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This annual event was again hosted by the Gen. David Humphreys
Branch No. 1 On the morning of July 4th, at
the historic Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven, members of
Branch #1 conducted the moving ceremony to
honor the signers of the Declaration of Independence with
special tributes paid to Rogers Sherman and David
Humphreys. Branch President John Towle hosted the event. Honored
participants of the ceremonies were the
2nd Company Governor’s Foot Guard, 6th Conn. Regt., Company of
Light Infantry and flag bearers from Boy
Scout Troop 5. Speakers for the event were Damien Cregeau,
CTSSAR State 1st Vice-President and Dave Loda
on his horse Huckleberry. Wreaths were presented and placed at
both grave sites by members of the C.A.R.
Compatriots from the Humphreys Branch, our new CTSSAR State
President, Ethan Stewart, as well as members
of the DAR and C.A.R. were in attendance. If you have the
opportunity, consider taking two hours of your July
4th morning to attend next years’ ceremonies. Those who love
their country and our sacred history, owe it to
show up and support this event.
64-th Annual Ceremony to Honor the Signers of the Declaration of
Independence
BUSINESS NAME
September 1, 2015 Volume XV, Issue III
Page 2
State Officers 2015-2016
National Trustee
Kenneth D. Roach
860-688-8091
[email protected]
President
Ethan A. Stewart, Sr.
203-375-3087
[email protected]
1st Vice-President
Damien M. Cregeau
203-648-1730
[email protected]
2nd Vice-President
William H. Robbins
203-732-0330
[email protected]
Secretary
Paul H. Selnau
860-651-4161
[email protected]
Treasurer
Daniel E. Benoit
203-323-8804
[email protected]
Chaplain
William J. Lane, Jr.
203-288-5863
[email protected]
Registrar
Gregory E. Thompson
203-215-1755
[email protected]
Historian
Gary S. Pitcock
860-289-5331
[email protected]
Chancellor
William P.Fenn
203-421-5511
[email protected]
Real Property Steward
David H. Packard
860-848-0320
[email protected]
Color Guard Commander
Todd L. Gerlander
860-872-0438
[email protected]
Technology Manager/
Alternate National Trustee
David J. Perkins
203-797-1967
[email protected]
For the first time, the Connecticut state winner, Matthew Penza
of New Fairfield was selected as the National
winner and received his $2,000 cash award after reading his
winning essay at the National Youth Luncheon on
Monday June 29th at the 125th National Congress of the SAR held
in Louisville, KY.
National Knight Essay Winner from Connecticut Society
Eagle Scout State Winners become members of the Connecticut
SAR
On Saturday, August 29th, past Eagle Scout state
winners, Andrew and Jackson Gelinas, along with
their father John Gelinas, also an Eagle Scout
became the newest members in the CTSSAR
joining the Rev. Baldwin Branch #9. The swearing
in ceremony was held at the Rev War encamp-
ment site, now Putnam State Park in Redding, CT.
Branch President, Richard Hubert swear in the
Gelinas family and Eagle Scout Chairmen, Tim
Wilkins pinned each of the members with their
SAR rosettes. Also in attendance were State
President, Ethan Stewart; 2nd Vice President,
William Robbins and past President Dave Perkins.
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The annual Let Freedom Ring ceremony on the Litchfield Green was
very loud and colorful. Begin-
ning at 1:45 pm, the First Litchfield Artillery Regiment fired
13 cannon salutes to honor the original
13 states that, as colonies, united for the cause of
independence in 1776.
This year, for the first time, the flags of the 13 original
states were also present. They were ob-
tained by Compatriot Ken Buckbee. Each flag was presented by SAR
Color Guard members when
each state was saluted. Once the cannon salutes were completed,
the bells of the town’s four
churches tolled 13 times, simultaneously at 2 pm, as part of the
national observance of Independ-
ence Day.
