our societal principles arose not first out of an ... 2014.pdf · our societal principles arose not...

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Volume 44, Number 1 www.passar.org/pcc Winter 2014 1 Upcoming Events A great nation - a great democracy- needs heroes to set us an example - a paradigm for conduct, a coalescence of our own definition. Currently we live in an anti-he-roic age. Egali- tarianism presides. The great American Revolution was about Liberty -not egalitarianism. That was part and parcel to the French and Soviet Revolutions. We sought Liberty as God given Liberty under God; the French and the Soviets sought freedom from God. Their legacy is that of a hecatomb of death and violence. To be subordinate to God suggests ine- quality. Despots have always understood this. Despots have always sought to banish God from the social equation. If there is no personal God, then we can all be ideologically equivalent and if we are all the same then the concept of the heroic ... or the inexplicable appearance of great men and women in his- tory is an inconsistent chink in the armor of the Brave New World the hydra head of collectivism. It would be an admit- tance that some men are simply unlike oth-ers; that some men are different. Yet both Scripture and common sense tells us that we are each distinct, different, and unique. Yet many of our current national elites remain obsessed and possessed with an egalitarian temperament... and that com- bined with the reductionist methodology of their social sci- ences seek to reduce the course of human affairs to material and sub-rational forces. Fundamentally this is Marxist egalitar- ian leveling it is also adverse to our shared Judeo-Christian traditions and ethics based on a personal God who has given us each free will. While they believe in the myth of the common man, we un-derstand that the so-called common man is most uncommon because we each have God-given free will. The United States is founded on the liberty of opportunity to excel to be famous or infamous. As such our Republic has been exceedingly blessed with great men and women men and women who have ex-emplified America what we are about, and who we are. Over these past three centuries of independence it becomes obvious that our own lasting revolution was and is grounded on continual change within the constancy of custom and tradi- tion. America arose out of our collective colonial experiences under English precepts of constitutional democracy wherein our societal principles arose not first out of an unyielding ide- ology, but rather, requisite on experience tempered by our re- ligion. This combination determined our evolved philosophy. This is the genius of America . This recognition of the sinful vicissitudes of human nature di- rected our perspective. Mankind is tainted by original sin and for our foreseeable future will always be so. Unlike the French and Soviet revolutions based on the Utopian vision of the perfect-ibility of man here and now (... if we can only glo- riously remove certain impediments we will have Utopia now ...) - our revolutionary principles are predicated on the imperceptibility of man. There are men and women who have represented our inner soul of definition. George Washington is lucidly sans peur et sans reproche our finest American exemplarone who set our tenor and tone for our people a tenor and tone that con- flated our British origins, that was tempered by our colonial frontier experience and nourished by the liberty and freedom of opportunity presented. He arose out of the 18th century to become our pater patriae; he represents moral virtue, practical wisdom, chivalry and public spiritedness. Absent Washington, we would have had no recognizable American public. In our democratic value system, IQ in and of itself is not enough. Intelligence is necessary, but there must also be a balance of moral virtue and judgment with public spirit a balance of duty, honor, and service. A great man or woman is not made. He or she is not merely trained for this. They are born. Greatness cannot be acquired by study or experience although those qualities are certainly beneficial. It is also not (Continued on page 2) Why Celebrate Washington’s Birthday By Richard B. Abell PASSAR Winter Mtg Jan 31 & Feb 1 New Member/Awards Reception Feb 10 0500-0700 Washington’s Birthday Celeb. Feb 22 1030 PCC Meeting Mar 3 1000 PCC Meeting - Apr 7 1000

Transcript of our societal principles arose not first out of an ... 2014.pdf · our societal principles arose not...

Volume 44, Number 1 www.passar.org/pcc Winter 2014

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Upcoming Events

A great nation - a great democracy- needs heroes to set us an example - a paradigm for conduct, a coalescence of our own definition. Currently we live in an anti-he­roic age. Egali-tarianism presides. The great American Revolution was about Liberty -not egalitarianism. That was part and parcel to the French and Soviet Revolutions. We sought Liberty as God given — Liberty under God; the French and the Soviets sought freedom from God. Their legacy is that of a hecatomb of death and violence. To be subordinate to God suggests ine-quality. Despots have always understood this. Despots have always sought to banish God from the social equation. If there is no personal God, then we can all be ideologically equivalent and if we are all the same then the concept of the heroic ... or the inexplicable appearance of great men and women in his-tory is an inconsistent chink in the armor of the Brave New World — the hydra head of collectivism. It would be an admit-tance that some men are simply unlike oth­ers; that some men are different. Yet both Scripture and common sense tells us that we are each distinct, different, and unique.

