Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter SAR presented a Guidon to Stratford Hall

A replica of a guidon flown by the United States Light Dragoons during the Revolutionary War was presented to Kelley Dietz, Vice President of Collections and Public Engagement at Stratford Hall, Historical seat of the Lee Family of early Virginia. The United States Light Dragoons were commanded by Henry Lee III, who during his command of the Dragoons during the Revolutionary War became known as “Light Horse Harry”. The original guidon is in collections at Stratford Hall. It is tattered, worn and faded, a condition reflecting almost 250 years gone by and service during the Revolution.

Using a photograph of the original, a Sgt Maj John Champe member, Kurtis Schwoerer, created a high-quality digital graphic of the guidon. That graphic was used to manufacture the replica. The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter is named after the senior enlisted man in The United States Light Dragoons, also known as Lee’s Legion. In 1780 Champe was nominated by Light Horse Harry Lee, and accepted by George Washington, to execute a plan to capture the traitor Benedict Arnold, and bring him to the American side for Courts-Martial. In post-war memoirs Lee described Champe: “Rather above the common size—full of bone and muscle—grave, thoughtful, taciturn—of tried courage and inflexible perseverance.” At great danger, Champe deserted his unit and was taken in by Arnold where Champe became close to the traitor. The plot was two days away from execution when Arnold received orders to move his headquarters in preparation for a campaign in Virginia.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter displays the Guidon during Chapter events. The Chapter created a Challenge coin, coasters, and mugs with the image on the Guidon. Stratford Hall will display the replica Guidon as part of a display commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States.

For more information on the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution, visit our website at www.johnchampe-sar.org