Mahoning Valley SAR marks 10 years of service and education

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 re-establish 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.

Over the past 10 years, chapter members have engaged the community through educational lectures, living history presentations, parades, veterans' fundraisers and exhibits at the Canfield Fair that highlight the American Revolution and the mission of the SAR.

The chapter's founding is considered a "rebirth" because the region was previously served by the Nathan Hale Chapter of the SAR, which operated in the Youngstown area from 1903 until becoming inactive around 2009. The Mahoning Valley Chapter now serves the same three counties: Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana.

The region's Revolutionary War connections run deep. As part of Ohio's historic Connecticut Western Reserve, the area was heavily influenced by settlers from Connecticut. Trumbull County itself is named for Jonathan Trumbull, the Revolutionary War governor of Connecticut and a trusted ally of George Washington.

The Mahoning Valley also shares ties to President William McKinley, an Ohio SAR member whose family's roots span the region. McKinley was born in Niles, attended Poland Seminary, and had family connections in Columbiana County. He later enlisted in the Union Army from the steps of the historic Stone Tavern in Poland.

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 successful 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.

Ohio Society Registrar Troy Bailey congratulated the chapter on its 10th anniversary. Members also received updates on cemetery research, plans for a chapter color guard, educational outreach programs, and upcoming America 250 commemorative events.

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 held Dec. 12 at Davidson's Restaurant in Canfield. Interested individuals are welcome to attend.

Submitted by Blair Carmichael