Yet many of our current national elites remain obsessed and possessed with an egalitarian temperament... and that com-bined with the reductionist methodology of their social sci-ences seek to reduce the course of human affairs to material and sub-rational forces. Fundamentally this is Marxist egalitar-ian leveling — it is also adverse to our shared Judeo-Christian traditions and ethics based on a personal God who has given us each free will. While they believe in the myth of the common man, we un­derstand that the so-called common man is most uncommon because we each have God-given free will.

The United States is founded on the liberty of opportunity to excel — to be famous or infamous. As such our Republic has been exceedingly blessed with great men and women — men and women who have ex­emplified America — what we are about, and who we are.

Over these past three centuries of independence it becomes obvious that our own lasting revolution was and is grounded on continual change within the constancy of custom and tradi-tion. America arose out of our collective colonial experiences under English precepts of constitutional democracy wherein our societal principles arose not first out of an unyielding ide-ology, but rather, requisite on experience tempered by our re-ligion. This combination determined our evolved philosophy. This is the genius of America . This recognition of the sinful vicissitudes of human nature di-rected our perspective. Mankind is tainted by original sin and for our foreseeable future will always be so. Unlike the French and Soviet revolutions based on the Utopian vision of the perfect­ibility of man here and now (... if we can only glo-riously remove certain impediments we will have Utopia now ...) - our revolutionary principles are predicated on the imperceptibility of man.

There are men and women who have represented our inner soul of definition. George Washington is lucidly sans peur et sans reproche our finest American exemplar—one who set our tenor and tone for our people — a tenor and tone that con-flated our British origins, that was tempered by our colonial frontier experience and nourished by the liberty and freedom of opportunity presented. He arose out of the 18th century to become our pater patriae; he represents moral virtue, practical wisdom, chivalry and public spiritedness. Absent Washington, we would have had no recognizable American public.

In our democratic value system, IQ in and of itself is not enough. Intelligence is necessary, but there must also be a balance of moral virtue and judgment with public spirit — a balance of duty, honor, and service. A great man or woman is not made. He or she is not merely trained for this. They are born. Greatness cannot be acquired by study or experience — although those qualities are certainly beneficial. It is also not

(Continued on page 2)

Why Celebrate Washington’s Birthday By Richard B. Abell

PASSAR Winter Mtg Jan 31 & Feb 1

New Member/Awards Reception Feb 10 0500-0700

Washington’s Birthday Celeb. Feb 22 1030

PCC Meeting Mar 3 1000

PCC Meeting - Apr 7 1000

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dependent on social rank. Greatness is based on character. Difficult to define ... but we all can recognize it.

The first truly quintessential American embodying all of these traits was Washington. Courage in combat, and moral courage in the face of adversarial circumstances, a sense of duty and service to community, a sense of honor, his firm word, all under a guiding Providence. These pragmatic traits provided us with what we were, are, and wish to be. And this is why we must study and learn from this greatest of all Americans.

(Continued from page 1)

HELP WANTED The Chapter is in need of your assistance if you are an organ-

ized Compatriot with a talent and interest in managing its fi-

nancial affairs. The Office of Treasurer has become available

as Compatriot Mike Steinberger has decided to step down

from his post. We thank Mike, and his wife Michelle, for their

erstwhile efforts these past months.

ARTICLE V BY-LAWS PHILADELPHIA

CONTINENTAL CHAPTER

The Treasurer shall collect and keep the funds and securities

of the Chapter. The funds of the Chapter shall be deposited in

a bank or savings association, or a trust company, provided

such institution is insured by the Federal Government or its

Agencies which are guaranteed by the Federal Government, or

in securities of publicly traded entities listed on a national

exchange, having a net worth of not less than $10 million,

upon prior approval of the Board, and shall be placed in the

name of or credit of the Philadelphia Continental Chapter

Sons of the American Revolution. The funds shall be drawn

by the check of the Treasurer for the purposes of the Chapter.

He shall keep a true account of his receipts and payments and

at each annual meeting render the same to the Chapter. He

shall also make such other reports as may be required by the

Board. A committee or a Regular Member shall be appointed

by the President to audit his accounts.

