December 20, 2025

Gentlemen of the Virginia Society,

 

The Virginia Society was created on June 7, 1895, with twenty charter members and was known as the Virginia Society in Richmond Virginia. Today we continue to be the third largest Sons of the Revolution society in the United States behind New York and Pennsylvania. The following February 22, 1896, we had our first Annual General George Washington’s Birthday Celebration, a tradition we continue today.

I am again pleased to report that The Sons of the Revolution in the Commonwealth of Virginia is sound,  financially solid and our membership continues to grow. As time goes by, we have lost some long-standing members, however our recruiting efforts have produced a number of younger members who are already serving on committee and board positions.  At our current rate of growth, by 2027 we are poised to well surpass seven hundred.

We also continue to be a model as to how a Society should function by our administrative and financial management, support of the overall mission in our programs, events, and philanthropy.

We are entering the 250th year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence which was the beginning of our nation’s fight against the tyranny of the largest and most powerful empire on the earth. As descendants of those who led the fight and won the freedoms that we have enjoyed we must celebrate this momentous occasion with the reverence and recognition it deserves. I ask that you proudly represent the Virginia Society by being part of this celebration in your communities by stepping up and showing up for as many of the special events that will take place around Virginia as possible.

Our respect for family lineage and knowing that our ancestors DNA is our DNA and that your family’s  contributions to the cause of freedom have created the history of our nation and its traditions. I ask each of you to step up and show up by becoming more active in our Society.

The board also continues to refine and add new events for 2026.  Our 2025 Annual Meeting was well attended by members and guests, and a new venue is planned for our meeting on May 4, 2026. Our “Boots, Blue Jeans, Barbecue and Bluegrass” event was also well attended, and we thank Bev Mauck and members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans A.P. Hill Camp for the preparation of the Brunswick Stew we enjoyed. A new venue is also being discussed for this event next October.

“Hats off” to our members who showed up to help make the Colonial Dames, Colonial Wars, and VSSR Wilton House Oyster Roast another success. Speaking of success, Scott Bussells and CL Sigmon’s efforts have not only continued to provide new members for our Society but they have added two new Membership Committee members, William Cabell and Alex Thorup. William and Alex have been working on some new event ideas and have organized a sporting clays event for March of 2026.

The 2026 GWB dinner will be held on February 21st and will mark the two-hundred and ninety-fourth celebration of the birthday of the Father of our Country, George Washington. As most of you may know, the speaker at our 2025 GWB Dinner Lieutenant General David Furness, USMC (ret) is now the Superintendent of his alma matter, VMI.  As in recent years, we plan to continue to provide speakers of this caliber for our future GWB Dinners.

The Patriots’ Fund allows us to provide aid to others who have missions synonymous with ours. Our Treasurer Sean O’Hara is “passing the torch” as administrator of the Patriots’ Fund to our new Secretary Spen Custis. This past year Patriots Fund donations were used to provide financial support of the 1776 Project at the Library of Virginia; The American Revolution Museum in Yorktown, the home of our flag collection; The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; and the James Monroe Foundation. For your consideration, if you are a life member with no annual dues obligation, you might think of donating to the Patriots’ Fund this year. Any amount is greatly appreciated, and we need your support to reach our goal to so we may fund our Society’s educational and philanthropic efforts. Thank you to all who have donated this year.

There is no better time than the present to consider volunteering as an officer or committee member or on our Color Guard. Our Past President Matson Roberts heads up our Nominating Committee so please contact him with your support.

Gentlemen, I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving and I extend my sincere wishes for a very happy Christmas and Holiday Season to you and your families. Rejoice, Enjoy and Celebrate all the joy the holidays offer!

As your President I continue to be humbled and privileged to serve you, the members of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the Revolution.

Mark M. Jakobowski

President