Chapter Holds Constitution Week Banquet (September 22, 2022)
1) The President of GPT, Mitch Pratt welcomed our over 60 attendees and guests and gave a summary of the many public events with Scouting, Veterans burials, ROTC, and other patriotic programs in our area for 2022. 2) Louisiana Society of Sons of the American Revolution State President Jeff Nolen, brought Greeting from LaSSAR and spoke on upcoming events and programs for 2022 and beyond. 3) Cheryl Gott Regent, Louisiana Society Daughters of the American Revolution brought Greetings from the State Society. 4) David Dunlap, Louisiana State Treasurer for CAR and National Relations Committee Chairman for CAR/DAR/SAR/SR, brought greetings from the State Society of CAR.
5) GPT President Mitch Pratt is showing presenting the Martha Washington Medal for Sue Badeaux, who was unable to attend the Banquet, to her fellow member and past Regent of John James Audubon Chapter of DAR, Margaret Tyler LSDAR Senior VP who is accepting the Medal and Certificate for Sue. This award was made to recognize the years of work as a Leader from the John James Audubon Chapter of DAR for the Ann Fairfax Society of CAR in Louisiana. Her dedication and support for the CAR has developed many young men for membership in the General Philemon Thomas Chapter of both junior and senior members. Margaret thanked GPT on Sue’s behalf.
6) The Speaker for the Constitution Week Banquet was Honorable Bradley C. Myers, Judge, 19th Judicial District Court Parish of East Baton Rouge. The topic was “The Fourth Amendment in the Digital Age”. His presentation was well received and enjoyed by all. He spoke from years of law study and practice with knowledge and humor.
7) GPT President Mitch Pratt and member Steve Kubicek present Judge Myers with a book by one of our past members, Leroy Willie on Oliver Pollock- “Unsung Hero of the American Revolution” and Mr Kubicek History based Novel on President George Washington and his Divine Providence and its impact on early America.
8) Ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution who participated and attended the Banquet
Back row, left of, Center L to R, Lauren Pourciau brought greetings from Alexander Stirling Ch DAR (ASC-DAR), Laura Dunlap John James Audubon Ch DAR (JJA-DAR), Erah Harper, brought greeting from Heirome Gaines Ch DAR (HG-DAR), Ann Bergeron HG-DAR. Front row L to R, Britney Kean brought greetings from HG-DAR, Shirley Newsham JJA-DAR, Mary Edna Rose JJA-DAR, Zora Olsson Past Vice-President General brought greetings from NSDAR Baton Rouge DAR, Cheryl Gott LSDAR State Regent, brought greetings from LSDAR, and a member of the Louisiana Bayou Chapter, Denise Lindsly JJA-DAR, Margaret Tyler JJA-DAR, Julie Noland JJA-DAR, and Jan Sauls JJA-DAR.
5) GPT President Mitch Pratt is showing presenting the Martha Washington Medal for Sue Badeaux, who was unable to attend the Banquet, to her fellow member and past Regent of John James Audubon Chapter of DAR, Margaret Tyler LSDAR Senior VP who is accepting the Medal and Certificate for Sue. This award was made to recognize the years of work as a Leader from the John James Audubon Chapter of DAR for the Ann Fairfax Society of CAR in Louisiana. Her dedication and support for the CAR has developed many young men for membership in the General Philemon Thomas Chapter of both junior and senior members. Margaret thanked GPT on Sue’s behalf.
6) The Speaker for the Constitution Week Banquet was Honorable Bradley C. Myers, Judge, 19th Judicial District Court Parish of East Baton Rouge. The topic was “The Fourth Amendment in the Digital Age”. His presentation was well received and enjoyed by all. He spoke from years of law study and practice with knowledge and humor.
7) GPT President Mitch Pratt and member Steve Kubicek present Judge Myers with a book by one of our past members, Leroy Willie on Oliver Pollock- “Unsung Hero of the American Revolution” and Mr Kubicek History based Novel on President George Washington and his Divine Providence and its impact on early America.
8) Ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution who participated and attended the Banquet
Back row, left of, Center L to R, Lauren Pourciau brought greetings from Alexander Stirling Ch DAR (ASC-DAR), Laura Dunlap John James Audubon Ch DAR (JJA-DAR), Erah Harper, brought greeting from Heirome Gaines Ch DAR (HG-DAR), Ann Bergeron HG-DAR. Front row L to R, Britney Kean brought greetings from HG-DAR, Shirley Newsham JJA-DAR, Mary Edna Rose JJA-DAR, Zora Olsson Past Vice-President General brought greetings from NSDAR Baton Rouge DAR, Cheryl Gott LSDAR State Regent, brought greetings from LSDAR, and a member of the Louisiana Bayou Chapter, Denise Lindsly JJA-DAR, Margaret Tyler JJA-DAR, Julie Noland JJA-DAR, and Jan Sauls JJA-DAR.
Chapter Selects Essay and Orations Winners (May 5, 2019)
At the May 2019 meeting the General Philemon Thomas Chapter selected Elania Stuntz as the winner of the Essay Contest. Mary Elizabeth Barrow was judged the winnoer of the Orations contest. Both ladies were presented a cash award, certificate and medal.
Pictured left to right: Elania Stuntz, John McKay, Mary Elizabeth Barrow
Pictured left to right: Elania Stuntz, John McKay, Mary Elizabeth Barrow
In Honor of our First President (February 18, 2019)
With inclement weather threatening, the General Philemon Thomas Chapter met at the Washington Bust on the LA State Capitol grounds to honor the birth of our first president.
Christopher Achee, Chapter President and host for the celebration and welcomed members of the Louisiana SAR Ladies Auxiliary, as well as members of the C.A.R., John James Audubon DAR and Baton Rouge Chapter DAR, and the Canary Islanders Historical Society to lay a wreath or floral tribute to honor this great man.
Christopher Achee, Chapter President and host for the celebration and welcomed members of the Louisiana SAR Ladies Auxiliary, as well as members of the C.A.R., John James Audubon DAR and Baton Rouge Chapter DAR, and the Canary Islanders Historical Society to lay a wreath or floral tribute to honor this great man.
Chapter Participates in Baton Rouge Bicentennial Celebration Activities (September 24, 2017)
Sunday, September 24, 2017, was an exciting day in Baton Rouge for all. As part of the Baton Rouge Bicentennial Celebration, the General Philemon Thomas Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution joined the East Baton Rouge Parish Library and the Baton Rouge Bicentennial Committee and many partners, including the Baton Rouge Canary Island Heritage Society, Louisiana Society of Sons of the American Revolution, the Louisiana Society of Daughters of the American Revolution and various SAR and DAR chapters from around the State to Re-Enact the Battle of Baton Rouge Commanded by Governor-General Bernardo Vicente de Galvez against the British Fort at Baton Rouge September 21, 1779.
The Celebration was hosted by the Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, Sharon Weston Broome who awarded certificates to the SAR and DAR. She also accepted the first Baton Rouge Bicentennial Coca-Cola bottle for the City.
The LASSAR and GPT SAR Secretary, Christopher Achee, took the part of General Galvez. At the Galvez Plaza near the Old State Capital, the approximate location where General Galvez set up his encampment and artillery for his attack on the British Fort, General Galvez (Chris Achee) gave a motivating speech to the forces made up of regular Spanish soldiers and Louisiana Militiamen. This was a diverse group. Besides the professional soldiers who were mostly of Spanish origin there were other Spaniards from the Canary Islands, French from various militias that remained when Spain acquired Louisiana from the French, New Orleans Creoles, Germans from the German Coast, Acadians, and Africans.
After his motivating call to arms, Galvez ordered the Cannons to fire upon the Fort. After the cannon fire, began the March to the Fort (located near the current Pentagon Barracks near the State Capital grounds).
The march was led by Gen. Galvez followed by the colors, several hundred troops (boy scouts, kids, families, decedents of Canary Islanders, French militia, German militia, and just interested people). The next unit was the Southern University Marching Band followed by the Baton Rouge mounted officers.
