Michigan Society Sons American Revolution

08/20/2026

Blue Water Chapter Dedicates Historical Marker Honoring Revolutionary War Patriot Jonathan Barron

ST. CLAIR, MICHIGAN — July 18, 2026 — The Blue Water Chapter of the Michigan Society, Sons of the American Revolution, joined with the Ottawa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and St. Clair American Legion Post 382 to dedicate a historical marker honoring Revolutionary War Patriot Jonathan Barron at Hillside Cemetery in St. Clair, Michigan.

Installed near the roadway at the cemetery, the marker informs visitors that a veteran of the American Revolution is buried within Hillside Cemetery and recounts the historical significance of Barron’s military service and later life. Although Barron’s individual gravesite is separately identified, the new marker makes his presence and story visible to the broader public.

The ceremony represented the culmination of several years of research, planning, fundraising, and coordination. As the Blue Water Chapter’s principal America 250 initiative, the project sought to preserve the memory of a Revolutionary War veteran whose service to the nation was followed by his later settlement in Michigan.

Jonathan Barron served during the American Revolution and participated in the Battle of Bennington. He was also present during the Saratoga campaign and at the surrender of British General John Burgoyne in October 1777, an event widely recognized as a decisive turning point in the struggle for American independence.

Barron’s descendants played an essential role in bringing the historical marker project to completion. Jean Raymo, Barron’s fourth-great-granddaughter and Honorary Past Regent of the Ottawa Chapter, DAR, worked closely with her son, Don Raymo, Past President and current Vice President of the Blue Water Chapter. Their research, leadership, and dedication were vital to the success of the initiative.

David Yanik, President of the Blue Water Chapter, served as master of ceremonies. Don Raymo delivered the formal marker dedication address, while Jean Raymo presented a biography recounting Jonathan Barron’s Revolutionary War service, his life following the conflict, and his eventual migration to Michigan.

Michigan Society SAR President Bob Craig delivered a special America 250 address reflecting upon Barron’s service and the importance of preserving the stories of America’s Revolutionary generation. Michigan State Representative Joseph G. Pavlov also offered remarks commemorating Barron’s life and legacy.

The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial rifle salute conducted by members of St. Clair American Legion Post 382. The Legion also presented Jean Raymo with a folded American flag, which she accepted as Jonathan Barron’s direct descendant and on behalf of the Raymo family.

Distinguished SAR guests included Bob Craig, President of the Michigan Society SAR; Joe Williams, Past President of the Michigan Society SAR and Vice President General of the Great Lakes District; Harry Rinker, First Vice President of the Michigan Society SAR; Larry Blackett, Artillery Commander of the First Royal Artillery; and members of the Michigan Society SAR Color Guard.

Representatives of the Daughters of the American Revolution included Colleen Schenck, Regent of the Ottawa Chapter DAR; Dawn Brady, State Regent of the Michigan State Society DAR; and Kelly Van Wormer, Vice President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Additional honored guests included State Representative Joseph G. Pavlov and William Livesay, Commander of St. Clair American Legion Post 382.

The Blue Water Chapter extends its sincere appreciation to the Ottawa Chapter DAR, St. Clair American Legion Post 382, the Michigan Society SAR Color Guard, the Raymo family, and all those whose work and support made the dedication possible.

Through the placement of this historical marker, visitors to Hillside Cemetery will now be made aware that a veteran of the American Revolution rests within its grounds. Jonathan Barron’s service, sacrifice, and connection to the St. Clair community will remain publicly recognized for generations to come. The project stands as the Blue Water Chapter’s lasting contribution to the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.

08/17/2026

The Michigan Society Sons of the Revolution was represented this past weekend at the Battle of Blue Licks Memorial Ceremony in Carlisle, Kentucky.
MISSAR Color Guard Commander John Lepisto from the West Michigan Chapter and MISSAR Color Guard member Eddie Howell from the Jeremiah Clark Chapter participated in the ceremony color guard of fifty plus members. The ceremony color guards were commanded by Ken Goodson, NSSAR Color Guard Commander from the West Michigan Chapter.

08/14/2026

On Saturday September 26, 2026, Pfizer’s volunteer group Veterans In Pfizer (VIPs) will host their fourth annual Auto Show benefiting Talons Out Honor Flight and local Kalamazoo Veterans. The show will be held in the western parking lot in front of Pfizer located at 7000 Portage Rd in Kalamazoo. Open to the public, the car show starts at 10:00 am and ends around 2:00 pm. Organizers are expecting over 300 cars, trucks and bikes and the afternoon will include visits from the Army National Guard, State Police Divisions, Sherrif’s Mounted Division. Jump starting the day, our National Anthem will proudly ring through the air, ending with an incredible flyover performed by an L39 Albatross. Awards will recognize best car, best bike and best off-road truck categories.