The Let Freedom Ring ceremony has been held on Litchfield Green
for more than 50 years. In 1963,
two Connecticut men, Eric Sloane, and First Litchfield Artillery
Regiment co-founder Eric Hatch,
proposed the idea that bells across the nation, including the
Liberty Bell, ring out at the same mo-
ment on Independence Day each year. Their idea was featured in
an article entitled "Make Free-
dom Really Ring" which appeared in the Feb. 17, 1963 issue of
This Week Magazine. The two Erics
obtained the endorsement of Gov. John Dempsey and Sen. Abraham
Ribicoff. Senator Ribicoff took
their idea to Congress and the nationwide ringing of bells, now
known as Let Freedom Ring, was
adopted by Congress on June 26, 1963.
It was Compatriot Buckbee’s desire to bring more of a
Revolutionary war presence to the Let Free-
dom Ring ceremony this year. It worked! Eighteen SAR Color Guard
members – from as far away
as New Jersey and New Hampshire – participated. A total of 33
SAR members were in attendance.
Litchfield’s Independence Day ceremonies began at noon when the
Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter
of the DAR and the Gov. Oliver Wolcott Sr. Branch honored Gov.
Oliver Wolcott Sr. and Col.
Benjamin Tallmadge at their graves in East Cemetery. Local
coverage see: www.litchfield.bz
“To catch the reader's attention, place
an interesting sentence or quote from
the story here.”
Page 2
Page 2
Caption describing picture or graphic.
Caption describing picture or graphic.
Event Calendar
Sun September 6, 4pm
State Color Guard Event
234th Battle of Groton Heights
Ft. Griswold State Park
Groton, CT
Sat September 12
SAR Color Guard Event
Mayflower Society Conference
Foxwoods Conference Center
Mattatuck, CT
Sat Sept 19, 10am
BOM Meeting
Luce’s Restaurant
Middletown, CT
Sun Sept 20, 11am
Wolcott Branch CG Event
Woodbury Colonial Fair &
Muster—Hurd House
Woodbury, CT
Fri Sept 25/ Sat Sept 26
National SAR Fall Leadership
Brown Hotel
Louisville, KY
Sat Oct 10
State Color Guard Event
Gov. Trumbull, 305th Birthday &
Change of Command Ceremony
Gov Trumbull House /
Wadsworth Stable
Lebanon, CT
Sat Oct 10, 11am
Rev. Baldwin Meeting w/DAR
Danbury Historical Museum
Danbury, CT
Sat Oct 17, 10am
New England District Meeting
The Yard Restaurant
Manchester, NH
Sat Oct 17, 9:30am
Nathan Hale Branch Exe. Board
Waterford Library
Waterford, CT
Sat Nov 14, 10am
State All Member Meeting
Griswold Inn
Essex, CT
Sat Nov 21, 10:30am
Nathan Hale Branch Meeting
Langley’s in Waterford, CT
Sun Dec 6
Lebanon Tree Lighting
For more information, send email
to [email protected]
http://www.litchfield.bz/news/booming-tribute-celebrates-independence-day/
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Real Property Committee Report — September 2, 2015
Page 3 Volume XV, Issue III
Many things have transpired since the last report. Let me begin
with the War Office. Work is 99% complete with the exception of the
plexiglass window coverings, phase 2 of the alarm system and
landscaping, to be completed under the grants for 2015. Remaining
work to the floors and upstairs will be done at a later date
pending submission of future grants. This was quite an undertaking
and we should thank Steve Marshall and the many contractors for
their fine workmanship. We have delayed the opening until Lebanon’s
Walktober on October 3rd, in order to complete display layout. Even
though we were closed, Bob Rivard managed to satisfy several school
groups, scheduled through the Lebanon Consortium.
The 1772 Foundation Grant submitted for repairs and painting at
East Haddam has been rejected and will set us back another year. We
will reapply again in the near future. I am still looking for a
solution to lighting the flag pole, we have not flown the Flag
there all year. Another op-tion is to remount the flags to the
building. Good news, the 3 picnic tables donated by Compatriot Burt
Chapman and his wife, were con-structed and delivered.
Nathan Hale in New London is progressing slowly. To date the
permit for the AC system has been issued and work will begin
shortly. This work is within our $10,000 Frank Loomis Palmer Fund
grant, with additional permit fees falling on our properties
budget. The lease with the City of New London is on hold, we are
waiting for their response to our latest offer.