Another one hundred or so met the Marchers at the entrance to the Fort and joined the surrender of the Fort to General Galvez by the British commander, Col. Alexander Dixon. The surrender of the Fort at Baton Rouge and at the same time the Fort near current day Natchez Mississippi, secured complete access of the vital Mississippi River for the American Colonies.
The ceremony ended with a wreath laying remembrance by Southern District SAR Vice President General Tony L. Vets, Louisiana State President Henry Grace, as well as representatives of the General Philemon Thomas Chapter SAR, Attakapas Chapter SAR, Canary Island Heritage Society, and John James Audubon Chapter DAR. The formal Celebration ended with refreshments and good conversation about our Patriot Ancestors.
The Celebration was hosted by the Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, Sharon Weston Broome who awarded certificates to the SAR and DAR. She also accepted the first Baton Rouge Bicentennial Coca-Cola bottle for the City.
The LASSAR and GPT SAR Secretary, Christopher Achee, took the part of General Galvez. At the Galvez Plaza near the Old State Capital, the approximate location where General Galvez set up his encampment and artillery for his attack on the British Fort, General Galvez (Chris Achee) gave a motivating speech to the forces made up of regular Spanish soldiers and Louisiana Militiamen. This was a diverse group. Besides the professional soldiers who were mostly of Spanish origin there were other Spaniards from the Canary Islands, French from various militias that remained when Spain acquired Louisiana from the French, New Orleans Creoles, Germans from the German Coast, Acadians, and Africans.
After his motivating call to arms, Galvez ordered the Cannons to fire upon the Fort. After the cannon fire, began the March to the Fort (located near the current Pentagon Barracks near the State Capital grounds).
The march was led by Gen. Galvez followed by the colors, several hundred troops (boy scouts, kids, families, decedents of Canary Islanders, French militia, German militia, and just interested people). The next unit was the Southern University Marching Band followed by the Baton Rouge mounted officers.
Another one hundred or so met the Marchers at the entrance to the Fort and joined the surrender of the Fort to General Galvez by the British commander, Col. Alexander Dixon. The surrender of the Fort at Baton Rouge and at the same time the Fort near current day Natchez Mississippi, secured complete access of the vital Mississippi River for the American Colonies.
The ceremony ended with a wreath laying remembrance by Southern District SAR Vice President General Tony L. Vets, Louisiana State President Henry Grace, as well as representatives of the General Philemon Thomas Chapter SAR, Attakapas Chapter SAR, Canary Island Heritage Society, and John James Audubon Chapter DAR. The formal Celebration ended with refreshments and good conversation about our Patriot Ancestors.
General Philemon Thomas Chapter Hears From Congressman Graves (September 22, 2017)
The General Philemon Thomas Chapter – Sons of the American Revolution had its annual Constitution Week Banquet, Friday September 22, 2017. We were excited to have the Honorable Garret Graves, Congressman of the 6th District of Louisiana as our key note speaker. His presentation was how the current working of the Congress might not be recognized by our Founding Fathers who wrote the Constitution. He spoke of how the contentious attitude of both parties, and in some cases, within each party has had a detrimental impact on the work in both houses. The lack of civility is a big negative. He provided some insight into the key bills now in Congress such as Medical care, taxes, and regulations.
After his prepared remarks, he answered many varied questions from the audience. He also provided an update on Congressman Steve Scalise who was badly injured in the recent shooting on the ballfield. He said that Scalise has had many surgeries and procedures and is now in a rehab facility near DC. He is still very active and communicates with colleagues every day. He is eager to return to work on the floor but his full recovery may take some time.
Even after the formal proceeding were over, Congressman Graves continued for some time to provide answers to many individual questions.
LSSAR and GPT Chancellor – John McKay awarded the Congressman a Certificate of Appreciation for his dedication to his constituents in Louisiana.
In other business at the Banquet, LASSAR President – Mr. Henry Grace, awarded the Silver Medal of Appreciation to Louisiana Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent, Mrs. Zora Olsson.
The Banquet was well attended at the Baton Rouge Country Club and all had a good time.
After his prepared remarks, he answered many varied questions from the audience. He also provided an update on Congressman Steve Scalise who was badly injured in the recent shooting on the ballfield. He said that Scalise has had many surgeries and procedures and is now in a rehab facility near DC. He is still very active and communicates with colleagues every day. He is eager to return to work on the floor but his full recovery may take some time.
