Sgt Maj John Champe SAR participated in the 250th Anniversary of The Virginia Declaration of Rights

On June 12, 1776 the 5th Virginia Convention adopted the Virginia Declaration of Rights. In 1791 the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution included the majority of rights guaranteed to Virginian's fifteen years earlier. Authored principally by George Mason the Virginia Declaration of Rights paved the way for other Colonies and for the United States. In fact, several prominent Virginia Patriots would not endorse the Constitution without a Bill of Rights. These patriots included Patrick Henry and William Grayson.

The 250th Anniversary Commemoration of the Virginia Bill of Rights was sponsored by the George Mason chapter, Virginia SAR. National Society Sons of the American Revolution President General Michael Elston gave remarks. The event was attended by eight SAR Societies or Chapters, eleven DAR Districts or Chapters, two Societies of Children of the American Revolution The Virginia Society of the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America, the General Society of the war of 1812, Sons and Daughters of the Virginia Founding Fathers, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, National Society Daughters of the American Colonists, Daughters of the War of 1812 and the National Society descendants of American Farmers.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter (SMJC) led the Virginia SAR Color Guard for presentation of colors and a three-round volley using reproduction flintlock muskets and rifles. Participating for the SMJC were: Ken Bonner, Barry Schwoerer, and Warner Workman.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter was selected as the Best Medium Sized Chapter in Virginia SAR for 2025. For more information about the Chapter visit our website at: https://johnchampe-sar.org