The Docent schedule for the remainder of the year looks rather
bleak. There is only 1 person signed up in New London from Sept. 12
– Oct. 11. If we are to remain open on weekends, we will be forced
to bring in our paid workers. It isn’t as bad in East Haddam, but
is still disappointing. Again, this year the majority of our
docents have been the Daughters of the American Revolution.
There are several upcoming events worth mentioning. We have been
contacted by ABC News in New York. They want to film the
schoolhouse in New London with a family visiting and learning about
Nathan Hale. We Have Damien Cregeau and Debra Dickey lined up to
handle this in October.
I have been in contact with Courtney Reardon, author of Haunted
Mystic: The History Press-Haunted America Series. We spent a day
visiting all 3 museums. Since then, Courtney and her husband have
volunteered as docents in East Haddam. I have scheduled 3 evenings
with her and her crew to investigate spirit movement at our
locations. There is the possibility of a fund raiser at a later
date. Courtney has assured me that her goal is within historical
preservation rather than a spooky attraction.
The New London Fall Food Stroll is set for Wed. October 14th. We
have been invited to open the schoolhouse for beer tasting
conducted by the Charter Oak Brew Co. Pending any insurance issues
it’s a go. Late this afternoon we were able to confirm 7 school
group visits in New London from late September through October. Our
paid docents have already committed to assist.
To date we are within budget. There have been a few added
expenses due to repairs and operating costs increases. Docent
expenses are lower, mainly because we are down from five to
two.
Our long time Property Committee member, Burt Chapman has
submitted his resignation on the Properties Committee, but will
remain as a Docent. For his dedication, Burt was awarded the CTSSAR
Meritorious Service Medal and Certificate. To fill his vacancy,
Damien Cregeau volun-teered and was approved by the Committee and
received the approval of President Ethan Stewart.
Respectfully submitted, David Packard - CTSSAR Real Property
Steward
Historic Military Encampment, Griswold Bicentennial
Dear Compatriots,
HUZZAH! Great event weekend (July 25/26) in Griswold,
Connecticut! The Connecticut Line
CTSSAR participated in the Historic Military Encampment, part of
the Town of Griswold Bicen-tennial. Compatriots Derek Brockhoff,
Lee Gerlander, Randy Gerlander, John Keeney, David
Packard, David Perkins, Tyler Smith, Russell Wirtalla and myself
were there for the whole week-
end. We did some colonial cooking, we did some musket firing, we
camped out, it was a well
organized event!
Thanks to CTSSAR President Ethan Stewart, Richard Kendall, Dan
Dudley and Lee Gerlander
for photos. Several CTSSAR members visited the
encampment, as well as some old reenac-
tor friends that I have not seen in years. I at-
tached 7 photos of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR,
including our camp, demonstrations, and our colo-
nial cooking.
Put your faith in God and keep your powder dry,
Todd L. Gerlander
Colonel Commanding
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President’s Foot Notes As your new President I want to thank
everyone for their support. With your help I am confident we can
continue to
make progress in making the business of the CTSSAR more
efficient.
Goals: Some of my goals as your President are:
(1) Increase membership with the help of Ken Buckbee and Greg
Thompson.
(2) Appointed an Executive Board made up of 8 officers. This
will be to
help better plan our State meetings and hopefully get more
accomplished.
(3) Try and get our branches and other members involved in the
State Society. We will do this by
recognizing branches and members with certificates and awards
for their accomplishments. By
identifying other areas where the CTSSAR needs support, this
action will open other areas where
other compatriots can get involved and contribute.
Summary of activities:
The first half of 2015 has been very busy:
-Attended Color Guard events in Westport, Wethersfield and
Griswold.
-Attended the Coast Guard Academy to give out the Alexander
Hamilton Award with Bob Rivard.
-Reviewed with Dean Gaugler and Bob Serow the 125th Campaign and
I also met with Jen Eifrig our grant writer.
-Attended a Flag Day Celebration with Mary Clap Wooster Chapter
of the DAR in Hamden.
-Attended the annual Grove Street 4th of July Ceremony in New
Haven, organized by the Gen Humphreys Branch.
-Held an Executive Board meeting and one Special BOM meeting
that was very successful.