Operation Recovery

In last Summer’s Compatriot News, my article concerning the

formation of a task force to work upon the recovery of

dropped members resulted in just two (2) of our 350+ Compa-

triots speaking up – I certainly had hoped for a much better

response (perhaps it was the mid-Summer timing), or the ab-

sence of a marketing-oriented, catchy name for the project.

OK – I am addressing both of those by re-announcing it as

Operation Recovery in this, the Winter edition.

PHILADELPHIA CONTINENTAL CHAPTER – 2580 (and

counting) – now @ 2,600+ lines (11/30/13)

We are seeking to recover as many former Compatriots who,

due to possible changes in their personal circumstances and

interests, may now be interested in reuniting themselves with

the SAR.

WE MERELY NEED TO FIND THEM AND ASK THEM!

I am looking for a couple of more volunteers for Operation

Recovery to use today’s technical power(s) to research the

whereabouts of these once-members and contact them to

again raise the ranks of our membership back up to the 400-

500 Compatriot level. This work can be accomplished on

your own time, in the evenings and weekends, without attend-

ing any fixed meetings except that which the team may decide

to conduct among themselves.

If you are interested in pursuing this kind of Sherlock Holmes

“recruiting”, please contact me at [email protected] or

610-918-0213. I would like to assemble the team to begin its

work by the end of the calendar quarter. Thank you

Phil Anders, President and Registrar

February

Jan 31 & Feb 1 PASSAR Quarterly Meeting, Lancaster, PA 9:00 AM

Williamson School Celebration 6:00 PM

10th New Members & Awards Reception , Double Tree by Hilton, K of P 5:00 PM

22nd George Washington Birthday Celebration, City Tavern 10:00 AM

Color Guard march-off to Washington Square 10:30 AM

Color Guard to Independence Hall 11:45 AM

Color Guard returns to City Tavern 12:00 AM

March

3rd Board of Management, Landmark Americana Tap & Grill 10:00 AM

April

7th Board of Management, Landmark Americana Tap & Grill 10:00 AM

Interested Compatriots should contact President Phil Anders

immediately by email at:

[email protected] or phone: 610-918-0213

PCC Activities

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OFFICE NAME PHONE E-MAIL

PRESIDENT Philip M. Anders 610-918-0213 [email protected]

1ST VICE PRESIDENT W. Bruce Hustis 610-933-6736 [email protected]

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Ellis C. L. Adams 484-351-8634 [email protected]

SECRETARY George M. Clarke 610-687-8111 [email protected]

TREASURER

ASST TREASURER L. Carl Fletcher 610-430-0755 [email protected]

GENEALOGIST Ned A. Little 610-337-8042 [email protected]

REGISTRAR Philip M. Anders 610-918-0213 [email protected]

CHANCELLOR Michael W. Freeland, Esq. 610-649-0707 [email protected]

CHAPLAIN Kenneth L. Hanson 610-382-2040 [email protected]

HISTORIAN James H. Willis 484-266-0026 [email protected]

SURGEON Frederick R. Rude, DVM 215-402-8536 [email protected]

CPT of the GUARD James H. Willis 484-266-0026 [email protected]

SGT at ARMS Philip M. Anders 610-918-0213 [email protected]

AIDE to PRESIDENT James F. Hall 610-696-7788 [email protected]

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

AMERICANISM Gregory J. Shively 609-569-1226 [email protected]

KNIGHT ESSAY John F. Mitchell 610-630-1575 [email protected]

POSTER CONTEST George M. Clarke 610-687-8111 [email protected]

STUDENT/TEACHER

AWARDS Ellis C. L. Adams 484-351-8634 [email protected]

BSA EAGLE SCOUT

GREENSPAN William H. Rheiner 610-489-3012 [email protected]

ROTC/JROTC James F. Hall 610-696-7788 [email protected]

CAR/DAR Lanny R. Patten 610-520-9577 [email protected]

COMP. DATABASE Philip M. Anders 610-918-0213 [email protected]

FINANCE W. Bruce Hustis 610-933-6736 [email protected]

FLAG CERTIFICATE J. Thomas Showler 215-632-4229 [email protected]

GRAVES Joseph R. Stokes, Jr. 610-431-4751 N/A

LONG RANGE PLAN

MEMBERSHIP Joseph R. Stokes, Jr. 610-431-4751 N/A

MILITARY AFFAIRS BG Richard D. Merion 610-692-1760 [email protected]

