News

The eighty-second annual ceremony commemorating the anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s birth was held at the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin in Washington at 11 AM on April 13, 2025. Richard E. Patten, past president, DC Sons of the American Revolution served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event was presented by DCSAR in cooperation with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Military District of Washington, and as in the past seventeen years, was organized by DCSAR Secretary and Past President Paul Hays. A patriotic musical prelude, the National Anthem, and postlude were rendered by the U.S. Navy Brass Quintet. Colors were presented by a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard. The invocation and benediction were delivered by the Rev. Dr. John DeWitt Stonesifer, DCSAR Chaplain.

Guests were welcomed by the Interior Department’s Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, Kevin Greiss.

The Presidential wreath was presented at 8:00 AM by Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, Commanding General, Military District of Washington. The wreath of the Secretary of the Interior, the Honorable Doug Burgum, was presented by Kevin Greiss.

The President of the University of Virginia, James E. Ryan, was represented by Lucy and Mark Tonacci. The wreath of Jane Kamensky, President and CEO of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, custodian of Monticello was presented by Nancy and Walter Douglass.

The wreath of DCSAR, host of the event, was presented by its President Brock D. Bierman, who also presented the NSSAR wreath on behalf of President General Dr. Darryl S. Addington.

Wreaths were then presented by representatives of the General Society of the War of 1812, Maryland and Virginia SARs, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, National and DC Societies US Daughters of 1812, Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, the Order of First Families of Virginia, National Society Daughters of the American Colonists, National Society Children of the American Colonists, Society of the Descendents of the Signers of the Constitution, Hereditary Order of the Families of the Presidents and First Ladies of America, National Society Children of 1812, National Society Descendants of American Farmers and their Youth Branch, and the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society.

The ceremony concluded with the sounding of Taps, and a postlude by the Navy Band Brass Quintet.

The D.C. Society has organized and hosted this commemoration each year since the dedication of the Jefferson Memorial on April 13, 1943, the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth.

Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal Recipient

Pamela A. Smith, a law enforcement professional with more than 27 years of experience, was the recipient of the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal on April 3, 2025, during a presentation at the MPDC Joint Operation Command Center. She has served as Chief of the DC Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) since July 2023, when Mayor Muriel M. Bowser nominated her to the position. Smith had been MPD’s Assistant Chief of Police in charge of the Homeland Security Bureau at the time. The DC Council confirmed Smith’s appointment on November 7, 2023.

MPD is the second major law enforcement agency Smith has led. In 2021, she was named Chief of the United States Park Police (“USPP”), the agency’s first African American woman Chief since its founding in 1791. She joined the USPP in 1998 as a Patrol Officer in the San Francisco Field Office and served in major field offices across the country as she rose through the ranks.

Smith joined MPD in 2022 as its first Chief Equity Officer, leading the Department’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. In addition to her DEI focus, she supervised the Employee Well-Being and Support Unit and the Equal Employment Opportunity Office; developed a department-wide accountability channel; and advised senior leaders on strategy.

In April 2023, Smith was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police of the Homeland Security Bureau, leading the Special Operations Division, the Joint Strategic & Tactical Analysis Command Center, and the Office of Intelligence before being nominated to succeed then-Acting Chief Ashan M. Benedict.

As Chief of Police, Smith has focused on keeping communities safe, building police/community collaborations, reducing crime, and holding offenders accountable. She implemented new firearms-interdiction, crime-suppression, traffic-safety and community engagement strategies, and increased police visibility in neighborhoods.

In 2024, Smith led several successful crime-reduction initiatives that contributed to a 35% drop in violent crime, 32% decrease in homicides, 48% reduction in carjackings and a 39% reduction in robberies in the District of Columbia.

One of her top priorities was to upgrade MPD’s technology, integrating cutting-edge technology into every aspect of the Department’s operations. MPD launched the Real Time Crime Center enhancing how investigators disseminate information, greatly improving the speed in which they give officers in the field critical lookout information to track down offenders and make arrests.

Smith also unveiled the Air Support Unit’s new helicopter (Falcon 1), which has been crucial in responding to crime and being able to quickly and safely pursue suspects from the air and launched the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) program. She closed out 2024 with the opening of the agency’s new Joint Operations Command Center (JOCC), which serves as a critical nerve center for MPD’s operations.

