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The Withlacoochee Patriot Page 1

Larry Dean Sturgeon – Editor: (flssar_withlacoochee_chapter@hotmail.com)

April 2016 – Edition 7

The Withlacoochee Patriot Withlacoochee Chapter

Citrus & Hernando County

Message from our President: In the past month I felt that I had let the Chapter down. This was by my attempt to change

the date of the Chapter Meeting from Saturday to a Thursday.

I listen to the Compatriots and abide by the majority of the vote. We will continue to have

our meetings on Saturdays. I want to thank everyone for their advice and support.

As George Washington said in a “Letter to Brigadier General Glover, April 26, 1777”

"Difference in an officer is a good mark because he will always endeavor to bring

himself up to what he conceives to be the full line of his duty."

Clyde Elza Johnson

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Meeting Information – Chapter & State

Monthly Membership Meetings May 21, 2016 (Saturday) 11:00 AM September 10, 2016 (Saturday) 11:00 AM October 15, 2016 (Saturday) 11:00 AM Directions to Members Meetings Executive Board Meeting – EBM

May 12, 2016 (Thursday) 1:00 PM September 1, 2016 (Thursday) 1:00 PM October 27, 2016 (Thursday) 1:00 PM Directions to Executive Board Meeting

Board of Management Meeting (B.O.M.) South West Region Chapters will be the Host

Region for the 2016 Spring BOM Meeting. May 13 - 15, 2016 South West Region: Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, Glades, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, Collier, Monroe

FLSSAR Website The Florida Society SAR will hold its Spring Board of Management (B.O.M.) and Annual Meeting at: THE FLORIDA HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER at the Florida Mall, 1500 SAND LAKE ROAD, ORLANDO, FL 32809. Interested in going to the B.O.M.? Contact Chapter President Clyde Johnson You can find more information about this event at the FLSSAR website BOM tab. (www.flssar.org) **Cascades at Southern Hills, 19761 Fort King Run, Brooksville, Florida 34601

Officers of 2015-2016 Term

President: Clyde Elza Johnson

1st Vice President: Daniel Wood Hans

2nd Vice President: Stephen Carl Brown

Secretary: Larry Dean Sturgeon

Treasurer: Jack L. Townsend

Registrar: Stephen Carl Brown

Chaplain: Norman Romeyn Freyer

Genealogist: Stephen Carl Brown

Historian: Kenneth Ronald Dunn

Immediate Past President: Edward Ralph Gingrich

Color Guard Commander:

Larry Dean Sturgeon

Chapter News in this Withlacoochee Patriot

1. Message from our President: Page 1 2. Meeting Information & Birthdays: Page 2 3. Withlacoochee Chapter Officers: Page 3 4. Chapter Schedule: Pages 4 - 8 5. Color Guard Event(s): Page 9 6. Revolutionary War History: Page 10 8. Honoring Patriots’ Day: Pages 11 - 12 9. Ed Gingrich – Meritorious Service Medal: Page 13 10. Guest Speaker Kim Shields: Page 14 15. 2016/2017 Flag Certificates: Page 25 11. Naval Sea Cadet Medal: Page 15 16. WYKE TV Interview: Page 26 12. SAR Bronze JROTC Award: Pages 16 - 19 13. Revolutionary War History: Pages 20 - 21 14. 2015/2016 Americanism Poster Contest: Pages 22 – 24 Visit: Withlacoochee Chapter Website

April Birthday Jimmie Barnes – April 11 William Carman – April 27 Ronald Dunwoodie – April 7 Ronald Powell – April 26 Scott Redrick – April 24

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2015/2016 Withlacoochee Chapter Officers

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Commander: Larry Dean Sturgeon Vice - Commander: Vacant

April 9, 2016 Honor Patriots’ Day

April 10, 2016 PO2 Robert Stewart was presented the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship

Medal and Certificate.

TAKE NOTICE!

We are in need of more Guardsmen

to further serve our Chapter, the

public, and most importantly, our

patriot ancestors. We dress in

American Revolutionary War

Uniforms marching in holiday

parades’ and observances’ and

posting of the colors at our general

membership meetings.

If you are interested in joining our ranks please contact the Camp Commander to get started. We would be honored to have you as a fellow Guardsman.

SAR ColorGuardsman Magazine

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April 23, 1778

John Paul Jones burns Whitehaven, England

At 8 a.m. on this day in 1778, John Paul Jones, with 30 volunteers from his ship, the USS Ranger, launches a

surprise attack on the two harbor forts at Whitehaven, England. Jones’ boat successfully took the southern fort,

but a second boat, assigned to attack to the northern fort, returned to the Ranger without having done so,

claiming to have been scared off by a strange noise. To compensate, Jones decided to burn the southern fort;

the blaze ultimately consumed the entire town. It was the only American raid on English shores during the

American Revolution.

