All members of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution are entitled to purchase and wear the member badge/medal. All Compatriots are encouraged to purchase and wear the SAR Badge. A Compatriot should only wear the SAR Badge at functions of the SAR or when representing the SAR. It may also be worn during the funeral of an SAR member or the dedication of a grave marker for a deceased SAR member. When wearing multiple medals, the member badge is always the first medal to the wearer's right and over the wearer's heart.
The War Service Medal was first authorized in 1899 for members who served in the
Spanish-American War. It was subsequently authorized for members who served in World
War I and World War II. Following World War II, the NSSAR authorized a generic War
Service Medal with specific service periods indicated by bronze bars.
The medal is bronze in color. The medal is available in miniature.
Bronze Service Bars or Oak Leaf Clusters may be attached to the ribbon
drape.
Names listed below belong to the SAR Veterans Corps and are entitled to wear
the War Service Medal.
* deceased
The Military Service Medal, authorized in 2006, may be presented to a Compatriot in
recognition of military service which does not otherwise qualify for the War Service Medal.
The medal is available in miniature.
Names listed below belong to the SAR Veterans Corps and are entitled to wear
the War Service Medal.
* deceased
The Bronze Liberty Medal, authorized in 1987, is presented for
recruiting new members to the SAR. This medal is presented to any
Compatriot who signed as a first-line sponsor on the membership
application of at least ten (10) new members. The Bronze Liberty Medal
is also awarded to any Compatriot who received the Florence Kendall
Award at or before the 1986 Annual Congress (held in Tampa, Florida).and
is presented for. The medal is bronze in color and commemorates the
restoration of the Statue of Liberty by depicting the Statue of Liberty
on the obverse. The reverse has a space for the name and date of the
recipient to be engraved. The medal is suspended from a gold ribbon.
* deceased
The Silver Color Guard Medal,
authorized in 1998, is for service at the District and National levels. The medal is
awarded for at least three years of service at the applicable level. The three years may be
broken, not continuous. Award of each medal may be for retroactive service, so that any living
compatriot may receive it, even if he cannot march anymore. An SAR Color Guardsman must have the
Bronze Color Guard Medal before he can be awarded the Silver Color Guard Medal.
The National Society presents the Lafayette Volunteer Service Award,
authorized in 2011, to an individual
for volunteer service performed at the NSSAR Headquarters in Louisville, KY or other
significant volunteer work as determined by the President General. The award is presented
when forty (40) hours of volunteer service have been accumulated. The Executive Director
will provide a list of projects requiring volunteer assistance. Volunteers must meet
acceptable experience criteria and will be supervised by a department head. Department
heads and volunteers must ensure that the volunteer service form is completed at the end
of each day that service is performed. The Executive Director will be responsible for
maintaining a volunteer service file. The award consists of a medal,
gold in color, bearing a relief of General Lafayette on the obverse. The
reverse is inscribed “NSSAR” with room for engraving. A miniature medal
is available.
The Patriot Grave Marking Medal,
authorized in 2012, recognizes both past efforts to identify and report data on
Revolutionary War graves and to encourage new efforts to identify graves. The data generated
by these efforts will meet educational objectives by continuing to build and improve the
existing database on these patriots by listing their final resting places. It meets
historical objectives by providing data to potential members and by identify these significant
places so that they may not be lost to future generations. The medal is
suspended from a purple and black drape and is a round disk of silver
color. The obverse depicts a cemetery with a picket fence, with a rifle
leaning against the fence, a Betsy Ross flag, and a cloudy sky. The
words “1775 Patriot” appear at the bottom. The reverse has the words
“Services for Those Who Served” flanked by laurel leaves, with space for
inscription. The medal is available in full size and miniature.
The Compatriot Grave Marking Medal, authorized in 2017, recognizes each Compatriot’s contributions to
the Sons of the American Revolution and honors our deceased Compatriots (while simultaneously
honoring each Compatriot’s Patriot Ancestor) while publicizing the value of membership to their
descendants. The medal is suspended from a purple and black drape and is a round disk of bronze
color. The obverse depicts a cemetery with a picket fence, with a rifle leaning against the fence, a
Betsy Ross flag, and a cloudy sky. The words “April 30, 1889 Compatriot” appear at the bottom.
The reverse has the words “Services for Those Who Served” flanked by laurel leaves, with space
for inscription. The medal is available in full size and miniature.
The medal, authorized in 2018, is designed recognize those compatriots, chapters, societies and partner organizations who participate in local, state, national and international events which recognize and honor our Patriot ancestors and the events of the American Revolution. The Anniversary period begins in 2014, with the 250th Anniversary of Parliament’s passage of the Sugar Act, and extends to 2033, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Celebrations are encouraged to honor and recognize Patriot Ancestors or significant events during public education events. All references to the 250th Anniversary at public celebrations are encouraged to give the broadest exposure to this significant time in our history. Medal points are earned for taking part in each celebration that brings attention to the 250th Anniversary period of 2014 through 2033. The medal is gold in color and suspended from a drape (patterned red/white/blue/white/red). The obverse is the official SAR logo for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. The reverse is blank and suitable for engraving. A miniature medal is available.