She has received numerous commendations and awards from organizations including the National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives (“NOBLE”) Civil Rights Community Policing Justice by Action Award, Zeta Phi Beta Centennial Service Award, Women in Federal Law Enforcement (“WIFLE”) Public Service Award, Northeast Region Equal Employment Opportunity Office Recognition of Outstanding Excellence, and the National Council of Negro Women Award for Working Together in Unity. She is a member of several organizations, including the NOBLE Washington Metro Chapter, Major Cities Chiefs Association (“MCCA”), International Association of Chiefs of Police (“IACP”), WIFLE and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Smith has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she was recently inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame for her undergraduate track and field achievements. She has a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session 265) and FBI National Executive Institute (Session 47). Her most recent achievement was graduating from the Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

Fire Safety Commendation Award

The SAR Fire Safety Commendation and Medal was presented to Sergeant Hakim Carroll at the DC Fire & EMS Station 24 located at 5101 Georgia Ave NW on April 3, 2025. Sgt Carroll has been assigned to the Fire Investigations Unit (“FIU”) District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Services for 11 years.  He is also a graduate of the MPD Academy. During his tenure, he has become the heart of FIU.  His leadership and expertise in the field consistently exceeds expectations. 

Sgt. Carroll has filled in as the Acting Unit Commander twice for 9-month stints, while the respective Unit Commanders attended the Police Academy.  This allowed for seamless continuity of operations.  Sgt. Carroll has a positive attitude and is always willing to go the extra mile and never complains.  Through his actions, he has helped foster a strong and productive team environment. He does more than he is recognized for, and his contributions will continue to have a lasting impact on the success of FIU.  

Emergency Medical Services Awards

Lt. Holly O’Byrne is currently the Emergency Medical Services Battalion Supervisor in the 3rd Battalion on #3 Platoon. The third battalion, in addition to being very active, presents some of the most challenging and complex patients in the District. Lt. O’Byrne is steadfast in her treatment of these cases. She is a role model for other providers when it comes to treating patients with skill and compassion.

In addition to her work in the 3rd Battalion, Lt. O’Byrne serves as the Department’s Low Titer Whole Blood Program Coordinator. In this position, Lt. O’Byrne works tirelessly to ensure this pilot program saves lives in all corners of the District. From its inception almost a year ago, Lt. O’Byrne has been an instrumental part of ensuring the success of a program which has become a leading program nationwide.

Lt. O’Byrne works with outside agencies, provides training, and manages data to ensure that patients will continue to receive this precious resource. To date, over 225 patients have received Low Titer Whole Blood before arriving at a hospital with an impressive survival rate of over 95% for those patients who were found with a pulse. Lt. O’Byrne’s leadership has transformed the way patients are cared for in the District of Columbia.

FF/PM Spiro Dimakas is currently assigned to Engine 26 in the NE quadrant of the District. As a seasoned Firefighter/Paramedic, his patient care is second to none. He is an excellent care provider who has become dedicated to training our agency’s providers; from the freshest to the most seasoned. In recent months, Spiro has become the coordinator of our quarterly Paramedic Grand Rounds. This critical education brings all of the Department’s paramedics together 4 times a year, and since Spiro has taken the reins, it has been wildly successful and received widely by the Department’s paramedics.

In addition to this, he also develops and designs scenarios for the department’s conflict resolution classes. Spiro has a keen eye for casting “characters” for these scenarios that make them realistic and ensure the department’s members receive the best training possible. Members at all levels are immersed in real-life scenarios where they sharpen their “people” skills. Firefighter/Paramedic Dimakas’ professionalism, pride and leadership are helping to mold the department and build its future.

2025 George Washington Birthday Celebration

The 293rd birthday celebration for President George Washington was held on February 22, 2025, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia hosted by the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution in conjunction with the District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution and the District of Columbia Children of the American Revolution. Guests were welcomed by DC DAR State Regent Yvonne Lisar. Greetings were also offered by Janet McFarland, Corresponding Secretary General DAR, Bill Ritchie, Past President DCSAR and Maddie McAnulty, State President DC Children of the American Revolution.

The guest presenter was Mrs. Catherine Townsend, President & CEO, Trust for the National Mall. The trust is the leading non-profit, philanthropic partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring, enriching and preserving the National Mall – America’s Front Yard.

Mrs. Townsend discussed current projects inspired by America’s 250^th in 2026.

• 1.    Restoring Constitution Gardens. This project will restore and elevate the historic Constitution Gardens and the Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence, creating a model for resilient, urban parkland and ensuring a space that engages and welcomes all who visit.
• 2.    Reimagining Sylvan Theater: A visionary future is in store for this humble performing arts venue on the grounds of the Washington Monument. The project will reimagine the historic site in order to reach its full potential as our nation’s center stage.
• 3.    The National Mall Gateway: A New Civic Learning Experience for All ages. This groundbreaking programming will elevate the National Mall’s role in civics education for all ages harnessing the National Mall as America’s greatest living history classroom providing engaging content and experiences for educators and the public live and virtually.

New members were installed by DCDAR and DCSAR. DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays presented Ronald Scott Phillips for induction. Ronald is a 5th great grandson of Francis Meriwether, whose service included caring for the sick and wounded and in 1777, acting as Coroner of Amherst County.  Compatriots Larry Miller and Paul Hays are his sponsors.

