LATE SIGNUP NOW OPEN

As we reached the room capacity with signups the venue moved us to a slightly larger room so we can take 6 more signups. The meeting will be on May 18th at Marie Callender’s, just off I-8 near SDSU (6950 Alvarado).

We have an amazing program prepared that will feature a reenactment of Bernardo de Galvez by a Southern California actor in period dress.  Galvez led the Spanish Navy and Army in the capture of British positions along the east side of the Mississippi river along with the capture of the seaports of Mobile and Pensacola.  He also led the organizing of the fund raising effort to fund the French Navy at the sea battle in Chesapeake Bay which led to the surrender of the British forces at Yorktown.

Our keynote, Dennis Carlos, is an artist, historian, and a living history reenactor for over 20 years. He is currently the President of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historical Trail Color Guard – California Division, for the National Park Service. Although most of his research is in early California history, he has focused the last 7 years on the Spanish hero, Bernardo de Galvez, and how Spain and his personal contributions helped America succeed in becoming an independent nation.

Late Signup is now open!  Signup soon as there is limited space at this venue.

The role of Spain in the birth of the United States is a little known and little understood aspect of U.S. independence. Dennis’s presentation, “Secrets of the American Revolution”, will help bring Spain’s involvement to light by portraying the General. Gálvez is best remembered for his victory at Pensacola that aided the American war effort and made him a hero to both Spain and the newly independent United States. Gálvez was officially recognized by George Washington and the United States Congress for his aid during the American Revolution.

We also anticipate a presentation on Juan Peralta who served with Galvez in New Orleans and Mobile by our Membership VP, Gene Moore.  His wife, Claudine, was recently accepted into DAR based on her relationship to Peralta and she is the first person to qualify him in DAR (and SAR through a cousin). 

We will provide an update on the Patriots in San Diego that made donations thereby earning them the status of a acknowledged SAR Patriot and eligible to be used to qualify a direct descendants for membership in SAR.  We have identified 17 Spanish soldiers that were buried at the Presidio and Mission de Alcala and have been recognized by SAR for their contributions to the war effort.

We have wanted to schedule this program since 2022 but we could never work out the details.  This presentation will not be available via Zoom unless the venue sells out.