HOUSE PASSES COBLE “SONS OF REVOLUTION” BILL

 The House today approved a bill by U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) recognizing the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) on its 100th anniversary. Congressman Coble, a SAR member himself, said he became active in the organization a number of years ago thanks to constituents who were also members.

Rep. Coble said his concurrent resolution was cosponsored by Reps. Brad Miller (D-NC) and Ike Skelton (D-MO). “Our bill honors the 100^th anniversary of the congressional charter of the SAR,” Rep. Coble noted. “I am pleased the House approved our resolution.” Congressman Coble said the Senate will take up the measure at a later date. The legislation reads as follows:

“Whereas the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (in this resolution referred to as the `SAR') was founded on April 30, 1889, and chartered by Congress 100 years ago on June 9, 1906;

Whereas the Charter was signed by Theodore Roosevelt, himself a member of the SAR;

Whereas the SAR was conceived as a fraternal and civic society composed of lineal descendants of the men who wintered at Valley Forge, signed the Declaration of Independence, fought in the battles of the American Revolution, served in the Continental Congress, or otherwise supported the cause of American Independence;

Whereas 16 American Presidents have been proud members of the SAR;

Whereas the Charter of National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution describes the objects and purposes of the Society as . . . patriotic, historical and educational' and that it is charged with perpetuating the memory of the men who, by their services or sacrifices during the war of the American Revolution, achieved the independence of the American people;

Whereas the Society is also dedicated to inspiring its members and the community at large with a more profound reference for the principles of the Government founded by our forefathers and to encourage historical research about the American Revolution;

Whereas the SAR has a long record of accomplishments in teaching about the Revolutionary War and those who gained our freedom during the War for Independence;

Whereas it is largely through efforts by the SAR in the late 1800s and early 1900s that the National Archives were established to gather the records of the men who fought and provided services during the Revolutionary War;

Whereas the SAR advances its mission through commemorations of battles and events that led to our freedom;

Whereas the SAR devotes a great deal of its time, energy, and resources to working with children so that they might have a better understanding of the history of the United States;

Whereas the SAR is currently working to establish a Center for Advancing America's Heritage adjacent to its national headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky; and

Whereas the SAR's almost 27,000 members are organized in Chapters throughout the 50 States and the District of Columbia and in several countries overseas that helped the American Colonies gain their freedom: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress--

(1) recognizes the 100th anniversary of the historic Congressional Charter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution; and

(2) honors and praises the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution on the occasion of its anniversary for its work to perpetuate and honor the memory of the brave men who fought to gain our freedom during the Revolutionary War and for the Society's unfailing devotion to our Nation's youth.”