Even after the formal proceeding were over, Congressman Graves continued for some time to provide answers to many individual questions.
LSSAR and GPT Chancellor – John McKay awarded the Congressman a Certificate of Appreciation for his dedication to his constituents in Louisiana.
In other business at the Banquet, LASSAR President – Mr. Henry Grace, awarded the Silver Medal of Appreciation to Louisiana Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent, Mrs. Zora Olsson.
The Banquet was well attended at the Baton Rouge Country Club and all had a good time.
LTG Russel Honore Honored At Constitution Day Banquet (September 18 2015)
Lieutenant General Russel Honore received SAR Gold Good Citizenship Medal at Constitution Week Banquet held at the Baton Rouge Country Club.
Honore was named commander of Joint Task Force Katrina on August 31, 2005 and was charged with leading the military relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. He retired in 2008 after 37 years of outstanding service to his country, but the weeks served in the New Orleans area in the fall of 2005 will forever put him the the hearts of his fellow Louisianians.
(Pictured left to right, State President Jerry Haynes, LTG Russel Honore, Past Southern District Vice President General James A. Morock Sr)
Honore was named commander of Joint Task Force Katrina on August 31, 2005 and was charged with leading the military relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. He retired in 2008 after 37 years of outstanding service to his country, but the weeks served in the New Orleans area in the fall of 2005 will forever put him the the hearts of his fellow Louisianians.
(Pictured left to right, State President Jerry Haynes, LTG Russel Honore, Past Southern District Vice President General James A. Morock Sr)
George Washington's Birthday Celebrated (February 22, 2013)
Members of numerous historical organizations gathered at the bust of George Washington to lay a wreath and remember our first president.
Constitution Week Dinner (September 21, 2012)
The General Philemon Thomas Chapter held its annual Constitution Week Dinner Friday evening, September 21st, at the Baton Rouge Country Club, 8551 Jefferson Highway. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar C. Moore, III addressed the assembly with a speech entitled "The Longevity and Stability of the United States Constitution". During this banquest, several awards were given. The SAR Martha Washington Medal was presented to Nancy McCart Bickham for her outstanding service as LSDAR State Librarian. The Bronze CAR-SAR Medal of Appreciation was awarded to Jacqueline Lard Johnson for her dedication to the Children of the American Revolution and leadership she provided while serving as the South Central Region National Vice President 2010-2012. Don Parks was presented the Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Award for his outstanding volunteer service to the Boy Scouts of America.
Wreath Laying Ceremony (May 26, 2012)
The General Philemon Thomas Chapter held a Memorial Day Wreath laying Ceremony in Baton Rouge at the Historic Highland Cemetery. At least two Patriots are buried at Highland Cemetery, Pierre Joseh de Favrot and Gabriel Armand Allard DuPlantier. Both of these graves were marked by the chapter in 2011. They were joined by members of the DAR and CAR in this annual event.
Pictured is Compatriot Paul Bergeron
Pictured is Compatriot Paul Bergeron
Law Enforcement Medal posthumously awarded (May 7, 2012)
Sgt. Paul Stuckey was awarded the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal posthumously at the May 7 meeting. Sgt. Stuckey was a game warden and was killed by lawbreakers while on duty.
Jerald Horst gave a very interesting talk about the seafood industry and also about game wardens. Horst is a former Professor of Fisheries at LSU.
It was also reported that the GPT had awarded 16 High School ROTC medals and four college level ROTC medals in the 2012 school year.
Jerald Horst gave a very interesting talk about the seafood industry and also about game wardens. Horst is a former Professor of Fisheries at LSU.
It was also reported that the GPT had awarded 16 High School ROTC medals and four college level ROTC medals in the 2012 school year.
History
In 1946, the Baton Rouge Chapter, SAR was organized. It fell into inactivity in 1955. In 1963, the chapter was reformed and designated the General Philemon Thomas Chapter, with Lewis Stirling Doherty, Jr being elected its first President. The chapter was formally installed on April 12, 1964 with thirty four Charter Members.