The Patriot Medal,
authorized in 1964, is the highest award presented to a Compatriot by a State Society
and recognizes long, faithful, outstanding, and distinguished service at the state and/or
chapter level. The Patriot Medal is awarded only by a State Society and may be presented
only to an individual. Service at the national level is not considered in making the award.
It is desirable that it be presented at the annual meeting of the State Society.
The medal has a silver finish and bears the portrait of Compatriot
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur on the obverse within the
inscription, “The National Society of the Sons of the American
Revolution.” The reverse is inscribed “Awarded to for Patriotic Service
by the Society SAR, 20__. The medal is suspended from a chest ribbon of
royal blue color. Compatriot MacArthur selected the design for the medal
just prior to his death. He received the first medal, presented
posthumously at his tomb in Norfolk, Virginia, on October 19, 1964,
where it is on permanent display. The Patriot Medal is available in full
and miniature sizes.
* deceased
The State Meritorious Service Medal,
authorized in 1980, may be awarded to SAR
members who have rendered long, faithful and meritorious service to their State
Society. The meritorous service rendered should be
stated in the citation. The medal has a silver finish and bears on the
obverse a relief of Thomas Jefferson. The ribbon drape is of the same
style used for the membership insignia drape. The ribbon drape includes
a silver bar inscribed with “MERITORIOUS SERVICE.” The reverse includes
a space to insert the recipient's name and the date of presentation,
surrounded by laurel leaves. It is available in miniature and comes with
a certificate, which should be engrossed and presented with the medal.
The State Roger Sherman Commendation Medal, authorized in 2013, may be awarded to a compatriot in recognition of, and in appreciation of, outstanding services rendered to a State Society. The medal is presented to a compatriot for significant service which lacks the requirements for the Meritorious Service Medal. It should be awarded in place of the Bronze and Silver Good Citizenship Medals, which cannot be awarded for service to the SAR. The recipient must have served as an active officer for a minimum of two years, as an active committee chairman for three years, or as an active member of a committee for four years. This Medal is named after Roger Sherman (1721-1793), who was a founding father, and the only person to sign all four Congressional papers of the United States: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. The medal is antique silver in color and bears on the obverse a portrait of Roger Sherman, with the inscription “Roger Sherman Medal.” The reverse of the medal is inscribed “In Appreciation for Service to the SAR.” It is suspended from a chest ribbon of blue, white and red.
The Service to Veterans Medal,
authorized in 2002, may be awarded to SAR members who have given long and exemplary
service to veterans. The medal is awarded for 5000 USS Stark Award points accrued by the SAR
member. Additional awards may be earned for each additional 3000 points earned.
The medal is bronze, with a design on the obverse side of the medal
showing one hand reaching down offering assistance to the second hand.
Across the top are the words “Service to Veterans,” and across the
bottom are the words “National Society Sons of the American Revolution.”
The reverse of the medal is inscribed “Awarded for Voluntary Service”
with the awardee’s name and date. The medal is suspended from a blue,
white and red (from left to right) vertically draped ribbon.
The Bronze Color Guard Medal,
authorized in 1998, is for service at the State and/or Chapter levels. Each medal is
awarded for at least three years of service at the applicable level. The three years may be
broken, not continuous. Award of each medal may be for retroactive service, so that any living
compatriot may receive it, even if he cannot march anymore.
The medal, authorized in 2018, is designed to recognize those compatriots, chapters, societies and partner organizations who participate in local, state, national and international events which recognize and honor our Patriot ancestors and the events of the American Revolution. The Anniversary period begins in 2014, with the 250th Anniversary of Parliament’s passage of the Sugar Act, and extends to 2033, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Celebrations are encouraged to honor and recognize Patriot Ancestors or significant events during public education events. All references to the 250th Anniversary at public celebrations are encouraged to give the broadest exposure to this significant time in our history. Medal points are earned for taking part in each celebration that brings attention to the 250th Anniversary period of 2014 through 2033. The medal is silver in color and suspended from a drape (patterned red/white/blue/white/red). The obverse is the official SAR logo for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. The reverse is blank and suitable for engraving. A miniature medal is available.
The Chapter Distinguished Service Medal, authorized in 2013, may be awarded to SAR members who have
rendered particularly distinguished service to the incumbent chapter president during his term of
service. The Chapter Distinguished Service Medal (“CDSM”) is diamond shaped with a blue
SAR insignia surmounted on a white enamel background and trimmed in bronze hanging from a
drape of solid maroon ribbon. A miniature medal is available. The CDSM is the highest medal
that can be awarded by a Chapter President.