Later the same day, Jones continued from Whitehaven, where he began his sailing career, to his home

territory of Kirkcudbright Bay, Scotland. There he intended to abduct the earl of Selkirk, and then exchange him

for American sailors held captive by Britain. Although he did not find the earl at home, Jones’ crew was able to

steal all his silver, including his wife’s teapot, still containing her breakfast tea. From Scotland, Jones sailed

across the Irish Sea to Carrickfergus, where the Ranger captured the HMS Drake after delivering fatal wounds

to the British ship’s captain and lieutenant.

In September 1779, Jones fought one of the fiercest battles in naval history when he led the USS Bonhomme

Richard frigate, named for Benjamin Franklin, in an engagement with the 50-gun British warship HMS Serapis.

The USS Bonhomme Richard was struck; it began taking on water and caught fire. When the British captain of

the Serapis ordered Jones to surrender, Jones famously replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!” A few hours

later, the British captain and crew of theSerapis admitted defeat and Jones took command of their ship.

Jones went on to establish himself as one of the greatest naval commanders in history; he is remembered,

along with John Barry, as a Father of the American Navy. He is buried in a crypt in the U.S. Naval Academy

Chapel at Annapolis, Maryland, where a Marine honor guard stands at attention in his honor whenever the

crypt is open to the public.

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The Chapter Color Guardsmen Assembled to post colors and Honor April Patriot's Day

April General Member’s Meeting April 9, 2016

L – R: Jack Townsend, Robert Folk, Harley Nelson, Mark Idle, Charles Day & Larry Sturgeon.

Patriot's Day (or Patriots' Day) commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, which were fought near Boston in 1775. Patriot's Day is annually held on the third Monday of April. It should not be confused with Patriot Day, held on September 11 to mark the anniversary of terrorist attacks in the USA in 2001.

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Edward Gingrich Meritorious Service Medal

April 9, 2016

L – R: Chapter President Clyde Johnson, Charles Meritorious Service Certificate Day & Edward Gingrich

L – R: Chapter President Clyde Johnson, Charles Day, Edward Gingrich and Lillian Gingrich

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Kim Shields 1st Vice President Florida Watercolor Society, President in 2016

Certificate of Appreciation April 9, 2016

L – R: Chapter President Clyde Johnson, Kim Shields & Norman Freyer.

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US Naval Sea Cadet Corps Manatee Division SAR Good Citizenship Medal & Certificate

5800 Riverside Dr.

Yankeetown, FL 34498-2355

April 10, 2016

L – R: PO2 Robert Stewart, Larry Sturgeon

& Commander Scott Arnold.

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Air Force JROTC Citrus High School Inverness, Florida

Friday, April 29, 2016

Cadet Adriana Benefield

Receiving her SAR Bronze JROTC Medal & Certificate from 1st VP Dan Hans

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Air Force JROTC

Hernando High School Brooksville, Florida

Friday, April 29, 2016

Cadet: Jodee L. Latimer

Receiving her SAR Bronze JROTC Medal & Certificate from

Compatriots Richard Sumner and Larry Sturgeon

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Air Force JROTC Springstead High School

Springhill, Florida Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Cadet Andrew Morris

Receiving his SAR Bronze JROTC Medal & Certificate from

Compatriot Larry Sturgeon

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Army JROTC Lecanto High School

Lecanto, Florida Thursday, May 5, 2016

Cadet Michael Bush

Receiving his SAR Bronze JROTC Medal & Certificate from

Compatriot Dan Hans

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Overview of the American Revolution Digital History ID 2910

Much more than a revolt against British taxes and trade regulations, the American Revolution was the first

modern revolution. It marked the first time in history that a people fought for their independence in the

name of certain universal principles such as rule of law, constitutional rights, and popular sovereignty.

This section examines the causes, fighting, and consequences of the American Revolution. You will read

about the problems created by the Seven Years' War, and British efforts to suppress American smuggling,

to prevent warfare with Indians, and to pay the cost of stationing troops in the colonies. You will also read

about the emerging patterns of resistance in the colonies, including petitions, pamphlets, intimidation,

boycotts, and intercolonial meetings. You will also learn about the series of events, including the Boston

Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Coercive Acts, that ruptured relations between Britain and its American colonies.

In addition, you will learn why many colonists hesitated before declaring independence and how the

Declaration of Independence summarized colonial grievances and provided a vision of a future

independent American republic. This chapter will discuss the composition of the British and American

military forces; the Revolution's implications for the institution of slavery; and the role of the French,

Spanish, Dutch, and Native Americans in the colonists' struggle for independence. Finally, you will learn

why the Americans emerged victorious in the Revolution.

Summary:

The Causes of the Revolution

The roots of the American Revolution can be traced to the year 1763 when British leaders began to tighten

imperial reins. Once harmonious relations between Britain and the colonies became increasingly conflict-

riven. Britain’s land policy prohibiting settlement in the West irritated colonists as did the arrival of British troops. The most serious problem was the need for money to support the empire.