“This is a great opportunity to support our local Veteran community and their families, and Pfizer is excited to have an opportunity to host this event again.” said Rick Beam, Pfizer’s VIPs Auto Show Lead. “We started this event in 2019 with a handful of vehicles and an idea. The event has grown exponentially over the years and will once again benefit Talons Out Honor Flight.” Pfizer, local business owners and community members have continued to give generously to this cause.

For 13 years Talons Out Honor Flight has connected Veterans with the chance to honor the fallen and visit their war memorials in Washington, DC. Talons Out gives Veterans from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam the opportunity of a lifetime; an all-expenses-paid journey to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. “Talons Out is thrilled to be the Veteran group benefitting from this event. We expect a few Veterans from our upcoming Mission 27 to join us as special guests. We invite everyone to take a minute and visit with them, hear their stories and really understand what it means to them to be included on the October flight,” said Barry Keely, President of Talons Out Honor Flight. “Come join us for some good food, fun music, and a bunch of really cool vehicles gathering to support our local Veterans. We cannot do the work we do without this type of community support, and we hope to see you there.”

Mission Sponsors like Pfizer VIPs support local Veterans and their families in our community. Sponsorship helps provide Veterans with the honor, recognition, and even the healing they so deeply deserve through a day of reflection at our nation's memorials.

Make a lasting impact and become a sponsor today. Help create a memory that will last a lifetime! Contact us to give! Visit www.TalonsOutHonorFlight.org or call 269-273-4545.

08/14/2026

More fun photos of the Jerimiah Clark Chapter Sons of the American Revolution working together with the local PEC, Genesee Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and the Children of the American Revolution in Genesee County, volunteering at The Wall That Heals in Taylor, Michigan.

In attendance were Norm Palmer, Past MISSAR CG Commander, Vietnam Era Veteran - Army Artillery PEC
Val Chapin Jr., Vietnam Era Veteran – Navy PEC
Arsey Miller, Vietnam Era Veteran - 101st JCC
Bob Hawcroft, Vice-Commander MISSAR Color Guard - PEC
Margie Hofmeister, Genesee Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
Lincoln Malott, C.A.R.
Eddie Howell, State MISSAR Chaplain and JCC President

08/13/2026

TALONS OUT HONOR FLIGHT SENDING 80 LOCAL SOUTHERN MICHIGAN VETERANS ON MISSION 29 TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
Homecoming at the Air Zoo

Plans for Mission 29 are underway as Talons Out Honor Flight is scheduled to send over 80 southern Michigan WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans to Washington, D.C. for a visit to their memorials on September 26, 2026. The Mission will arrive at Reagan International Airport around 8am and will make six stops around Washington, D.C. including the WWII War Memorial Arlington National Cemetery to attend the Changing of the Guard, the Korean War Memorial as well as the Vietnam Wall Memorial.

“The Mission provided the forum for some of the kindest reflections I could ever have from people I love and respect, which told me that they respected what I did in the service. I never expected to hear that. You have marked my life with a joyous experience, that is kind of a wonderful closer, to an old scar.” Sgt E5 Rob K

Join us in Welcoming Home our Nation’s heroes at the Air Zoo in Portage on Saturday September 26 at 8:00 pm! Talons Out Honor Flight is excited to partner once again with the Air Zoo for our Mission 29 Homecoming where Veteran organizations from all across southern Michigan will be on hand to welcome these heroes’ home.

Guests are asked to arrive at the Air Zoo no later than 8:00 pm in order to ensure the Homecoming goes smoothly. ALL guests are to use the E. Milham Ave. entrance to the Air Zoo. This event is open to the public. Bring thank you cards, make signs and come out and Welcome Home our Nation’s heroes! We encourage you to bring your entire family for an event you will always remember.

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We need you. Mission Sponsors support these local Veterans and their families in our community, directly impacting Veterans who live, work, and shop with us. Sponsorship helps provide the men and women who gave everything with the honor, recognition, and even the healing they so deeply deserve through a day of honor at our nation's memorials. Talons Out Honor Flight is solely dedicated to honoring Veterans with this unforgettable experience. Every flight includes Veterans from across our southwest Michigan region receiving the recognition they may have waited decades for. For many Veterans, the Honor Flight is a moment of reflection, closure, and emotional healing. Veterans often tell us it was an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Make a lasting impact and become a sponsor today. Help create a memory that will last a lifetime! www.talonsouthonorflight.org

Why Talons Out Honor Flight?
Talons Out Honor Flight has served southern Michigan Veterans since 2012. We believe when a soldier takes their oath, they don’t take it for a two year or four year tour, or even a twenty year career. It’s an innate part of who they are for the rest of their lives. That if faced with a threat, no matter their age, a soldier is always at the ready to defend and protect. We are 100% volunteer driven organization with 98% of all donations funding Veteran flights. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your donations are tax deductible. Serving Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Monroe, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. For more information, call 269-273-4545 or email [email protected].

