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What we do

The chapter and its members participate in a number of activities designed to further the goals of the Society. A sample is provided here.

 

Chapter Meetings

We pride ourselves on the quality of our programs and speakers. As much as possible, topics are related to historical topics and, of course, several each year are devoted to the American Revolution.

 

Liberty Trees

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we are dedicating 3 Liberty Trees throughout the Tampa Bay area.

 

 

The City of Tampa has planted and donated a 30-gallon Liberty Elm and plaque to the Tampa Chapter at the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in downtown Tampa. The dedication will be taking place on Saturday, August 29th at 10:00 am. Mayor Jane Castor will be attending along with Tampa City Councilman Guido Maniscalco, and Florida Society SAR Senior Vice President Doug Gibbens. Refreshments with be served and all are invited to attend.

 

The City of Temple Terrace has agreed to donate a Liberty Tree at Ben Lomond Park. That dedication will take place on Thursday, September 17th at 10:00 am. We thank Mayor Andy Ross for locating a tree to make this dedication. This event is open to everyone and refreshments will again be served.

 

A third dedication is in the planning stages.

 

JROTC Recognition and Awards

For over two decades the Tampa Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution has provided the SAR JROTC medal for local JROTC units in order that a deserving cadet in each unit may be recognized. In addition, the National and State Societies of the SAR conduct a contest in conjunction with the JROTC awards. At the state level cash awards are given for the top three places. There are addition awards at the national level. In order to qualify, the cadet must be in the third year of a four-year program or second year of a three-year program, and be deemed the unit’s most outstanding cadet by the commander. Additional information can be found at www.sar.org.

 

Color Guard

In December 2006, the Tampa Chapter formed a color guard as part of the Florida Society’s “Sons of Liberty Brigade”. Named “The Hillsborough River Camp”, the unit’s first appearance was for the annual CAR / SAR meeting held that December. Since that time the unit has participated in parades and served as color guards at other events. Members wishing to join the unit need only have a desire to participate and must secure a uniform of some kind.

 

Civic Awards

As part of its charter the Sons of the American Revolution seeks to promote Patriotism. One method of furthering this goal is to recognize and honor Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Safety Personnel with awards for their acts of service. The recipient may be honored for an act of heroism or for long and devoted service in serving our communities. The Tampa Chapter makes two awards each year at a monthly meeting. The Fire Safety Commendation Award- for exceptional service by fire service, emergency response, and fire insurance personnel and the Law Enforcement Award- for exceptional service by police, state troopers, and officers of the courts.

 

Wreaths Across America

For several years the chapter has supported the Wreaths Across America program.  This organization lays Christmas wreaths at the graves of veterans. The Chapter has donated funds to the project and the Color Guard has participated in the ceremonies at a local cemetery.

 

Honor Flights

We support the “Honor Flight” program which provides free travel to Washington D.C. for WWII veterans so that they might see the memorial in Washington D.C. and have the service to our country appreciated anew. Our color guard gathers at the Tampa Airport to greet the veterans returning from their time in Washington.

 

Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.)

The Tampa Chapter has held a joint meeting with the Fort Brooke Society of the Children of the American Revolution for many years seeking to support this fine organization for children and youth.

 

Youth Contests

The National and Florida Societies offer oratorical and essay contests for high school students, a poster contest for elementary students, and a competition for Eagle Scouts. The Tampa Chapter, while not holding a local contest, gladly works with youth wishing to compete in the state events.

 

Flag Awards

We promote the proper display of the American Flag by recognizing those flying the flag for non-commercial purposes.