Today, the journey that began in a genealogist’s office in March reached its destination. I stood before the Colonel James Wood II Chapter and officially took the oath to join the Sons of the American Revolution.
There is a weight to the words of the SAR oath. It is a commitment to honor the past while serving the future, and taking it in the presence of my new compatriots was a moment I won’t soon forget. Making the day even more special was the fact that a fellow Brother Mason—who is also a member of the SAR—was there to capture the moment through photos. It’s a perfect example of how these fraternal circles overlap here in our community.
During the ceremony, I had the opportunity to share a bit about the patriot who earned me my place in this room: John Plumley.
As I told the chapter, John Plumley was a recruiter from New Kent County, Virginia. While some patriots fought on the front lines, John’s service was in the vital work of building the army itself—convincing his neighbors to take up the cause of liberty. Sharing his specific story felt like I was finally giving him the recognition he earned over two centuries ago.
I am now officially “Compatriot Moten.” With the application hurdles behind me, I am excited to transition from researching history to helping the chapter preserve it. Whether through the Color Guard or community education, I’m ready to get to work.
The certificate is in hand, the oath is taken, and the mission continues.