About Honor Flight Network
Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization comprised of 125+ independent hubs working together to achieve the shared Honor Flight mission celebrating America’s Veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials. In furtherance of this common goal, we have the enormous privilege of showing our nation’s Veterans the appreciation and honor they deserve. Participation in an Honor Flight trip provides Veteran’s the opportunity to share this momentous occasion with other comrades, remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other Veterans. Honored Veterans always travel free of charge, thanks to generous donations to our organization.

Since its inception in 2005, Honor Flight has brought over 300,000 Veterans to visit the memorials built to honor their service. While initially focused on America’s World War II Veterans, Honor Flight Network has expanded its mission to include those who served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The Honor Flight TLC program also honors Veterans of any service era who are critically ill. Honor Flight Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator.

08/13/2026

The Calhoun County Red White Blue Foundation is proud to announce that we will be hosting The Wall That Heals as Southwest Michigan continues to celebrate our great nation’s 250th anniversary this summer! Join us August 20-23, 2026 at Harper Creek High School’s soccer field complex located at 7290 B Drive North, Battle Creek, MI as we seek to reflect, heal, and educate our community with The Wall That Heals. The travelling exhibit honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. The event will be staffed around the clock by more than 300 volunteers and open to the public – 24 hours per day – with free admission and free parking. We encourage our entire community to come out and support our Vietnam veterans and their families!

Mission Statement: The mission of The Wall That Heals is to honor and remember those who served in the Vietnam War by bringing a traveling three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and a Mobile Education Center to communities across the nation, offering healing, reflection, and education to all who visit.

“The Calhoun County Red White Blue Foundation is honored to bring The Wall That Heals back to our community. This is an opportunity to welcome home the 58,281 Americans whose names are on The Wall and honor the more than 700,000 Vietnam veterans still living today. Many of those Vietnam veterans and their families will never have the opportunity to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. so we are bringing this moving tribute to them. We invite everyone to join us in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice and giving our Vietnam veterans the welcome home they have long deserved.” - Colonel Frank Walker (U.S. Air Force, Retired) Chair, Calhoun County Red White Blue Foundation

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Battle Creek, MI to allow local veterans and their families a chance to experience The Wall,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. “Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America.”

The Wall That Heals is transported from community to community in a 53-foot trailer. When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a Mobile Education Center telling the story of the Vietnam War, the establishment of The Wall, and how the Memorial and Vietnam transformed the way our nation treats its veterans and service members. The three-quarter scale replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors will experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Visitors are able to do name rubbings of individual service members’ names on The Wall.

The event in August 2026 will once again take place at Harper Creek High School’s soccer field complex The Foundation is thankful for the support of Harper Creek Community Schools and our local community for helping make this a successful event. The Mobile Education Center exhibit includes two digital photo displays. The Hometown Heroes display highlights service members whose names are on The Wall and list their home of record within the area of the visit. The In Memory display highlights Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died. Additional displays include videos that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; educational exhibits told through items representative of those left at the Vietnam Veteran Memorial in Washington D.C.; a replica of the In Memory plaque; a map of Vietnam and a timeline of the Vietnam War. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.

The Calhoun County Red White Blue Foundation encourages members of the media to contact Colonel Frank Walker (U.S. Air Force, Retired) to schedule a TV or radio interview ahead of the event.

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY Wednesday – August 19, 2026 5:45PM: A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 5:45PM on August 19th after student athletes from Harper Creek High School and Pennfield High School, along with members of the 110th Wing and the Michigan Air National Guard, come together to help assemble The Wall. 6:00PM: Volunteer training for the more than 300 volunteers will be held immediately following the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at approximately 6:00PM.

Note: Volunteers will assemble The Wall That Heals earlier in the afternoon on August 19th. The Wall will be open to the public during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Furthermore, The Wall That Heals will be staffed by volunteers around the clock and will remain open 24/7 until Sunday - August 23rd at 2:00PM.

WELCOME HOME CEREMONY Thursday – August 20, 2026 10:00AM: The Welcome Home ceremony will be held at 10:00AM on August 20th. The keynote speaker will be Army Specialist Five James “Jim” McCloughan who is a Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient. James McCloughan, of South Haven, was presented the Medal of Honor for military valor because of distinguished service as a U.S. Army Combat Medic during the Vietnam War.

