The Sons of the American Revolution is a historical, educational, and patriotic non-profit, United States 501(c)3, corporation that seeks to maintain and extend:

• the institutions of American freedom
• an appreciation for patriotism
• a respect for our national symbols
• the value of American citizenship
• the unifying force of e pluribus Unum that has created, from the people of many nations, one nation and one people.

The National Society has affirmed that these goals are pursued in three distinct areas:  Educational, Patriotic, and Historical.  The Robert Rankin Chapter is aligned with the National Goals and programs and pursues these in the following ways.

 

 

Educational

• The Robert Rankin Chapter is one of the most active chapters in its flag presentations.  These are presented to elementary school age children.  At the conclusion of 2008 it is estimated that the Chapter will have presented over 500 programs at over 100 locations, in over 9 different cities, 5 different counties, and over 20,000 adults and children.
• The Chapter actively promotes the James Looney Poster Contest (for elementary children) and the Knight Essay Contest (for high school students).  Last year over 300 posters and over 60 essays were submitted by students from both KISD and also CFISD.  The Chapter has had its entries selected as outstanding essay and poster for the State of Texas.
• Programs at chapter meetings often present information regarding the events, battles, and individuals of the revolutionary era.

 

 

Patriotic

• Color Guard:  Our color guard has participated in observances of Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day, and the swearing in of new citizens.  In addition, our guard has functioned at the State Convention, Board of Managers meetings, Chapter meetings, meetings of the Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as special group meetings such as AARP.
• Recognitions:
  • Outstanding JROTC Cadets are recognized at each high school in the Cy Fair ISD and Katy ISD with a JROTC program in addition to Westside HS in Houston ISD.
  • Eagle Scout certificates are mailed to new Eagle Scouts within the area bounded by the Katy ISD.
  • Each year an outstanding sea cadet is recognized by the Rankin Chapter.
  • The Chapter seeks to recognize outstanding service by Police, Firefighters, EMS, Heroism, and Life Saving personnel.  Please click here to see a listing of public service recognitions.
• Veterans:
  • Within the chapter Veterans have been recognized with the appropriate SAR war service medal.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars serve as speakers during Chapter meetings offering their insight.
  • The Chapter participates with visitations to the Houston VA Hospital.
• Flag:
  • The Chapter actively promotes the teaching of respect of the flag through its flag programs and brochure handouts to school children.
  • Individuals and Companies that fly the flag properly are recognized by the Chapter.

 

 

Historical

• Chapter members are present at the grave marking or rededication of the gravesites of Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Texas to include Robert Rankin at the State Cemetary in Austin, Alexander Hodge in Sugarland, and Private Zachariah Landrum in Montgomery, Texas in 2004.
• Chapter members are active in pursuing their lineages as well as those of prospective members.
• At Chapter meetings, Speakers present insight into battles or everday life during the Revolutionary Period in addition to members honoring their Revolutionary War Patriot(s) by discussing their life and participation in creating America.