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Greetings Patriot Family!

In addition to the Badge of Military Merit, General George Washington had two Honorary Badges of distinction. The following is from his order: "Honorary Badges of distinction are to be conferred on the veteran Non commissioned officers and soldiers of the army, who have served more than three years with bravery, fidelity and good conduct, for this purpose a narrow piece of white cloth of an angular form is to be fixed to the left arm on the uniform Coats. Non commissioned officers and soldiers who have served with equal reputation more than six years are to be distinguished by two pieces of cloth set on parallel to each other in a similar form — should any who are not entitled to these honors have the insolence to assume the badges of them they shall be severely punished. On the other hand, it is expected those gallant men who are thus designated will on all occasions be treated with particular confidence and consideration."

This appears to me to be the origin of what we call service stripes or hash marks. Please note this was reserved for enlisted troops as was the Badge of Military Merit. At the Veterans Appreciation Week Military Ball, there was a reenactment of the presentation of the Badge of Military Merit by General Washington (From the Sons of the American Revolution) in period clothing to our own Patriot Curt Ebitz.

I want to thank those Chapter members who participated in the Citrus County Veterans Appreciation Week events and congratulate Patriots Haskins and Korber on their selection as honorary marshals for the Veterans Day Parade.  

Don’t forget to mark your calendar to attend the Chapter’s annual Pearl Harbor commemorative dinner and holiday social December 7 at the Citrus National Golf Club. In the spirit of “the more the merrier,” Chapter members are encouraged to bring family and friends as their guests.

Wishing all a bountiful Thanksgiving and a wonderful Christmas holiday.

Richard Hunt

Commander