PROGRAMS James H. Willis 484-266-0026 [email protected]

PUBLIC RELATIONS Jonathan M. Jacobs 215-229-1185 [email protected]

NEWSLETTER L. Carl Fletcher 610-430-0755 [email protected]

NOMINATING James F. Hall 610-696-7788 [email protected]

WEBMASTER Bruce S. Edmonds 215-881-8514 [email protected]

BOM - Class of 2014 BOM - Class of 2015 BOM - Class of 2016

Herbert T. Armstrong Gregory Shively James F. Hall

Davis Reese Douglas W. Campbell Jonathan M. Jacobs

Joseph W. Rogers Joseph R. Stokes, Jr. Lanny R. Patten

C. Charles Smith, Esq. James H. Sanborn

PHILADELPHIA CONTINENTAL CHAPTER 2014

OFFICERS and COMMITTEE CHAIRS

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The evening of November 7, 2013 saw some 27 of your fellow Compatriots and their guests gathered at the Overbrook Golf

Club for the Chapter’s annual black-tie event to honor the outgoing Officers and to usher in the newly elected core of Officers

and Directors (whose names, positions and contact information is presented elsewhere in this edition). The traditional Silent

Auction was held with many items of historical interest going “on the block”.

Installation Banquet

Phil Anders being sworn in as new Philadelphia

Continental Chapter President by Lanny Patten

Ellis Adams received the Bronze Roger Sherman Medal

for faithful service to the Chapter from out-going

President Jim Hall

Nine past Chapter Presidents attended the Installation Banquet: Lanny

Paten, Jim Hall, Fred Rude, Herb Armstrong, Tom Showler, Jim

Sanborn, Greg Shivley, Michael Freeland, and Bill Epp Bruce Hustis Received the Meritorious Ser-

vice Medal from Jim Hall

Honoring Their Legacy

By Joe Stokes

Our Mission Statement, as an organization, requires us to " perpetuate the memory, preserve the record and mark the location of Revolutionary War Patriots”.

To this end, this Chapter has a major project involving the locating, registering and flagging the grave sites of any Revolutionary War Patriot in our four county

area of responsibility. To date, we are flagging in some 160 locations, placing some 1,620 thirteen star Betsy Ross style flags. As you may imagine,

this is a labor intense activity and I would encourage you to consider "lending your hand" to this effort. We will provide all the information, details

and directions you may need. All you need to provide is manpower and transportation. This is a great family activity-out for an afternoon ride, possibly a picnic in

a picturesque, bucolic cemetery-while providing a discipline of purpose and an historical education for the youngsters. We currently have 3 members

who go out with their kids or grandkids and the feedback has been: the kids really enjoy the experience, great "Show and Tell" activity for school as

well. In addition to manpower help in getting the flags out, the project could benefit from having someone with good computer savvy, to research and con-

firm someone's participation in the Revolution. Should either or both of these opportunities

tickle your interest, contact me (610) 696-0303 evenings or Bruce Hustis by e-mail

([email protected]) for clarification. Also, should your patriot ancestor be buried in our

four county area, check our web page (passar.org/graves/PCC index.html) to see if your ancestor is

already included. If not, bring the details to my attention and I will take steps to see that he or she is

included. This is an easy way for you to pay tribute to your patriot ancestor as we do all the

work. NOTE: The flag placement takes place during the balmy month of May, not the cold,

icy days of Winter.

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NEW YEARS-OF-SERVICE Eligible Date Years

