Memorial Day Observance

by Paul Burright | Jun 21, 2020 | Nebraska Society

We are posting this a little late, but we wanted to make you all aware that even though the COVID pandemic cancelled nearly all of our Memorial Day events that the Nebraska SAR participates in, we were still able to observe the holiday and honor our veterans.  Compatriots Shawn Stoner and John Braisted, both from the Lincoln Chapter, stood guard, in the Capitol Rotunda, over a candle that was lit by a Gold Star Family from Gretna, NE.  Many veterans groups were participants in this ceremony, that lasted throughout the day, and we were glad that our Society was represented so well by our two members and that we were still able to honor our fallen veterans and ancestors.

Dr. Aurelius Bowen Grave Marking

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Aug 27, 2019 | Nebraska Society

Champion Spalding Chase 1st President of Nebraska SAR Grave Marking

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Aug 11, 2019 | Nebraska Society

Champion Spalding Chase Grave Marking

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Jul 20, 2019 | Nebraska Society

You are invited to join the Nebraska SAR on August 10, 2019 for a grave marking for our State Society’s First President, Champion Spalding Chase. The event is to honor him, his memory and his service to the SAR. President Chase, was a mayor of Omaha serving 7 years, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the U.S. Army (1862-1866), first Attorney General of the State of Nebraska, and University of Nebraska Regent for 6 years.

The ceremony will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Omaha, NE on August 10, 2019 at 10 a.m. Congressman Hal Daub will be the featured speaker at this event. Nebraska SAR Color Guard will present the colors.

Please bring a chair. Limited shade will be available but we are hoping for a cool morning. There will be a small reception following.

Please feel free to share this event with as many of your family and friends as you wish.

Memorial Day

by Paul Burright | May 30, 2019 | Nebraska Society

Members of the Nebraska SAR Color Guard participated in the Memorial Day Ceremony at Omaha National Cemetery. It was our largest participation to date, with 5 members of the CG present. State CG Commander, Chad Sherrets; Omaha Captain, Paul Burright; Omaha Chapter President, Tom Upton; Omaha Compatriot, Jim Sly; and Lincoln Captain and State Society President, Shawn Stoner. It was a beautiful day, and we were honored to take part in posting the colors alongside the Millard South JROTC Color Guard, representing our veterans from our earliest conflict to the present.

Purple Heart Honor Flight

by Paul Burright | May 26, 2019 | Nebraska Society

On Friday night, 24 May 2019, the Nebraska SAR Color Guard, participated in its first ever Honor Flight Ceremony.  State Society President and Lincoln CG Captain, Shawn Stoner, Omaha CG Captain, Paul Burright, Omaha Compatriot Mel Burright, and Omaha Compatriot Jim Sly, all participated.

VIP’s in attendance included, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer, and Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon.  All the VIP’s rode at the front of the parade, which extended up 10th St. in downtown Omaha, in restored WWII era jeeps.  There were the VFW color guards, as well as the OPD bagpipe and drum corps, as well as other organizations that participated.  It was a long night, but great ceremony, to honor these purple heart veterans and gold star families, and we are excited that the Nebraska SAR was able to be a part of it. 

Newsletters

by Paul Burright | Mar 21, 2019 | Nebraska Society

Husker Patriot 2018

by Paul Burright | Dec 3, 2018 | Nebraska Society

Compatriots,

The latest issues of “The Husker Patriot” have been uploaded to the website links.

If you would like your editions of “The Husker Patriot” emailed to you, in color, instead of in Black and White hard copies, delivered by snail mail, please let the editors know so we can add you to the list of email recipients. We would love to get more of you on email editions!

Compatriot Kentsmith Honored with Patriot Medal

by Paul Burright | Nov 14, 2018 | Nebraska Society

The Patriot Medal is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Compatriot by a State Society.  It is presented for recognition of long, faithful, outstanding, and distinguished service at the state and/or chapter levels.

State 1st VP, Merle McAlevy, Past State President, David Kentsmith, Omaha President, Tom Upton

As we were unable to present the medal at the Fall State Meeting, Compatriot Kentsmith was presented the medal at the Omaha Chapter Meeting on 13 Nov.  Presenting the medal was State 1st Vice President, Merle McAlevy, and Chapter President, Tom Upton.  Compatriot Kentsmith is very deserving of this recognition as he has served in many capacities and offices at various levels of the Society.  He has been Chapter President of Omaha SAR, State President of Nebraska SAR, State Secretary, State Trustee and Alternate Trustee, as well as serving on various committees, including heading up the committee that helped to rewrite and update our State By-Laws.  He also served as the North Central District, Vice President General to the National SAR.

Congratulations, Compatriot Kentsmith!  Thank you from all of the state membership for your outstanding service to the Omaha and Nebraska SAR!!

Omaha Compatriot Honored

by Paul Burright | Oct 13, 2018 | Nebraska Society

At our Omaha Chapter meeting on 9 Oct 2018, Compatriot David Kentsmith was honored for his service to the SAR.

