Tampa Chapter

Sons of the American Revolution

November 2014

 

Contents

          Meeting announcement

          Misc. Chapter news and notes

          Revolution note

          Program Schedule

          Misc. reminders and information

 

Meeting Notice

The November meeting of the Tampa Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, will be on November 15th at the Piccadilly Cafeteria, located at 11810 Dale Mabry Highway North, Tampa, Florida (813-963-1660). This is our annual joint meeting with the Fort Brooke Chapter of the CAR.  In addition to their presentation, we will be awarding our Law Enforcement and Fire/EMT Medals..

 

 

Wreaths Across America

We heard at the October meeting that the formal laying of the wreaths part of the Wreaths Across America program will be as 12:00 Noon on Saturday December 13.  Our Chapter is supporting the only private veterans' cemetery in the country at the Tampa American Legion Post #5 at 3810 West Kennedy Blvd.  There will be a short ceremony at Noon followed by the actual placement of wreaths on the more than 700 veterans' gravesites.  Our Color Guard has been invited to participate in the ceremony.  Everyone is invited to attend. 

 

The Chapter is an official sponsor of Wreaths Across America and this cemetery.  Anyone interested in purchasing a wreath for placement at this, or any other, veterans' cemetery can do for $15, but you are encouraged to use the Chapter order form so we will get credit for your donation.  That form is not ready yet and will be sent out by e-mail as soon as it is available.  Copies will also be available at our November meeting.   You can go to their website www.wreathsacrossamerica.org for more information. 

 

 December Officers Installation Luncheon

Following the new tradition started in 2012, this meeting will be held at a location other than the Piccadilly.  This year arrangements have again been made to meet at the Rusty Pelican Restaurant at 2425 N Rocky Point Dr. in Tampa.  We were able to hold the price of the luncheon to $24.50 each, $49.00 per couple.  Reservations, meal selection and payment must be made in advance.  You will have a choice of salmon or chicken.  Same date (December 20), same time (11:30), just a different location.  More information to follow, soon. 

 

Dues are Due

As you already know, the 2015 SAR Dues are now due.  Attached is another copy of the Dues notice.  Please try to mail a check to Brian French, Tampa Chapter Secretary, or bring it to Saturday's meeting.

 

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Since there were few battles or even skirmishes during the winter months of the American War for Independence, we are turning our attention this month to an important, albeit little known American general…William Alexander.  Most people with knowledge of the American Army would automatically mention Gen. Nathaniel Greene or maybe Gen. Henry Knox as Washington’s most trusted subordinate and perhaps Gen. Daniel Morgan as the best combat general in the army.  However, Alexander can give Greene and Knox a run for their money as the most trusted. 

Gen. William Alexander’s war record is outstanding.    He commanded the rear guard on Long Island and bought Washington the time he needed to finish the evacuation of the army to Manhattan.  Alexander was captured but was released a few months later in a prisoner exchange.  For his actions on Long Island one newspaper called him “the bravest of man in America”.  He also fought and commanded well at Trenton, during the Philadelphia campaign (Brandywine and German town), and at Monmouth. 

Perhaps his best service was his unwavering loyalty to Washington during the various attempts to unseat him and replace him with Gen Gates. 

Additionally, it was Alexander who Washington put in command of the army on those occasions when Washington had to be away on personal business. 

Unfortunately, he died (supposedly from excessive eating drinking) in 1783 just months before the treaty was signed.  His untimely death no doubt has contributed to the lack of recognition he has received by posterity. 

(ed. Note—I found it interesting that neither Joseph Ellis’ biography of Washington, His Excellency, not Flexner 4 volume biography of Washington mention Alexander.)

 

 

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PROGRAM SCHEDULE

 

2014

December - Officer Installation

2015

 

January        

February      

March          

 April           ROTC Recognition

May             Safety Harbor Museum

 

 

 

Misc. Reminders and notes:

 

Chapter Website—remember you can find information about the chapter and programs on the chapter website.  http://www.patriot-web.com/

 

One of the duties of the Chapter Chaplain is to send cards to our members that are sick. If you know of anyone that I need to send a card to, please mention it at our next meeting. Another duty is to send a sympathy card to the family of a member who has passed away.

Jack C. Bolen           

Chaplain