Historical Observances

There are many Revolutionary War observances and commemorations of interest to the members and leadership of the Virginia Society.  The Virginia Society urges its members to attend these events to help keep the memory of our patriot ancestors alive.  This committee works to collect and disseminate the relevant information about the events listed below to the Society as a whole. There are two categories of Revolutionary War Observances, those sponsored by the Virginia SAR, and commemorations of non-sponsored events but of special interest to the Virginia Society.

Category 1 sponsored events include:

  • Battle of Great Bridge Commemoration [Committee] (2-day event in December)
  • Crossing of the Dan Commemoration [Committee] (3-day event in February) [link] | [Video: 2021 event] 
  • Raid at Martin's Station Commemoration [Committee] (next: May 2025)
  • Yorktown Day Commemoration [Committee] (next: 19 October 2024) [link] | [Video: 2022 event] 
  • Battle of the Capes 
  • Signing of the Fairfax Resolves [250th Anniversary]

Category 2 events are non-sponsored events but of special interest to the Virginia Society, whereby Virginia regiments and militia played important roles and/or located within the historical geographic boundaries of the former British Colony of Virginia:

  • Abingdon Muster (next: Wed–Fri, September 18–20, 2024)
  • Constitution Day Celebration at Montpelier (next: Sat., September 21, 2024)
  • The Battle of Petersburg (April–May 1781)
  • The Battle of Point Pleasant Observance (250th Anniversary: Thu., October 10, 2024)
  • The Valley Forge Observance
  • The National Commemorative Service for President Madison’s Birthday (March 16, 1751)
  • The National Commemorative Service for President Jefferson’s Birthday (April 13, 1743)
  • The National Commemorative Service for President Monroe’s Birthday (April 28, 1758)

The following are Tier 1 events not sponsored by Virginia:

  • The Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781) [Video: 2021 event]
  • The Battle of Guilford Courthouse (March 15, 1781)
  • The Battle of King’s Mountain (October 7, 1780)

 America 250 - Decade of the American Revolution

In addition to observances within or of significance to Virginia, the National SAR and Virginia SAR have many events supporting the 250th Anniversary of America's Independence  

SAR's America 250 logo celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, stylized with fireworks and the American flag with red, white and blue elements 

The "Decade of the American Revolution" themes and celebration of these events include:

  • 1773–2023 The Boston Tea Party
  • 1774–2024 The First Continental Congress
  • 1775–2025 The Battles of Lexington and Concord
  • 1776–2026 The Battle of Princeton and Valley Forge
  • 1777–2027 The Battle of Saratoga
  • 1778–2028 The French Alliance
  • 1779–2029 The Siege of Vincennes or Fort Sackville Battle of Kettle Creek
  • 1780–2030 Battle of Kings Mountain
  • 1781–2031 Siege of Yorktown
  • 1782–2032 Battle of Blue Licks
  • 1783- 2033 Treaty of Paris

Other National and Virginia events focused on America 250 and VA250 celebrations are underway.  Check our calendar for the latest news and celebrations.

 

 

DJH