Chapter President, Tom Upton, presented David with a certificate from National for his service as Vice President General for the North Central District, which includes Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota, for which he served from 2017-2018.  He was also presented with a certificate and pin for his service as our Past State President, from 2016-2017.

Congratulations Compatriot Kentsmith, and thank you, from all of the membership, for your service and dedication to the SAR!

Independence Day Parade – Ralston, NE

by Paul Burright | Jul 5, 2018 | Nebraska Society

The State Color Guard participated in the 58th annual Independence Day Parade in Ralston, NE, on 4 Jul 2018.  Color Guard Commander, Chad Sherrets (Omaha), State President, Shawn Stoner (Lincoln), Compatriot John Braisted (Lincoln), and Compatriot Paul Burright (Omaha) were in attendance.  Nella and Aylin Dolan, members of the Children of the American Revolution, also in period dress, carried our banner in front of the colors.  Compatriot Mel Burright (Omaha) rode in an open jeep behind the color guard, waving and interacting with the spectators, along with Mary Dolan, President of the CAR and also a DAR member.  It was an extremely hot day as we marched the 1.5 miles of the parade route, through downtown Ralston, as one of 100 other parade entries, and were seen by an estimated 42,000 members of the public in attendance.  It was great to see people stand up and salute, or place their hand over their hearts, as we marched past with the colors.  It was a great event to represent the Nebraska Society and showcase our organization to the public.

Commander Chad Sherrets, Pres. Shawn Stoner, Paul Burright, John Braisted

Chad Sherrets, Shawn Stoner, Paul Burright, John Braisted, CAR members Nella and Aylin Dolan

On the parade route!

Independence Day Color Guard!!

#NebraskaSAR #SARPatriotism

2nd Quarter Newsletter

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Jun 22, 2018 | Nebraska Society

The latest edition of the Husker Patriot, 2nd Quarter 2018 has been published to the site, and can be linked from the home page in the Husker Patriot section.

50th Annual NebrasksaLand Days Parade

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Jun 17, 2018 | Nebraska Society

President Shawn Stoner and Compatriot Ron Roberts, Maxwell, prepare to play in the North Platte High School alumni band during the parade.

More pictures part 2

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Jun 8, 2018 | Nebraska Society

More pictures from the Grave Marking

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Jun 8, 2018 | Nebraska Society

More pictures from the grave marking celebration.

Spring Meeting Cancelled

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Apr 15, 2018 | Nebraska Society

Due to weather, we regret to announce that we are cancelling the State Meeting for today.

NESSAR Color Guard Presents Colors

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Mar 25, 2017 | Nebraska Society

Fall 2016 State Meeting

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Sep 19, 2016 | Nebraska Society

NESAR met Sunday 11 Sep 2016 for our bi-annual meeting.

Color Guard members Chad Sherrets and Shawn Stoner with President David KentSmith.  Standing by a hand carved Great Seal of the United States that belongs to John Braisted.

Nebraska Color Guard Formed

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Apr 15, 2016 | Nebraska Society

Both the Lincoln and Omaha Chapters have formed color guards!

The Omaha Chapter is under the command of Chad Sherretts and the Lincoln Chapter is under the command of Shawn Stoner.

Both units came together to for the Nebraska Society Color Guard for the first time April 20, 2016 at the Spring meeting of the NESSAR.

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NESSAR Color Guard for the Spring 2016 Meeting. Ron Sites (Omaha) Shawn Stoner (Lincoln) and Chad Sherrets (Omaha)

Presenting the colors for the assembled to say the Pledge of Alligence.

Commander Sherrets commands the guard to post the Colors.

Color Guard with newly elected NESSAR President David Kentsmith.

Reports From 2015 Congress

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Oct 6, 2015 | Nebraska Society

Reports from Congress submitted by Fred Walden, Trustee and John Parsons, North-Central Region Vice-President

Report on the 125th Congress of the Sons of the American Revolution

The finance Committee reported that an expenditure of $40,000 will be made to bring the computer system up to date.

A Motion was made and passed to raise the annual dies $5.00 per year.  So, in 2016 the annual dues will be raised $50.00 per member.   There were several objections to the motion, including mine.  Many voiced opinions that the raise would cause loss of membership and make it difficult to attract new members.  After a standing vote, the motion was carried.

The University of Louisville has worked with the SAR developing a computer program designed to charge non SAR members a fee to use the SAR Museum.  This will create new revenue for the SAR.

Operation Ancestor Search (OAS) began in 2010 with an altruistic vision of a program whereby skilled SAR genealogists could provide genealogy assistance and training in family history research for wounded soldiers, their families and caregivers, thereby taking their minds off their often difficult and painful injuries that they received in combat.  To date, OAS has served more than 1,100 participants through 23 participating SAR Chapters across the U.S.  If our chapter is interested in starting an OAS program, we can contact OAS Chairman Carl Bedell at cbedell@yahoo.com or OAS Program Director Rick Kincaid at rkincaid@sar.org or 502-588-6147.

I was happy to see John Parsons and his lady walk down the aisle and be introduced as out North-Central Vice President.