* deceased
The Chapter Meritorious Service Medal, authorized in 1980, 2022, may be awarded to SAR members who have rendered long, faithful and meritorious service to their Chapter. The medal has a bronze finish and bears on the obverse a relief of Thomas Jefferson. The ribbon drape is of the same style used for the membership insignia drape. The ribbon drape includes a bronze bar inscribed with “MERITORIOUS SERVICE.” The reverse includes a space to insert the recipient's name and the date of presentation, surrounded by laurel leaves. It is available in miniature.
The Chapter Roger Sherman Commendation Medal may be awarded to a compatriot in recognition of, and in appreciation of, outstanding services rendered to a Chapter. The medal is presented to a compatriot for significant service which lacks the requirements for the Meritorious Service Medal. It should be awarded in place of the Bronze and Silver Good Citizenship Medals, which cannot be awarded for service to the SAR. The recipient must have served as an active officer for a minimum of two years, as an active committee chairman for three years, or as an active member of a committee for four years. This Medal is named after Roger Sherman (1721-1793), who was a founding father, and the only person to sign all four Congressional papers of the United States: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. The medal is antique bronze in color and bears on the obverse a portrait of Roger Sherman, with the inscription “Roger Sherman Medal.” The reverse of the medal is inscribed “In Appreciation for Service to the SAR.” It is suspended from a chest ribbon of blue, white and red.
The Bronze Good Citizenship Medal, authorized in 1895 and converted to a medal in 1932, is a multi-purpose award designed to recognize individuals whose community (i.e., school, locality, or state) achievements are noteworthy. It can be presented to both adults and minors and to Compatriots (subject to below limitation) and non Compatriots alike (subject to the below restriction regarding national officers of other organizations). The award consists of a circular medal, bronze in color, suspended from a ribbon of the society’s colors. The obverse of the medal depicts a minuteman standing in front of a plow with an image of the Liberty Bell and the date “1776” surrounded by the words “THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION®” and “GOOD CITIZENSHIP MEDAL.” The reverse is inscribed with the phrase “OUR INSPIRATION IS FROM THE PAST, OUR DUTY IS IN THE PRESENT, OUR HOPE IS IN THE FUTURE. AWARDED TO” and includes a space for engraving, all surrounded by laurel leaves. A miniature medal is also available.
The medal is designed recognize those compatriots, chapters, societies and partner organizations who participate in local, state, national and international events which recognize and honor our Patriot ancestors and the events of the American Revolution. The Anniversary period begins in 2014, with the 250th Anniversary of Parliament’s passage of the Sugar Act, and extends to 2033, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Celebrations are encouraged to honor and recognize Patriot Ancestors or significant events during public education events. All references to the 250th Anniversary at public celebrations are encouraged to give the broadest exposure to this significant time in our history. Medal points are earned for taking part in each celebration that brings attention to the 250th Anniversary period of 2014 through 2033. The medal is bronze in color and suspended from a drape (patterned red/white/blue/white/red). The obverse is the official SAR logo for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. The reverse is blank and suitable for engraving. A miniature medal is available.
The SAR 125th Anniversary Medal commemorates the one hundredth and twenty-fifth anniversary of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Only a member who was a dues-paying member between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 may wear it. In addition, new members whose application had been submitted during that time may also wear it.
The Boston Tea Party Medal commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, which occurred on December 13, 1773. This Medal can be worn by anyone not just NSSAR Members. The medal is silver in color suspended from a ribbon of yellow, blue, and yellow fabric with a white star centered on the blue band. The obverse of the medal bears custom artwork of the Carpenters’ Hall, with the notations “We ask for but Peace, Liberty & Safety” and “First Continental Congress, 1774” within the artwork and the words “250th Anniversary 1776-2026” across the top and “Sons of the American Revolution” across the bottom of a blue ring. The reverse of the medal bears the SAR Eagle Logo in color over bare medal.
The First Continental Congress Medal commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the First Continental Congress, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from September 5, 1774 to October 26, 1774. This Medal can be worn by anyone not just NSSAR Members. The medal is silver in color suspended from a blue ribbon with three yellow stars over two thin, horizontal yellow stripes. The obverse of the medal bears custom artwork of the Carpenters’ Hall, with the notations “We ask for but Peace, Liberty & Safety” and “First Continental Congress, 1774” within the artwork and the words “250th Anniversary 1776-2026” across the top and “Sons of the American Revolution” across the bottom of a blue ring. The reverse of the medal bears the SAR Eagle Logo in color over bare medal.