SPECIAL EVENT SCHEDULE Thursday – August 20, 2026 9:00PM: Taps Ceremony Friday – August 21, 2026 9:00PM: Candlelight Agent Orange Ceremony / Taps Ceremony Saturday – August 22, 2026 9:00PM: Taps Ceremony

CLOSING CEREMONY Sunday – August 23, 2026 1:30PM: A closing ceremony will be held at 1:30PM on August 23rd. The Wall That Heals will be closed for viewing immediately following the closing ceremony. Student athletes from Harper Creek High School and Pennfield High School, along with members of the 110th Wing and the Michigan Air National Guard, will help disassemble The Wall following the closing ceremony.

About VVMF
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington D.C. in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era through programs, ceremonies, and education materials. To learn more about the VVMF, visit www.vvmf.org or call 202-393-0090.

08/10/2026

Come to South Haven to Salute Veterans!

Summer is still shining bright in South Haven, with another special event ahead! The South Haven Salute to Veterans honors those who have served while joining the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

On Saturday, August 15, Riverfront Park will host family activities, veteran resources and hands-on programs with Michigan DNR Outdoor Educators from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Michigan Maritime Museum will also offer free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for active-duty military members, National Guard and Reserve members, veterans, and Blue and Gold Star Mothers, plus one guest.

At 11:45 a.m., make your way to South Haven’s piers ahead of the noon return of the Welcome Back Parade of Boats. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the waterfront as participating veterans enter the harbor beneath a patriotic flyover.

The procession will feature the tall ship Friends Good Will, U.S. Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat 36460, the luxury tug Terrapin carrying this year’s honored veterans, and the South Haven Area Emergency Services fireboat.

Book your stay, enjoy the final weeks of summer along Lake Michigan and take part in a favorite South Haven tradition. During the summer of America’s 250th anniversary, welcoming veterans back to our harbor carries even greater meaning and offers a heartfelt opportunity to show our gratitude together.

Email from Visit South Haven Plan Your Final Weeks of Summer on the Coast Having trouble opening? View this email as a webpage. PLACES TO STAY BEACH CAMS EVENTS CALENDAR DEALS     South Haven Salutes

08/09/2026

Col. Joseph B. Westnedge Chapter Workday

Historic Preservation in Cass County, MI

Members of the Col. Joseph B. Westnedge Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, recently spent the day in Cass County, Michigan, continuing our commitment to historic preservation and the care of Revolutionary War patriot graves.

Our first stop was Shurte Cemetery near Cassopolis, where we worked at the gravesites of Revolutionary War Patriots Abraham Huff and Henry Lybrook.

Abraham Huff’s headstone had become unstable and was removed from the ground so that proper maintenance and repairs could be completed. Under the guidance of Gary Swain, of Kalamazoo Historic Cemeteries, chapter members learned the proper methods for safely recovering, cleaning, repairing, and resetting historic headstones. Work on Huff’s stone will continue so that it can be properly reconnected and returned to an upright position.

Nearby, the grave of Patriot Henry Lybrook provided a reminder of just how vulnerable these historic sites can be. A large tree had fallen in the cemetery but, fortunately, narrowly missed his headstone.

The group then traveled to Dailey Cemetery in LaGrange Township, Cass County, where attention turned to the headstone of John Pettigrew. Members performed cleaning and began preservation and repair work to help protect the stone for future generations.

We were pleased to be joined during the workday by our guests from the Daughters of the American Revolution, Elizabeth Kraatz and Mary Ellen Drolet. Their participation reflects the strong partnership between our organizations in preserving the memory of the men and women of the Revolutionary generation.

Days like this are about much more than cleaning stones. They are about protecting tangible pieces of American history and ensuring that the Patriots who helped establish our nation are remembered with the dignity they deserve.

Preserving the past. Honoring our Patriots. Educating the next generation.

08/07/2026

08/05/2026

🇺🇸 Save the Date! 🇺🇸

The Jeremiah Clark Chapter invites you to join us on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. for the grave-marking ceremonies honoring Jacob Petty and Martha Petty Gulick.

📍 Sashabaw Plains Cemetery
5331 Maybee Road
Clarkston, Michigan

The ceremony will include participation by the MISSAR Color Guard, 1st Royal Artillery Seven Years War Cannoneers, U.S. Armed Forces Flags Color Guard, a brass quintet, American Revolution reenactor Gordon Duda, the Sashabaw Plains Chapter, DAR, and the Elias Cady Society, C.A.R.

Please join us as we honor the lives, service, and legacy of these American Patriots.