Mahoning Valley SAR chapter marks 10 years

CANFIELD -- The Mahoning Valley Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) celebrated its 10th anniversary during its Oct. 3 meeting at the Canfield Public Library.

The chapter traces its roots to 2015, when fewer than 10 local residents met at the library to reestablish an SAR presence in the region. The new chapter's officers were Jonathan Guerrier, John Opre, Phil Bracy and John Layfield. Their efforts led to official certification in 2016 and the formation of the Mahoning Valley Chapter.

The Mahoning Valley Chapter now serves the same three counties: Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana. Among the Chapter's most notable recent achievements was dedicating a monument in downtown East Liverpool honoring all Revolutionary War veterans buried in Columbiana County. The project was led by past president Stephen Barlow through a community fundraising campaign. The chapter continues its mission to promote historical education, honor the nation's founding principles and serve the community through patriotism and civic engagement.

During the Oct. 3 meeting, President Wayne Recknor welcomed guest speaker Suzie McCabe of the Canfield Historical Society. McCabe presented a program on Revolutionary War veterans buried in Canfield and ongoing efforts to preserve and research local historic cemeteries. Members elected Richard "Dick" Altomare as vice president. Service pins were presented to Recknor for five years of service and Jonathan Guerrier for 10 years of service.

The meeting concluded with a Revolutionary War history reading by John Opre, who discussed the military events of October 1776 and the contributions of Polish military engineer Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

The chapter's next meeting and Christmas gathering will be Dec. 12 at Davidson's Restaurant in Canfield. Interested individuals are welcome to attend.