George Washington Birthday Dinner - February 2009

George Washington Birthday Dinner Photo Album

The Sons of the Revolution in the Commonwealth of Virginia held its annual George Washington Birthday Dinner at the Commonwealth Club in Richmond on Saturday, February 21, 2009. More than 250 members and their guests attended the black tie event, described by Society president Roderick Gardner as an “unapologetically patriotic” celebration of Virginia’s own General Washington, our nation’s first Commander-in Chief.

 The Fishburne Military School color guard presented the national colors and colors of the Commonwealth, followed by the presentation of the Society’s colours on the stage of the Club’s grand ballroom. The posted colours provided a dramatic backdrop for an induction ceremony that included a record number of members who were welcomed into the Virginia Society.

 In addition to the distinguished military and political guests in attendance, the Virginia Society was also honored to have former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating attend and speak at the dinner celebration. Governor Keating eloquently reminded the assembled guests of the importance of honoring Washington’s memory:

 “A powdered wig and the formal syntax of eighteenth century speech should not discourage today’s young from the life embrace of our greatest President, George Washington. Orphaned and finished with his formal education at age fifteen, Washington led his life according to the ‘Rules of Civility,’ in which he ordered himself to a self-imposed regimen of respect, humility, service, sacrifice, honor, dignity, truth-telling and study.

 At a time when our emerging nation was abloom with the genius of Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Adams, Monroe, Jay and Mason, Washington towered above his peers: the first soldier commissioned by his Country; the unanimous choice for military commander; the unanimous choice for Constitutional Convention president; the unanimous choice – twice -- for President of the United States. His was an extraordinary life and his is a necessary and unavoidable legacy. He was, as King George III proclaimed, ‘The greatest man of the age.’ Washington established the tradition of a free press, term limits, a government of constraints and respect for the least of its citizens. He was indeed, first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen. His was an indispensable life.”

 The Virginia Society’s first Washington's Birthday Dinner celebration was held on February 22, 1896 in Richmond.

For more information, please visit www.vssr.org.

(Article above written by Doug Payne and will appear in an upcoming edition of the National Society - Drumbeat newsletter.)