The Sons of the American Revolution is the leading male lineage society that perpetuates the ideals of the war for independence. As a historical, educational, and patriotic, non-profit corporation, we seek to maintain and expand the meaning of patriotism, respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship, and the unifying force of "e pluribus unum" that was created from the people of many nations -- one nation and one people.

The Sons of the American Revolution participates in patriotic, historical, and educational activities. This includes:

* Perpetuating the memory of Revolutionary War Patriots.
* Promoting fellowship among their descendants.
* Inspiring the community with a reverence for the principles of government founded by our forefathers.
* Encouraging historical research of the American Revolution.
* Preserving the records of Revolutionary War Patriots.
* Marking the locations of the Revolution, its events and its soldiers.
* Celebrating anniversaries of the Revolution.
* Fostering true patriotism.
* Maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom.
* Carrying out the purposes of the Preamble of the Constitution.
* Following the injunctions of Washington's farewell address to the American people.

The National Headquarters is located in Louisville, Kentucky. There are 50 state societies including the
District of Columbia. There are also societies in France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Switzerland. The current membership is approximately 27,000 active members.

The Sons of the American Revolution was incorporated on January 17, 1890, in Connecticut and later chartered by the United States Congress on June 9, 1906. Prior to this date a number of state societies were formed in the 1880s. These were led by The Sons of Revolutionary Sires, organized July 4, 1876, in San Francisco. The first Congress of the National Society was held in Louisville, Kentucky on April 30, 1890 -- the 101st anniversary of George Washington's taking the oath of office of President of the United States. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution celebrated its centennial and the bicentennial of Washington's becoming President on April 30, 1989.

WHAT DOES THE ORGANIZATION DO?

* Honors individuals for outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement on a national, regional, and local level.
* Honors persons for outstanding bravery and self sacrifice in the face of imminent danger.
* Honors members of the United States Congress for outstanding service to the nation.
* Honors outstanding high school students annually with the presentation of a Good Citizenship Award.
* Honors outstanding Junior and Senior ROTC cadets annually with the presentation of the ROTC Award.
* Honors Law Enforcement officials for outstanding service with a Law Enforcement Award.
* Honors Fire Safety Officials for outstanding service with a Fire Safety Commendation Award.
* Selects outstanding Eagle Scouts annually at the chapter, state, and national level.
* The national Eagle Scout winner receives a college scholarship.
* Assists veterans in Veterans Hospitals.
* Conducts a national historical orations contest annually.
* Sponsors Boy Scout troops and chapters of the Children of the American Revolution.
* Places SAR markers at the grave sites of Revolutionary War Patriots and SAR Members.
* Commemorates Revolutionary War Patriots with appropriate ceremonies.
* Participates in new citizenship swearing-in ceremonies.
* Observes patriotic anniversaries.
* Cooperates with the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Children of the American Revolution and other hereditary organizations in the promotion of patriotism.