-Attended Property’s meeting and moved museum items from the
storage trailer into the finished War Office.
-I continue to work with Dave Perkins to create a new directory
which should be out this month.
Visitation:
Need feedback from our Branch Presidents about upcoming Branch
meeting and activities so that I can plan a visit to
your branch. It is one of my other goals to visit each Branch
during my Presidency.
Summary:
In summary, I am very encouraged with our new and old Officers
and their enthusiasm about moving forward in a re-
newed direction with the State Society. I would like to thank
the entire Society for their continued support while we
move toward a bright future.
Patriotically yours, Ethan Allen Stewart, Sr.—CTSSAR
President
Editor
David J. Perkins
Submitters
Robert Rivard
Dave Packard
Ken Buckbee
Ethan Stewart
David Perkins
Todd Gerlander
Connecticut SAR
PO Box 411
East Haddam, 06423
ConnecticutSAR.org
Called to Eternal Rest
in 2015
Paul A. Palmer
New Members in
2015
Peter J Tefft William A Welblen Halsey T Stevens
Raymond A Avery
Bruce A Bathrick Joseph S Conway David J Conway
Loren T Kohler John G Gelinas Jackson C L Gelinas
Andrew J T Gelinas Wallace L Trolan Anthony L Dupre
Robert A Hale Courtland C Kinnie Richard J Mammana
John R Sherman
Philip A Shreffler
Robert E Donahue
Daniel C G Hamar
Zachary J G Hamar
Robert C Wheeler
Bennett W Newman
Ryan S Caulfield
Steven P Caulfield
John A Bates
Ken A MacDonald
Jeffrey V Rabuffo
Henry H Stairs, II
Ronald B Adamowicz
Charles K Wessendorf
Membership is at
589 as of 9/4/2015
Page 4
I attended the 125th Congress in Louisville, KY, held June 27th
to July 1, 2015. At the Congress, I actively participated in
all meetings of the Trustees. Also attending from Connecticut
was Alternate Trustee, David Perkins.
The highlight of the Congress was listening to Connecticut’s own
Matthew Penza read his essay at the Youth Awards
Luncheon. Matt was the Knight Essay Contest First Place Winner
and received a $2,000 scholarship.
Most notable business conducted at the Congress evolved around
dues. After much debate annual dues were raised
$5.00. As the Connecticut Trustee, I voted against the increase.
However it passed by a slim majority. NSSAR member-
ship as of July 1 was 32,623.
There were several contested elections. New Hampshire’s John
(Jack) Manning was opposed by two other candidates for
the position of Historian General. Jack was elected by a clear
majority. There were three candidates for two At-large posi-
tions on the SAR Foundation Board. The At-large members serve a
4 year term on the Board. The candidates were Rick
Hollis of Tennessee, Michael J. Elston of Virginia, and
President General Lindsey Brock. Rick Hollis and Michael Elston
were elected to the Board. The last contested election was for
Vice President General (VPG) of the New England Dis-
trict. Douglas Wood was nominated from the floor opposing Bruce
C. MacGunnigle. Doug Wood was elected to serve a
second term as VPG.
I was honored to accept many awards on behalf of the Connecticut
Society. I accepted the Liberty Medal for Ken
Buckbee (2 OLC), Russ Wirtalla, and Tim Jacobs. Additionally I
accepted The George S. & Stella M. Knight awards for
participating and sponsoring the winner of the Essay Contest,
The Admiral William R. Furlong Memorial Award Certifi-
cate and Streamer, the ROTC/JROTC Participant Certificate and
Streamer, and the Arthur M. King Eagle Scout Scholar-
ship Contest Participant Certificate and Streamer. I was
disappointed that we did not receive the C.A.R. Activity Award
and Streamer as the report may not have been submitted. We
annually exceed the requirements for that award. We also
received the Partnership in Patriotism (PIP) Award as well as
PIP Awards for the Wolcott and Huntington Branches. And
finally, the Rev. Baldwin Branch received a President’s
Initiatives Streamer for submitting the perquisite percentage
of
patriot biographies to the Patriot Index.
Respectfully Submitted, Kenneth Duane Roach—National Trustee
Trustee’s Report from the 2015 Congress