Since we do not have a North-Central district breakfast, Janet and I attended the North Atlantic and Midwest breakfasts.  We also attended the $1000 dollar Breakfast.  I brought back some literature that explains how one can become a member of the $1000 group by contributing $250 per year for four years.  This money is used for scholarships (Boy Scouts etc.) and is kept separate from all other funds.

Voting for the 2016 officers involved a long line which took approximately one hour to register and to vote.

This year’s Congress was held at the Galt Hotel.  Previous meetings were held at the Brown Hotel.   I was not as comfortable at the Galt.  The meetings were held in rooms that were a greater distance one from the other.  The beds were not as comfortable as those in the Brown.  Parking was expensive.  Valet parking was $25 a day and regular parking was $10 per day.

From Omaha, half-way to Louisville is approximately 250 miles.  We traveled that distance stopping at Galesburg, Illinois.  We found Galesburg an ideal stop with convenient Motek, restaurants and filling stations.

The 126th National Congress of the Sons of the American Revolution will be held in Boston, Massachusetts in 1026.

Respectfully submitted, Fred Walden

The 125th NSSAR Convention in Louisville

My wife Pauline and I had the privilege of attending the 125th Convention of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution in Louisville, Kentucky from 26 June to 1 July 2015.  Fred Walden (the National Trustee from Nebraska) and his wife Jan also attended, and the four of us had a great time.

The weekend was taken up primarily by optional side trips to Churchill Downs, the George Rogers Clark homestead, or other local attractions.  There is quite a bit to see in Louisville including the Slugger museum, various bourbon distillers, shopping opportunities, and of course, the SAR library and museum.

The museum and library, also with many other tourist attractions, was within walking distance of the hotel.  I spend several hours in the library which has a fantastic collection of historical and genealogical books and documents.  The Kentucky Society hosted a welcome party Saturday evening at the museum, providing a splendid opportunity to meet attendees from all over the country.

The museum is in its early stages of construction, and the staff is trying to put together not just a collection of artifacts, but an educational display of the entire American Revolution with the intent to educate the public on the events and ideas of that era.  It is a great idea and we’ll see how it works out.

Business meetings were conducted Monday through Wednesday.  some awards were distributed during thees sessions, and I was presented with streamers for the Omaha and Lincoln Chapters and the Nebraska Society as an award for the Patriot biographies that were submitted.  Senator Mitch McConnell, a member of the Kentucky Society, spoke at the Wednesday business meeting, and Mike Helm, the National Commander of the American Legion and a Nebraskan, spoke at the dinner that evening.  Fred and I as members of the American Legion in Nebraska, had our picture taken with him.  Election of new national officers was held and the officers were duly installed at the concluding banquet on Wednesday evening.

While Fred and I were the only members present from the North Central Region, there were quite a few attendees from other parts of the country.  I met a number of individuals, including a distant relative of mine from Berks County, PA, and an individual from Alabama who was friends with one of Pauline’s cousins.  It’s a small world!

Next year’s session will be held in Boston, so that should be interesting.  We had a great time and I would encourage any of you who would like to attend to please do so.

John Parsons

2014 Spring Meeting of NESSAR

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | May 2, 2014 | Nebraska Society

April 27 was the Spring meeting of the NESSAR at Mahoney State Park.

Officers for the next 2 years were elected, an Eagle Scout award, EMT award and Flag Certificate were awarded.  Below are pictures of the newly elected President John Reinert and outgoing President Fred Walden.  And a picture of the board of councilors.

Awards Given at the 2013 Fall Meeting

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Sep 27, 2013 | Nebraska Society

Our awardee for the Fire Safety Commendation was given to Lincoln Fire and Rescue member Andrew McLaughlin.

Compatriot Stoner presents award to Andrew McLaughlin

Firefighter Andrew McLaughlin and Chief Tim Linky

President Fred Walden made his personal award to members of the NE Society and other for their help during his tenure.

John Reinert awarded the Meritorious Service Medal

James Hoke awarded the Meritorious Service Medal

Shawn Stoner awarded the Meritorious Service Medal

Merle Rudebusch awarded the Roger Sherman Medal

John Parsons awarded the Liberty Medal for sponsoring more than 10 SAR members.

President Walden presents the Lydia Darragh award to his wife Jan Walden for the work helping and supporting him during his tenure as President.

President Walden and Robert Chandler present the NESSAR Flag Award to Merle Rudebusch.

President Walden presents the awards that members, chapters and the society received at the 2013 Congress.

Bob Knott and Bill Webb being presented the Flathers award for the NESSAR newsletter, The Husker Patriot.

President Walden presents the Streamer and Certificate for Flag Certificates presented to John Reinert.

2013 SAR Congress

by shawnstoner84@gmail.com | Jul 21, 2013 | Nebraska Society

NESSAR President Fred Walden and wife Jan (pictured 2nd from left) attended the SAR Congress in Kansas City July 6-10, 2013.

Lincoln Chapter vice president Shawn Stoner also attended the business meetings on July 8-10.