted in a cavalry unit commanded by Light Horse Harry Lee. The unit became known as Lee's Legion. Champe was selected to infiltrate traitor Benedict Arnold's headquarters in New York city, capture Arnold and return him to the American side for trial and execution. A few days before the plan went into motion, Arnold moved his troops to ships for the Virginia campaign. Champe did determine that Arnold acted alone and did not have co-conspirators for his defection.

Chapter Registrar presented the story of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the first battle of the Revolution. After the story was complete, Compatriot Warner Workman rang a 1/3 size Liberty Bell after the names of the first eight patriots killed in action were read. The bell was then rung 10 times with a five second pause between rings to honor all Patriots who fell during the Revolutionary War.