Regent Liser presented the Hannah White Arnett Silver Medal of Distinction to Past President Bill Ritchie for his extraordinary cooperation and outstanding services to NSDAR. Ritchie received the Bronze Medal for this award during September 2023.

The Embassy of France in all of its elegance in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC was the location of DC SAR’s 2025 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala on February 15, 2025. This year’s theme paid homage to the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour as Guest of the Nation, with period music, dancers, and historical interpreters at the Embassy of France.  Honors were rendered to the flags of both nations by the Color Guard Unit from Marine Base Quantico, and the U.S. Anthem was sung by Ms. District of Columbia, Katie Ann Powell. 

Ambassador of France to the United States Laurent Bili welcomed the over 400 in attendance with remarks on the enduring Franco-American alliance.  D.C. Society President Brock Bierman spoke of the importance of celebrating our founding history and the role of SAR in the world today. 

Guests were treated to tasting Lafayette themed wines, French catering, and a silent auction.  In honor of the “Hero of Two Worlds”, funds raised will support the National Military Family Association (“NMFA”) and Comite de l’Entraide Defense (“CED”).

NMFA’s mission is to stand up for, support, and enhance the quality of life for every military family through bold advocacy, innovative programming, and dynamic and responsive solutions.

CED is the Defense Mutual Aid Committee of France, through which the benevolent associations supporting the various branches of armed and civilian military service raise funds.

Among our special guests was Major General Bertrand Jardin, the French Defense Attache, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Jean-Charles Spiteri, Delegate General of CED, Besa Pinchiotti, CEO, National Military Family Association, Chuck Schwam and Dr. Patrica Maclay, Board of Governors, American Friends of Lafayette, and Yvonne Lisar, State Regent, DCDAR.

Sweethearts and Patriots began in 2014 as a way for DCSAR to organize the D.C. political and business communities around our mission. Now in its tenth year, the Gala has raised over $200,000 to support veterans and their families. The 2025 Gala Committee was Co-chaired by Compatriot Patrick Anderson and Lenna Hoffman. (www.sweetheartsandpatriots.org)

In his position as National Trustee with DCSAR, Compatriot Bill Ritchie visited Cheltenham Veterans Memorial Cemetery today in conjunctions with Wreaths Across America with compatriots from the John Hanson Chapter, MDSSAR. Along with the wreath for his Uncle Samuel Ritchie who was a member of DCSAR, wreaths were placed on the graves of Jim and Ruth Holloway, his in-laws; Alonzo and Madia Terry, brother of Joe Terry who is the director of the Kelly Clarkson Show; Davis Ricks, father of Sharon Rodriguez; and William Cross. There here were probably 1000 people placing wreaths on graves.

DCSAR held its 2024 Holiday Dinner on December 5, 2024, in the elegance of the Eisenhower Room at the prestigious Capitol Hill Club, located at 300 First Street SE, Washington, DC.

The Invocation was given by DCSAR Chaplain Rev. John Stonesifer. Guests were welcomed by DCSAR President Brock D. Bierman including United States Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger who was the recipient of the 2024 SAR Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal earlier this year in a ceremony at the US Capitol.  

Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan, a graduate of the Howard University Master of Music Program and currently the Performance Coordinator of Creative and Therapeutic Arts Services at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC., gave musical performances during the reception and later during the serving of dessert. Ms. Morgan was more than a classical pianist this evening but an entertainer who set the appropriate mood as we experienced the beginning of this joyous holiday season.

President Bierman introduced our guest speaker Mrs. Nealie Sutton, the Executive Director for Management of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). She leads the overall management and business operations portfolio consisting of ABMC’s financial, human capital, strategic planning, information technology, legal, and business administration responsibilities. The Commission was established by Congress in 1923 and is an agency of the executive branch of the federal government. ABMC is the guardian of America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials that honors the service, achievements, and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces. Their purpose is to commemorate the U.S. armed forces by maintaining the national legacy of their service in the world's consciousness.

Prior to ABMC, Mrs. Sutton served at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as the Chief of Staff for the Office of Management responsible for the coordination of strategies, policies, performance outcomes, and enterprise-level process improvements impacting VA’s fiscal operations. In this role, she directly supported the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer with oversight and accountability of budgeting and financial management of VA’s $369 billion budget.

Mrs. Sutton started her civil service career with the Department of Army at the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation in Orlando, Florida where she served as an Operations Research Analyst responsible for the cost estimates and economic analysis of training and simulation programs. Mrs. Sutton has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, Master of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Master of Business Administration degree, all from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Mrs. Sutton was given the DCSAR Honor in Service Cross medal after her presentation

DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays gave the oath to new SAR member Dr. Richard Timothy LaVoie. Dr. LaVoie holds a doctorate from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and is a 7th great grandson of the famous patriot Daniel Boone, who served as a Colonel and Lt Colonel of Fayette County KY troops, member of the General Assembly in 1781, and Sheriff in 1782.  Secretary Hays and DCSAR Registrar Larry Miller are his sponsors.