The Shot Heard Round the World Medal commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which occurred on April 19,1775 This Medal can be worn by anyone not just NSSAR Members. The medal is silver in color suspended from a ribbon with a navy stripe flanked by two equal maroon stripes; a vertical yellow depiction of a sword is centered on the navy stripe. The obverse of the medal bears custom artwork of the Battle of Lexington, with the notation “The Shot Heard Round the World 1775” and the words “250th Anniversary 1776-2026” across the top and “Sons of the American Revolution” across the bottom of a blue ring. The reverse of the medal bears the SAR Eagle Logo in color on a white background inside a blue ring with the inscription of “United States of America” across the top and “Sons of the American Revolution” across the bottom.
The SAR Medal of Appreciation, authorized in 2011, may be presented to a member of the DAR in good standing in recognition of and in appreciation for outstanding services rendered to the SAR. The award may recognize assistance in forming new SAR chapters, obtaining a specific number of new SAR members or otherwise significantly aiding the SAR program. The medal is gold in color and bears on the obverse a relief of Molly Pitcher and is inscribed, “Medal of Appreciation.” The medal is suspended from a chest ribbon of the SAR colors. The medal is available in miniature.
The Martha Washington Medal, authorized in 1971, may be presented to a woman over 18 years of age in recognition of outstanding service to the SAR. A DAR may receive the Martha Washington Medl and the SAR Medal of Appreciation (on separate occasions) if her service warrants it. The medal is gold in color and bears on the obverse a portrait of Martha Washington within the inscription “SAR Martha Washington Award.” It is suspended from a chest ribbon of the SAR colors. The medal is available in miniature.
A medal presented by the chapter president to members that have done outstanding work for the Chapter.
* deceased
The Alexander Hamilton Medal honors the memory of the first Secretary of the
Treasury of the United States. It is awarded to individuals who give $1,000.00
to the Patriots Fund. Successive $1,000.00 contributions earn a bronze oak leaf
cluster, and five bronze oak leaf clusters can be exchanged for a silver oak leaf
cluster. Proceeds from the Patriots Fund are used to fund the various Youth and
Public Service programs of the Texas Society.
* deceased
To commemorate the year 2020 as the 125th Anniversary of the establishment of the Texas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, members were able to purchase and wear this commemorative medal.
The purpose of the Bernardo De Galvez Texas SAR Color Guard Medal (approved by NSSAR at the 2009 National Congress) is to promote Color Guard Activity within the Texas Society, to show recognition to the Texas Society Color Guard, to promote the service of our Patriot Bernardo De Galvez, to promote the history of New Spain and Texas in the American Revolution, and to offer recognition for Color Guardsmen who come to Texas to support a National Color Guard Event. It, like the National SAR Medal, comes in Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
To recognize distinguished and prolonged service to the Texas Society and the Texas Society Color Guard at National and State events. Active membership in the Texas Society Color Guard for at least six (6) years is required. A reasonable degree of activity is required over the service period. A Color Guardsman must participate in State events and at least six National Society events in each of three years, which do not need to be continuous. National events are those listed at the end of this handbook and each Color Guard event at a National Congress (Memorial Service, CG Breakfast, Opening Ceremony, each Banquet, and any other opportunities to serve in uniform at the Congress). A Texas SAR Color Guardsman must have the Galvez Bronze Color Guard Medal and the Galvez Silver Color Guard before he can be awarded the Gold Galvez Color Guard Medal
To recognize distinguished service to the Texas Society and the Texas Society Color Guard. Active membership in the Texas Society Color Guard for at least three (3) years and a reasonable degree of activity over the service period Attendance and participation in at least three State Society level activities per year is mandatory and the Guardsman must have received the Bronze medal. Service need not be continuous and a year shall be any period of twelve consecutive months.
To encourage participation in National and State Color Guard Event within the borders of the State of Texas. Participation in three State or National Events within Texas, or participation one time in the George Washington Parade, in Laredo, qualify as a requirement.
The George Washington Endowment Fund (GWEF) was created to establish a permanently restricted fund,
the income of which would provide annual funding for support of NSSAR unfunded and underfunded
committees and special projects.
George Washington Fellows have elected through their single gift or annual installment payment
plan to give a $1000.00 membership donation thereby leaving a patriotic legacy of a lifetime whose
perpetual gift never dies and continues to support the SAR in perpetuity.” All new George Washington
Fellows receive a beautiful gold lapel pin, a certificate acknowledging their status as a GW Fellow,
and their name is added to the list of all GW Fellows in the SAR Genealogical and Research Library.
The 1776 Society Campaign was launched in 2015 to help fund the SAR Education Center and Museum.
Donations to this campaign are designed to directly cover the cost of square footage in the
gallery space. For example, $1,776 will construct three square feet of the new museum while
$17,760 covers 30 square feet. Gifts made towards this project are cumulative and multi-year
pledges are accepted. There are levels of support from $25 to $17,760.
Available levels include Delegate, Drafter, and Signer
