The South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution gathered in Columbia, South Carolina, April 17–18, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn Northeast for our 2026 Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting. Marked by the spirit of the 250th anniversary of American Independence (1776–2026), the weekend was filled with camaraderie, patriotism, recognition of outstanding service, and important Society business.

Friday, April 17 – Awards Banquet

The evening began with on-site registration and a warm reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a delicious dinner buffet. We were honored to welcome MG Julian Burns, USA (Ret.), as our distinguished guest speaker. His inspiring remarks set the stage for the presentation of the 2026 SAR Awards.

We proudly recognized the following youth and teacher award recipients:

• JROTC Outstanding Cadet Award – Cdt MAJ Lily Reiss (presented by Clyde Howell)
• George & Stella Knight Essay Contest – Elisabeth Hand (presented by Doug Doster)
• Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher of the Year Award – Kristine Adams (presented by Doug Doster)
• Theodore Roosevelt Morton SCSSAR Scholarship – John Verenes (presented by Charles Vaughn)

Additional SAR awards presented included Certificates of Appreciation, the State Color Guard Commander 2-Year Medal, SAR/DAR Medal of Appreciation, CAR/SAR Medal of Appreciation, SAR Daughters of Liberty Medal, Bronze SAR Color Guard Medal, SAR Good Citizenship Medal, Silver Henry Knox Achievement Medal, Silver Roger Sherman Medal, SAR Patriot Grave Marking Medal, SAR Meritorious Service Medal, Distinguished Service Award, and the Patriot Medal.

The evening was a wonderful celebration of service, patriotism, and the next generation of leaders.

Saturday, April 18 – Annual Meeting

Following registration and a continental breakfast, the Society convened its 2026 Annual Meeting. Highlights included the election of the new slate of officers (led by President Gary Blanpied), reports from committees and chapters, and the continuation of our shared mission to honor our Revolutionary War ancestors while promoting education, historic preservation, and good citizenship.

A heartfelt thank you to all who attended, to our dedicated officers and chapter leaders, to the award recipients and presenters, and especially to the many volunteers whose hard work made this weekend possible. Your patriotism and commitment continue to strengthen the SCSSAR.

Photo Gallery Many photographs from both the Awards Banquet and the Annual Meeting have been uploaded to the SCSSAR website. We encourage you to browse the gallery and relive these special moments with your fellow compatriots.

Thank you for your continued support of the South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution. Together, we honor the past, inspire the present, and build for the future!

Fraternally, Gary Blanpied, President South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution