The purposes of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution are Patriotic, Historical and Educational. Its object is to perpetuate the memory of individuals who, by their services or sacrifices during the war of the American Revolution, achieved the independence of the American people.
For Patriotism
- We commemorate and provide memorials for the people and events of the American Revolution.
- We help preserve records relating to the events leading up to and during the American Revolution.
- We support research and presentations related to the history and people of the period 1750-1800.
- We inspire the community with the principles on which our nation was founded.
- We maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom.
For History
- We participate in civic and patriotic events and observances.
- We help carry out the promises expressed in the Preamble to the Constitution.
- We provide recognition for public service.
- We honor, respect, and support veterans, especially those confined to residential and hospital facilities provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For Education
- We sponsor contests – essay and oration – for high school students, based on historical and patriotic themes.
- We distribute history curriculum at no cost to the recipient.
- We inform the community about the events and philosophical bases of the American Revolution and the Constitution.
- The SAR Magazine provides a public record of the activities of the society and has numerous articles detailing the history of the initial and continuing struggle for independence.
- We help people locate and evaluate genealogical records.
In addition to these National Goals, our State Society sponsors events throughout the year, including: oratory and essay contests for young people; awards programs honoring educators, and law enforcement and fire safety personnel; and, ceremonies honoring the patriots of the Revolution and the battles in which they fought.
The George Mason Chapter is our active local partner in Arlington, Virginia. Members of the George Mason chapter, in addition to the above, engage in specific local traditions, including:
- On the annual birthdate of our Founding Father, we host a wreath laying ceremony at Gunston Hall, the home of George Mason.
- We support our local law enforcement officers at an awards ceremony.
- We host an Oratory Contest for our local High School students in which we award financial stipends.
- We honor our Patriot ancestors by marking their graves.
- We participate in national and regional Historic Celebrations and Observances.
- We host community-wide ROTC and the Jr. ROTC Programs.
- We participate in the Combine Federal Campaign (CFC) to support the National Society.
If you you share our values, we invite you to click on “How to Join” from the menu at the top of this page to explore your eligibility and learn about membership in our Society.