MADISON COUNTY – A local group of men works diligently to preserve the ideology of early Americans and support the work of contemporary, peace-enforcing agencies.

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, referred to as SAR or NSSAR, was founded in 1889 by charter from the U.S. Congress. Headquarters are in Louisville, Ky.

SAR members work to promote patriotic, historical and educational ideals. “They promote fellowship among descendants of those who sacrificed to achieve the independence of the American people,” SAR spokesperson Richard Blanton said. Blanton also serves as Historian for Madison American Legion, Post 229.

SAR members strive for the community-at-large to have “a more profound reverence for the principles of the government founded by our forefathers; to foster true patriotism; and to extend the institutions of American freedom,” Blanton said.

The society’s membership consists of male descendants of men and women who served in the American Revolutionary War or who contributed to independence of the United States. SAR’s membership exceeds 38,000 people in 591 chapters from all 50 states, along with Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Since SAR was founded in 1889, the society has admitted more than 200,000 descendants.

Ancestors who qualify for SAR membership are in different categories:

* Military veterans of the American Revolutionary War, including men who served in the Continental Army, Continental Navy and state militias and navies.

* Signers of the Declaration of Independence.

* Members of the Continental Congress.

* Civilians who provided arms or supplies to the American cause.

* Individuals who served on political bodies supporting the revolution, signed oaths of allegiance or those who gave similar support to the patriot cause.

* Soldiers and sailors from allied nations, such as France and Spain who fought in support of American independence.

The Tennessee Valley Chapter of SAR honors area individuals for acts of heroism, including outstanding firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel. The organization also presents flag certificates to individuals or organizations who properly display the U.S. flag.

In addition, local SAR members honor veterans and give presentations in schools. They offer numerous programs for youth and a “Teacher of the Year” program.

The Tennessee Valley Chapter of SAR meets in the Huntsville/Madison County Public Library monthly on second Mondays at 11 a.m. (except in May with its annual banquet). Wives and guests are welcome at meetings.

Individuals interested in joining and needing more information about SAR can visit tvcsar.org.