Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter SAR Celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the 5th VA Convention of 1776

Delegates to the 5th Virginia Convention met in Williamsburg from May 6 to July 5, 1776. Their amazing accomplishments include: 1) Declaring independence from Great Britain, on May 15, 1776, three weeks ahead of the Declaration of Independence, 2) on June 12, 1776 they adopted the Virginia Declaration of Rights which became the foundation for the Bill of Rights adopted fifteen years later, 3) On June 29, 1776 they adopted the first Virginia Constitution which included a list of grievances against Parliament and the crown followed by a formal declaration of Independence from Great Britain.

Actions taken by the delegates of the 5th Virginia Convention made Virginia the first independent state amongst the thirteen Colonies. Their adoption of the Declaration of Rights and Constitution set the standard for other Colonies and for the United States Constitution. Virginia was a true pioneer in the formation of government we live under today. Residents of Loudoun County should be proud that delegates Francis Peyton and Josiah Clapham voted for Independence and for adoption of the Declaration of Rights and Constitution.

The commemoration of the accomplishments of the 5th Virginia Convention was sponsored by the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter. The chapter represents Loudoun County. The event was endorsed by the Loudoun VA 250 Committee and was a Virginia 250 Signature Event.

For more information on the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter please visit our website at. johnchampe-sar.org/