Chapter Color Guard
Many Fairfax Resolves members participate in the SAR Color Guard program on the State and National levels. Organized in 1989 by President General Westlake, the SAR Color Guard serves a significant ceremonial role at historic observances, grave markings and other events upon request.
Below are pictures of events where Fairfax Resolves Compatriots participated in special SAR Color Guard events. More pictures of Color Guard activities are located in the Historic Observances and Press Coverage sections.
2009-2010
The Crossing of the Dan Observance
On Februrary 20, 2010, the VASSAR Color Guard attended the Crossing of the Dan observance in South Boston, Virginia. The participants started the day with a wreath laying and continued with a pilgrimage to the Crossing of the Dan site on the Dan River.
Members of the Fairfax Resolves and VASSAR Color Guard at the site of the Dan River Crossing by General Nathanael Greene and his men.
Judge Peter Davenport, George Mason Chapter; Dennis Fritts, Fincastle Resolutions Chapter; Larry McKinley, Fairfax Resolves; Color Guard Commander Rob Andrews, Col. James Wood, II Chapter; Robert Bowen, VASSAR President; Andrew Johnson, George Mason Chapter; Vernon Eubanks, Fairfax Resolves Chapter; and Allen Brahin, Fincastle Resolutions.
Oak Hill Elementary
Flag Certificate Ceremony
On February 17, 2010, the Fairfax Resolves Color Guard visited the Oak Hill Elementary School in Fairfax, Virginia. President Jack Sweeney, and members of the Chapter Color Guard recognized the Safety Patrol and the Patrol's Captains for their work keeping their fellow students safe and for their daily rendering of the Colors at their school. Principal Amy Goodloe introduced the Chapter members, and was also recognized with a Flag Certificate.
Cowpens Observance
On January 16, 2010, the VASSAR Color Guard attended the Cowpens observance in South Carolina. The participants started the day by laying a carnation at the base of the Daniel Morgan Monument in Spartanburg, SC, and continued at the Cowpens National Battlefield Park where honors were given to the Patriots that fought in the battle.
Members of the Fairfax Resolves with other Virginia Compatriots in front of the Daniel Morgan Monument.
Compatriots from left to right: Wayne Rouse, Vern Eubanks, Darrin Schmidt, Peter Davenport, David Sympson, Larry McKinley, Allen Brahin, John Skillman, Frank Horton, Mike Tommy.
Occoquan Workhouse
Upon request of the Fairfax County Chapter NSDAR, the VASSAR Color Guard presented colors at the dedication of an historical marker at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia on November 15, 2009. The marker honors the Suffragists who were imprisoned at the Occoquan Workhouse for seeking the right to vote. The Color Guard expertly presented and retired the Colors for the event, with about 175 people in attendance.
Press Coverage: Fairfax Station Connection - November 18, 2009
Dan Rolph (left) and Darrin Schmidt stand next to the newly installed historical marker.
Vernon Eubanks, Peter Davenport, and Colorguard Commander Larry McKinley at the marking ceremony.
Manassas Veterans Day Parade
On November 11, 2009, the VASSAR Color Guard attended the Veterans' Day Parade in Manassas, the first parade sponsored by the local American Legion Post. Fairfax Resolves Compatriots participated alongside other VASSAR Color Guard members.
Members of the Fairfax Resolves march with the VASSAR Color Guard in the Manassas Veterans Day Parade.
From left to right: Peter Davenport, Darrin Schmidt, Color Guard Commander Larry McKinley, Andy Johnson, and Vernon Eubanks.
Firing Party
On October 30, 2009, Lon Lacey sponsored the first Color Guard Firing Party at his home for the VASSAR Color Guard, including four Fairfax Resolves Compatriots. Attendees learned the history of the Brown Bess and French Charleville weapons used during the Revolutionary War, how they fire, and important cleaning techniques. Following the discussion, the Color Guard fired their weapons using black powder.
The VASSAR Color Guard look on as Fairfax Resolves Compatriot Vernon Eubanks fires a round from his replica Brown Bess musket.
The Campaign of 1781 Lafayette's Maneuvers
The VASSAR Color Guard served at the October 24, 2009 dedication of the official Virginia State Historical Marker highlighting the maneuvers of Continental Army Major General Lafayette. The dedication ceremony was also attended by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter President, Jack Sweeney and his wife Carol of the Kate Waller Barrett DAR Chapter. The marker is located about 13 Miles west of Fredericksburg on Hwy 3, about 20 Miles east of Culpeper on Hwy 3, about 22 Miles east of Orange on Hwy 20.; about 60 mi NE from Charlottesville on Hwy 20.
VASSAR President Bill Simpson dedicates the historical highway marker honoring The Campaign of 1781, Lafayette’s Maneuvers along with the VASSAR Color Guard which was led by Compatriot Larry McKinley of the Fairfax Resolves (2nd from the right).
Rhythm of Ireland
The VASSAR Color Guard presented the American, Irish and Virginian Colors during the opening ceremonies of the 10th Annual Rhythm of Ireland Feis (Irish Dancing Competition) in Williamsburg, Virginia on October 17, 2009.
Color Guard Commander Larry McKinley leads Guardsmen Darrin Schmidt (not pictured), Andy Johnson, and Trice Taylor in presenting the Colors, including the flag of Ireland, at the Rhythm of Ireland Feis in Williamsburg, VA.
The Order of the Founders and Patriots of America Grave Marking
The VASSAR Color Guard presented Colors at a grave marking ceremony at the Warner Hall Plantation in Gloucester on October 17, 2009. SAR President General ED Butler and VASSAR President Bill Simpson were in attendance along with OFPA Governor General John Bourne and Virginia Society President Mike Lyman.
Fairfax Resolves Guardsmen and those of the National Society pose for a picture with President General Ed Butler.
VASSAR Guardsment Darrin Schmidt, Larry McKinley, Andy Johnson, and Trice Taylor pause for a picture with their bronze Compatriots on the Yorktown waterfront prior to the grave marking.
Semi-Annual Meeting
The VASSAR Color Guard presented American and Virginia Colors as part of the semi-annual meeting of VASSAR in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Blockhouse
On May 30th, 2009, the VASSAR Color Guard supported the annual Siege on the Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel State Park near Duffield, Virginia.
VASSAR Color Guard at Present Arms/Colors for “Amazing Grace”
Firing a salute by the militia from Wilderness Road
Memorial Day
The VASSAR Color Guard marched in coordination with the NSSAR unit at the Memorial Day parade on Monday May 25, 2009. This National Observance was held in downtown Washington D.C.
The National Society Color Guard marches in the Memorial Day Parade through downtown Washington D.C.
Sarah Trone Grave Marking
The Fairfax Resolves Color Guard presented Colors in support of the DAR grave marking for Sarah Ann Howison Trone on April 4, 2009. The grave marking was held in Dale City, VA.
Dan Rolph with his Brown Bess musket leads Guardsmen Andy Johnson, Larry McKinley, and Darrin Schmidt to the gravesite in the woods.
Guardsman Andy Johnson watches and Color Guard Commander Larry McKinley prepares for the ceremony by setting stakes for the flags.
Cherry Blossom Festival
The VASSAR Colorguard participated in the opening ceremonies for the Cherry Blossom Festival on April 3, 2009. The Color Guard presented the American, DC and Virginia Colors for the Cherry Blossom Grand Ball and Banquet.
Members of the Color Guard Andy Johnson (right), Larry McKinley, Darrin Schmidt, and Dan Rolph grant a request to pose with some of the ball's attendees.
Participants from Georgia show off Dan Rolph's Brown Bess musket.