Sons of the American Revolution Continental Color Guard Invaded the Embassy Suites Hotel at the Portland Airport

Portland, OR - April 29-30, 2016 - The Oregon and Washington combined Continental Color Guards of the Sons of the American Revolution opened this weekend’s ceremonies for the Pacific District Meeting. The yearly conference of the Oregon, Washington and Alaska State Societies this year was held at the Embassy Suites at the Portland Airport. 

The two day event included a “History of the American Flag” workshop as well as the Oregon and Washington and Alaska’s Annual Membership meetings and the yearly Pacific District Meeting.    

The Oregon and Washington combined Continental Color Guard of the Sons of the American Revolution first row (l. to .r) Grier Ingebretsen, Drum Major Viren Lemmer, Dale Ryan (Pres. Spokane Chapter), Lt. Paul Adan, Lt. Art Dolan. Second Row (l. to r.) Cmdr Mark Robertson, Captain Larry Flint, Michael Tieman, Captain Lee Thomasson, Captain Gale Palmer, Barry Moravek, Major Jim Lindley, Will Palmer, Lt. Col. Bob O’Neal. (Ranks are Color Guard designations).

On Saturday evening the Pacific District Meeting reception and banquet were held at the hotel. Opening Ceremonies began with the ceremony of the ladies attending, being escorted into the room under the Continental Color Guard rifle arch and our special guests from the National SAR, President General Tom Lawrence and Inspector General Warren Alter and his wife were then piped into the room. The Color Guard Presented and Posted the Colors and after the banquet and program they Retired the Colors.

The Lewis & Clark Chapter Continental Color Guard
The Lewis and Clark Chapter Continental Color Guard uniforms are replicas of the 1784 style infantry uniforms worn by the First American Regiment. This uniform pattern was approved by George Washington in 1782 for wear by all infantry units in the Continental Army. It consists of a blue coat faced with a red collar, cuffs and lapels, white long tight fitting overalls and a black cockaded tricorn hat. They assume a special patriotic and historic significance when worn by the descendants of Revolutionary War Patriots.

The Continental Color Guard schedule so far this year is: the Pacific District Meeting April 29-30, Memorial Day Observance at the Blue Star Memorial Park in Beaverton, 4^th of July Parade in Lake Oswego, Multnomah Days Parade in Multnomah Village Aug 20^th, Veterans Day Parade in the Hollywood District of Portland and Wreaths Across America ceremony at Willamette National Cemetery Dec.17.

New Lewis & Clark Chapter Booth Sees the Light for the First Time

April 8, 2016. After over 15 years of service, the old booth gets a new facelift. Welcome to the 21st century.

The "Committee"; Compatriots Tom Boardman, Cleve Parker, Grier Ingebretsen and Michael Tieman are putting up the new panels for the first time and in 80+ degree weather.

No problem.

1) Put up the old framework of seven panels.
2) Starting from the center, cut and add Velcro to both the frame and the plastic printed panels.
3) Take a break.
4) Place new panels over the old.
5) Admire our work.
6) Take copious pictures and take a break. (Did I tell you it was 80+ degrees?)
7) Tear down booth in 15 min.

Not bad.

Thanks to all, for a job well done.

Compatriots Tom Boardman, Cleve Parker, Grier Ingebretsen and Michael Tieman

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Join Forces With the Sons of the American Revolution

Today, April 2, 2016 the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Sons of Veterans Reserve joined the Lewis & Clark Chapter, Oregon Sons of the American Revolution monthly meeting.

It was our honor to hear and see the slide presentation by Steve Betschart and Baker Camp Commander Tim O'Neal, both who came dressed in the uniforms of a Union infantryman.

Members of the Baker Camp of the SUVCW survey Oregon cemeteries to identify the final resting place of Civil War veterans. They have placed military headstones on more than 100 previously unmarked veteran's graves. In May they will dedicate six headstones in the Pioneer Cemetery. If you know of a Civil War veteran's grave that needs a headstone, please contact Steve Betschart (503-623-2102).

Like our chapter of the SAR, they do presentations to schools, scout troops, church groups and other organizations, with speakers dressed in period uniforms, and they have a Color Guard that in the right setting, conduct a musket firing demonstration.

We thank these fine gentlemen for taking the time to come and see us, and we hope to meet again walking the same parades and as Color Guards in other veteran's events.