Patrick Anderson, DCSAR and Lenna Hoffman, DCDAR, who are Co-Chairs of the 2025 Sweethearts and Patriot Gala that will be held at the Embassy of France on February 15, 2025, gave an overview of the event plans and ticket information.  https://www.sweetheartsandpatriots.org/

A reception attended by 50 Compatriots and guests celebrating the 243rd anniversary of the American Victory at Yorktown and the major contributions to its success by France and French Heroes of the Revolution was held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at The Fund for American Studies in Washington DC.  

Among the toasts offered were to France by DCSAR President Brock Bierman, to the United States of America by Madame Caroline Monvoisin, Consul General of France, to the French Heroes of the Revolution by DCDAR State Chairman of the DAR/SAR/S.R. Relations Committee Rachel Norman and to George Washington by DCSAR Senior Vice President Geoffrey Newman. Madame Monvoisin received the DCSAR certificate of appreciation.  

Also in attendance was Avery Hinzman, President of the DC C.A.R Harriett Lothrop Society who provide an overview of her on-going project.

The Honorable David Howell Petraeus was our special guest at the Sweethearts and Patriots Gala on September 7, 2024, at The British Embassy in northwest Washington, DC. The young members of the DC SAR and DC DAR organized this annual event to raise funds for military charities. This year’s charity was the National Military Family Association who will receive nearly $25,000. Their mission is to stand up for, support, and enhance the quality of life for every military family through bold advocacy, innovative programming, and dynamic and responsive solutions.

The moderator was the British Defense Attache RADM Tim Woods during the fireside chat of General Petraeus. General Petraeus is a partner in the global investment firm KKR and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute. He is also a member of the boards of Optiv and OneStream, a personal venture investor, and engaged in various academic endeavors. 

Petraeus is a retired United States Army general and public official. He served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from September 6, 2011, until his resignation on November 9, 2012. Prior to his assuming the directorship of the CIA, Petraeus served 37 years in the United States Army. His last assignments in the Army were as commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and commander, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A) from July 4, 2010, to July 18, 2011.

His other four-star assignments include serving as the 10th commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) from October 13, 2008, to June 30, 2010, and as commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I) from February 10, 2007, to September 16, 2008. As commander of MNF-I, Petraeus oversaw all coalition forces in Iraq.

General Petraeus has a B.S. degree from the United States Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1974 as a distinguished cadet (top 5% of his class). He was the General George C. Marshall Award winner as the top graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College class of 1983, He subsequently earned an M.P.A. in 1985 and a Ph.D. degree in international relations in 1987 from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He later served as assistant professor of international relations at the United States Military Academy and also completed a fellowship at Georgetown University.

General Petraeus highlighted his military service and his service as director of the CIA during his fireside chat. He discussed what advocacy organizations such as the National Military Family Association mean to those who honorably serve our country and to their families. General Petraeus talked about the importance of family and service. His remarks resonated about the crisis in the Ukraine. He called the resident "freedom loving people of Ukraine and that they align with our Patriot values." 

The honorary hosts were General/Chairman Richard Myers (ret USAF), Lt. Gen Scott Rice (ret USAF and Past Director Air National Guard) and Major General John Ewars (Ret)

The 2025 Sweethearts and Patriot Gala will be held on February 15, 2025, at the Embassy of France in Washington, DC. The gala will pay tribute to Marquis de Lafayette on the Bicentennial of his Farewell Tour as “Guest of the Nation”. Please visit www.sweetheartsandpatriots.org for more information as it becomes available.

Sweethearts and Patriots began in 2014 to bring together the DC Community to benefit organizations that support the military, veterans and their families and is sponsored by the District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution.

The District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”), the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”), the Children of the American Revolution (“C.A.R.”) and members of many other lineage and patriotic organizations gathered on the Fourth of July 2024 for our traditional Independence Day kickoff at Congressional Cemetery. The purpose was to honor and remember Vice President Elbridge Gerry and all the other Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Vice President Gerry is the only Signer buried in Washington D.C. A donation was presented to the President of the D.C.C.A.R., Avery Hinzman by President Bierman.

During the last year, DCSAR compatriots volunteered in the computer lab at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in DC with the SAR sponsored Operation Ancestry Search. This is a free genealogy training program for Wounded Warriors and other military veterans. The goal is to provide participants with the knowledge and tools to allow them to conduct their own genealogy research. Participants are provided free access to the databases of Ancestry.com.