Attempts through the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, and the Townshend Acts to raise money rather than

control trade met with growing resistance in the colonies. Tensions increased further after Parliament

passed the Coercive Acts and the First Continental Congress took the first steps toward independence from Britain. Before the colonies gained independence, they had to fight a long and bitter war.

The Revolutionary War

The British had many advantages in the war, including a large, well-trained army and navy and many

Loyalists who supported the British Empire. But many white colonists were alienated by Lord Dunmore’s

promise of freedom to slaves who joined the royal army, and were inspired by Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.

Excellent leadership by George Washington; the aid of such European nations as France; and tactical

errors by British commanders contributed to the American victory. British strategy called for crushing the

rebellion in the North. Several times the British nearly defeated the Continental Army. But victories at

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Trenton and Princeton, N.J., in late 1776 and early 1777 restored patriot hopes, and victory at Saratoga, N.Y., which halted a British advance from Canada, led France to intervene on behalf of the rebels.

In 1778, fighting shifted to the South. Britain succeeded in capturing Georgia and Charleston, S.C. and

defeating an American army at Camden, S.C. But bands of patriots harassed loyalists and disrupted

supply lines, and Britain failed to achieve control over the southern countryside before advancing

northward to Yorktown, Va. In 1781, an American and French force defeated the British at Yorktown in the war's last major battle.

Consequences:

1. About 7,200 Americans died in battle during the Revolution. Another 10,000 died from disease or exposure and about 8,500 died in British prisons.

2. A quarter of the slaves in South Carolina and Georgia escaped from bondage during the Revolution. The

Northern states outlawed slavery or adopted gradual emancipation plans.

3. The states adopted written constitutions that guaranteed religious freedom, increased the legislature's size and powers, made taxation more progressive, and reformed inheritance laws.

(04/03) Colonial Assembly of New York holds last session. (Digital History ID 1932)

(04/14) Gage receives orders from England to arrest leaders of Massachusetts Provincal Congress. (Digital

History ID 1943)

(04/18) General Gage orders 700 British soldiers to Concord to destroy the colonists' weapons depot. Paul

Revere and William Dawes leave Boston to warn colonists. Before being captured by a British

patrol, Revere reaches Lexington about midnight and warns Sam Adams and John

Hancock. (Digital History ID 1947)

(04/18) General Gage orders 700 British soldiers to Concord to destroy the colonists' weapon depot. Paul

Revere and William Dawes ride from Charlestown to Lexington, Massachusetts to warn colonial

leaders that the British troops are coming. They reach Lexington at about midnigh and warn Sam

Adams and John Hancock before being captured by a British patrol. (Digital History ID 507)

(04/19) Battle of Lexington and Concord: An unordered "shot heard around the world" begins the American

Revolution. British forces retreat from Lexington back to Boston and are harassed and shot at all

along the way by farmers and rebels. News of the events at Lexington and Concord spreads like

wildfire throughout the colonies. Read More about The Battle of Lexington and Concord (Digital

History ID 1948)

(04/23) MA Provincial Congress creates new army. (Digital History ID 1952)

(04/25) Philadelphians associate in the defense of "their lives, their property, and liberty."(Digital History ID)

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2015/2016 Americanism Poster Contest 1st Place Winner Riley Crawford

Brooksville Elementary

By Compatriot Lindsey Brock: The Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution

The Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution in American Waters

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2015/2016 Americanism Poster Contest 2nd Place Winner Dawson Barrett

Floral City Elementary

By Compatriot Lindsey Brock: The Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution

The Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution in American Waters

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2015/2016 Americanism Poster Contest 3rd Place Winner Reese McVickers

West Hernando Christian School

By Compatriot Lindsey Brock: The Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution

The Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution in American Waters

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2016/2017 Flag Certificates

The Flag Certificate, authorized in 1987, is presented to individuals, companies and government Agencies that fly the flag of The United States for patriotic purposes only.

May 3, 2016 an SAR Flag Certificate was presented by Clyde Johnson to Anderson Medina of 9352 HORIZON DR, SPRING HILL, FL 34608.

May 8, 2016 an SAR Flag Certificate was presented by Ed Gingrich to Leonard Sibley, 4517 Lake Vista Trail, Hernando, FL 34442.

April 21, 2016 an SAR Flag Certificate was presented to Paul Rogers, 9412 Horizon Drive, Springhill, Florida 34608.

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April 27, 2016

Host: Neal Brennan

Session 1 - Eagle Scouts

Session 2 - Flag Certificates, Veterans, Habitat for Humanity and etc.

Charles Day and Larry Sturgeon.

Picture by: Edward Gingrich

Session 1 Video Session 2 Video

Website Link