Citizens of Chilton, Autauga and Elmore Counties are invited to become members of The General John Archer Elmore (GJAE) Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), one of the oldest patriotic organizations in the country.

SAR began in the 1890s and is the leading male lineage society that perpetuates the ideas of the war for independence.

“The General John Archer Elmore Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, has a growing membership base and invites all interested citizens of Chilton, Autauga and Elmore Counties to attend the monthly Chapter meetings,” said Bill Stone, chapter president.

Members of SAR have traced their family tree back to a point of having an ancestor who supported the cause of American Independence during the years 1774-1783.

If one or more of your ancestors participated in the American Revolutionary War or if you are not sure whether any of your ancestors participated, the GJAE Chapter has a registrar that has successfully researched the lineage of more than 300 people qualifying them for membership in the SAR, said Stone.

“I spend a great deal of time researching (free of charge) the ancestry of anyone wanting to join the SAR,” said Colonel Larry P. Cornwell, USAF retired. “I find a Revolutionary War soldier in you ancestral line, gather the necessary documentation to prove each generation’s relationship to the next, and prepare your SAR application to join a local Chapter.”

The organization has worked with more than 600 children in Autauga and Elmore Counties.

Governor Bob Riley was inducted into the organization last Friday at the Capitol, said Stone.

The next monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m., at El Torito Mexican Restaurant located at the intersection of I-65 and Hwy 14 (Exit 181) between Prattville and Millbrook.

As a historical, educational and patriotic non-profit corporation, the organization seeks to maintain and expand the meaning of patriotism, respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship and the unifying force of “e pluribus unum” that was created from the new people of many nations – one nation and one people.

For more information contact the Chapter Registrar, Col. Larry Cornwell at lacornwell@aol.com or you can contact Chapter President, Bill Stone at francesandbill@bellsouth.net or at 334-262-7154 or 334-264-7157.