SAR Members Recognized at State Mid-Year Conference
Hot Springs, AR – The State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution held their Mid-Year Conference in Hot Springs, AR on September 26, 2026. During the conference, members were recognized for their contributions to the Society and for helping to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country.
The following Society members received awards at the conference:
• Chapter President Roger Rickard (pictured above with State President Dr. Darrell Over) – Patriot Medal
• Past VPG Charles McLemore – State Henry Knox Achievement Medal (Silver), Gold & Silver 250th Anniversary Recognition Awards
• Compatriot Wayne Shewmake – State Henry Knox Achievement Medal (Silver), Gold & Silver 250th Anniversary Recognition Awards
• Chapter President Rodney Young – Gold & Silver 250th Anniversary Recognition Awards
• Compatriot Mark Baldwin – State Henry Knox Achievement Medal (Silver), Gold 250th Anniversary Recognition Award
• State President Darrell Over – Gold & Silver 250th Anniversary Recognition Awards
Patriot Medal is the highest award presented to a Compatriot by a State Society and recognizes long, faithful, outstanding, and distinguished service at the state and/or chapter level. The Patriot Medal is awarded only by a State Society and may be presented only to an individual. Service at the national level is not considered in making the award. It is desirable that it be presented at the annual meeting of the State Society. A representative cannot accept the Patriot Medal.
The State Henry Knox Achievement Medal may be awarded by a State Society to a Compatriot or non-SAR member to recognize a specific outstanding contribution, achievement, accomplishment, deed, performance, or effort that advances the mission, governance, programs, or activities of that State Society. This award is not limited by a specific time of service requirement and may be presented to recognize a singular act or multiple acts. Named for Henry Knox (1750-1806), the medal honors Knox’s completion of a seemingly impossible task: successfully completing General Washington’s order to move Fort Ticonderoga’s
captured heavy artillery to Boston. Knox moved 58 pieces of artillery—mostly 12-pounder and 18-pounder cannons, but also one 5,000 pound 24-pounder cannon called “Old Sow”— approximately 300 miles away. Weighing over 60 tons, Knox moved this artillery train— including ordinance and powder—by crossing ice-covered Lake George and crossing the Hudson River four times. In forty days, Knox and his men completed this singular achievement and positioned the cannons on Dorchester Heights. British General William Howe commented, “these fellows have done more work in one night than I could make my army do in three months.”
Gold 250th Anniversary Recognition Award, a National award, is designed recognize those compatriots, chapters, societies and partner organizations who participate in local, state, national and international events which recognize and honor our Patriot ancestors and the events of the American Revolution. The Anniversary period begins in 2014, with the 250th Anniversary of Parliament’s passage of the Sugar Act, and extends to 2033, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Celebrations are encouraged to honor and recognize Patriot Ancestors or significant events during public education events. All references to the 250th Anniversary at public celebrations are encouraged to give the broadest exposure to this significant time in our history. Medal points are earned for taking part in each celebration that brings attention to the 250th Anniversary period of 2014 through 2033.
Silver 250th Anniversary Recognition Award, a State award, is designed recognize those compatriots, chapters, societies and partner organizations who participate in local, state, national and international events which recognize and honor our Patriot ancestors and the events of the American Revolution. The Anniversary period begins in 2014, with the 250th Anniversary of Parliament’s passage of the Sugar Act, and extends to 2033, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Celebrations are encouraged to honor and recognize Patriot Ancestors or significant events during public education events. All references to the 250th Anniversary at public celebrations are encouraged to give the broadest exposure to this significant time in our history. Medal points are earned for taking part in each celebration that brings attention to the 250th Anniversary period of 2014 through 2033.