Newsletter – Q2 2026

“American Revolution as Threat” returned to Germanic painter Emanuel Leutze’s art to show how the American Revolution aggravated tensions within the HRE (“Holy Roman Empire”) as it struggled to recover from Ottoman warring expansionism. Here, American ideals complicated the Habsburgs’ problems of managing a larger multi-ethnic empire, the severe financial constraints associated with years of warfare, the ongoing resistance of Hungarians to centralization, and the rise of the “Springtime Revolutions” and Marxism. Focusing on the SAR’s “founding principles,” America’s individualism, shifting patriotism, citizen-led nationalism, and positive-sum free market trade were shown to contrast with the communitarianism, central control, zero-sum mercantilism, and imperial-directed globalism and anti-Americanism pervasive in the HRE.

On April 2nd, the Lemon Bay Quilters presented a Quilt of Honor  to SAR Compatriot Charles Culton – a thrice awarded Purple Heart medal recipient.

Charles finds the Charlotte Chapter, FLSSAR activities and comradeship especially meaningful. The Charlotte Chapter was unequivocally honored to have our meeting chosen as the venue for an event that is a symbol of our collective SAR 4^th and 5^th great-grandfathers’ pride and loving embrace of our compatriot Charles.

For those unfamiliar with it, the Quilts of Honor Foundation was established by Gail Belmont of California, a 21-year military veteran. During her service, which included time in Vietnam, Ms. Belmont was assigned the solemn duty of playing Taps at military funerals. Her experiences inspired the creation of this meaningful program. Today, it continues to produce quilts that serve as lasting tributes—offering comfort, recognition, and appreciation to those who bravely served our country. You can watch a short video about the project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNGrsz456R0

Charlotte Chapter was formed on April 23, 1976 and celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Chapter President Martin Calkins introduced a proclamation honoring the Chapter’s living past-presidents.

After receiving approval from the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners compatriots of the Charlotte Chapter come together to install the America 250 History Walk exhibit.

The America 250 History Walk is an exhibit that tells the story of the American Revolution in 16 signs along a walkway in the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park in Port Charlotte. The signs will be available for public viewing through Veterans Day (November 11) before being relocated. It is a collaborative effort with Charlotte County to commemorate and preserve the rich history and enduring ideals that have shaped our nation over the past 250 years. It will serve as a lasting educational resource for residents, students, and visitors, to highlight key moments and contributions that define the American experience.

The exhibit launch was attended by members of the Chapter, the Florida Society of the SAR, representatives of local DAR chapters, and community members.

Charlotte Chapter introduces a new recruiting campaign to encourage a new generation of compatriots.