______________ Service

STEEL Philip N. , JR. 5/24/2011 50

STEEL Roger K. 5/24/2013 45

CONROY Edwin N 9/5/2013 35

CLAPHAM Robert H. 4/26/2013 25

ELLIOTT Thomas Crawford 1/18/2014 25

RITTER Ellwood Rae 8/262013 25

SPANGLER Lloyd Waggoner , Jr 10/20/2013 25

SUTTON Robert J. 6/23/2012 25

THOMAS Robert B. 2/6/2012 25

EDWARDS Paul R. 1/20/2013 20

MILLARD Craig John 1/15/2012 20

RANDOLPH Richard J. 7/13/2013 20

WALKER Allen Lyon 4/17/2012 20

NEW LEVELS OF YEARS-OF- Years

SERVICE AWARDEES________ Service

ZSEMBIK William M. 8/25/2011 60

ADAMS Ellis 3/27/2013 55

DE LONG David G. 12/30/2010 55

ETTER Thomas C. , Jr. 1/23/2014 55

JONES Ellwood F. , Jr 5/25/2009 55

RITZINGER George B. 12/22/2009 55

SMITH Kenneth G. , Jr 5/31/2010 55

SOLENBERGER Donald M. 2/28/2010 55

COOPER William R. , II 1/22/2010 50

HARTING Robert M 12/16/2013 50

ROSS E. William 4/19/2010 50

WHITCOMB Joel J. 11/12/2009 50

The following compatriots are eligible to receive a first time award for their years of service or an award for a new level of years of

service. All are invited to attend the reception on February 10, 2014.

Make a Difference. Make a Bequest.

Compatriots can make a lasting impact upon the Chapter future by simply including the following language in your estate plan:

"I give ____dollars to the Philadelphia Continental Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution for its general purposes or for the

benefit of an activity of choice"

Bequests can be tailored to individual interests. Contact an advisor for guidance if necessary.

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NEW MEMBERS AND AWARDS RECEPTION

On Monday, February 10, 2014, the Chapter is hosting a reception at the Doubletree (by Hilton) Hotel, 301

West DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA from 5 to 7 PM to welcome new Compatriots admitted to the

Philadelphia Continental Chapter during the years 2012 and 2013 (over 70 !) AND to honor some 25 long-

tenured Compatriots whose membership in the SAR ranges from 20 to AS MUCH AS 60 years. A list of

these is presented on the previous page of this Newsletter. These gentlemen are all our guests. PLEASE

fall out to welcome them with a Patriotic spirit.

Light refreshments are being served (one drink included) and a cash bar available. Registration is required

via your check for $40.00, payable to PCCSAR, to Carl Fletcher, 1441 Quaker Ridge, West Chester, PA

19380-6944 NO LATER THAN Wednesday, February 5th.

NAME: ________________________________________________________

GUESTS(S): ______________________________________________________

AMOUNT @ $40 __________________________

1958 and 1963

.

Compatriot Phil Steel received his 50 year pin and certificate.

He was the speaker at the December meeting. Compatriot Ellis Adams received his 55 year pin and a

certificate at the December meeting. He is the Second

Vice President of the Philadelphia

Continental Chapter.

Congratulations to Both

What do 1958 and 1963 have in common? They were the years that two of our

compatriots became compatriots. Both are still active

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ANNUAL GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

FEBRUARY 22, 2014

Be sure to make reservations early for you, your family and your guests for the Chapter’s

annual George Washington’s Birthday Celebration at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 22nd,

at the City Tavern. This year as last, a contingent of hearty souls will be led by our color

guard in a march from the City Tavern, 138 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA at 10:30 AM

sharp to the Washington Square Eternal Flame. This is the site of the Revolutionary War

Unknown Soldier Tomb, where a brief ceremony will be held and a wreath set in place.

The party will then march off to the Plaza in front of Independence Hall for a second

wreath- laying at General Washington’s statue. Those not directly involved in the cere-

mony will watch from the north side of Chestnut Street. Following this ceremony, all

hands will return to the City Tavern for a reception upstairs in the Long Room.

This is a most anticipated event with a cash bar available. After ample time for libations,

renewing old friendships and making new ones, luncheon will be served at 12:45. The en-

trée selection is Colonial Turkey Pot Pie, preceded by a Tavern Country Salad and, for des-

sert, Fresh Fruit Cobbler served warm. Cost of luncheon: $40.00

George Washington’s Birthday Luncheon Reservation

Saturday, February 22, 2014

City Tavern, 138 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia

A cash bar reception will commence upon our return from Independence Hall.

Pot Pie Veg.

Name __________________________________________ ______ ______

Guests__________________________________________ ______ ______

__________________________________________ ______ ______

__________________________________________ ______ ______

Total @ $40 each ___________

Send check payable to PCCSAR to Carl Fletcher, 1441 Quaker Ridge, West Chester, PA 19380

DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IS 2/14/2014

In Memoriam

William R. Cooper II

John J. Craft

Allen L. Walker

Philadelphia Continental Chapter – SAR 43 LOUELLA CT WAYNE, PA 19087-3527

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George Washington’s Birthday Luncheon

Saturday, February 22, 2014

City Tavern