Chancellor Livingston Chapter, NSDAR

03/27/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CCQQraGAs/

03/17/2026

02/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1By4JA8rEN/

On Feb. 3, 1943, during World War II, the U.S. Army transport ship Dorchester was torpedoed by a German submarine while carrying more than 900 servicemen and civilians across the North Atlantic. Amid the chaos that followed, four Army chaplains—Methodist Lt. George L. Fox, Rabbi Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Roman Catholic Father John P. Washington, and Reformed Minister Lt. Clark V. Poling—became symbols of selfless courage.

As the ship sank, the chaplains moved through the dark and freezing decks, calming frightened men, tending the wounded, and helping others toward safety. When life jackets ran out, each chaplain gave up his own to save others, regardless of faith or background. With no hope of rescue left, they stood together, arms linked in prayer as the Dorchester slipped beneath the icy waves.

Of the more than 900 aboard, only 230 survived. The four chaplains, whose actions reflected extraordinary faith and unity in service, did not survive but left a powerful legacy of interfaith cooperation and sacrifice. Their bravery has been honored nationally. They were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Hearts, and in 1961, Congress created the unique Four Chaplains’ Medal to recognize their heroism.

01/25/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E9hcq2wfU/

On January 25, 1776, the Continental Congress authorizes the first national Revolutionary War memorial in honor of Brigadier General Richard Montgomery, who had been killed during an assault on Quebec on December 31, 1775.

Richard Montgomery (2 December 1738 – 31 December 1775) was an Ulster-Scots soldier who first served in the British Army. He later became a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

"I shall endeavor to discharge my duty to society, considering myself only as the citizen, moved by the melancholy necessity of taking up arms for the public safety."

(George Washington Papers, Series 4, General Correspondence: Richard Montgomery to Philip J. Schuyler, November 3, 1775)

Image: Engraving of Montgomery by Alonzo Chappel, courtesy of Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Montgomery

01/15/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17nLMkWy8M/

Hudson Valley Veterans, Be advised...

View the Events Calendar at https://www.dutchessny.gov/Calendar-Page.htm?myselectedDeptid=213 for additional dates in the future.

01/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17sPSUc5F6/

As we look forward to this year and the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, we are forging links and making plans to celebrate the vital contribution of our community to these momentous events.

Join with us as we share interesting facts and stories of the Scotch-Irish as they travelled from Ulster to America; showcase our collection of unique items linked to Ulster-Scots Founding Fathers; and hope to share exciting plans for special events planned later in 2026!

The accompanying photograph is a wall within The Eric Montgomery Gallery at our Discover Ulster-Scots Centre in Belfast. The Gallery tells the story of the Ulster-Scots/Scotch-Irish who migrated from Ulster to America in the 18th & 19th Centuries and how they shaped the United States, right up to the present day. It is named after Eric Montgomery, an energetic pioneer of Scotch-Irish history, who realised the importance of keeping this heritage alive for future generations. It is also thanks to his unique vision that the Ulster-American Folk Park opened its doors in 1976.

The Discover Ulster-Scots Centre is located at 1-9 Victoria Street, Belfast, BT1 3GA. It is free to visit and open to the public Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm. (To arrange a group visit, please contact the Ulster-Scots Community Network.)

01/01/2026

12/05/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1az8KhrAUn/

12/04/2025

In 1783, King George III asked an American painter what George Washington would do now that he had virtually won the war. The painter replied that the General intended to return to his farm in Virginia. The King was stunned. He reportedly said, "If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world."

Throughout history, victorious generals almost always seized the throne. From Caesar to Cromwell, military success usually meant political dictatorship. The concept of voluntarily walking away from absolute power was practically unheard of.

But George Washington wasn't like other men.

By December 4, 1783, the British surrender at Yorktown was past, and peace was finally assured. Washington commanded a powerful, seasoned army that adored him. Conversely, many of his officers were unpaid and angry at the inefficient Congress. They had the guns, the manpower, and the loyalty to install a new monarch.

He could have been King George I of America.

Instead, on this day in history, Washington walked into the Long Room at Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan. The room was filled with his most loyal officers—men like Henry Knox and Baron von Steuben—who had frozen with him at Valley Forge and bled with him for eight long years.

The atmosphere wasn't celebratory. It was heavy with inevitable separation. Washington, usually stoic and commercially reserved, poured a glass of wine and looked at his brothers-in-arms with visible emotion.

"With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you," he said, his voice shaking. "I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable."

He didn't order them. He didn't demand their allegiance. He hugged them.

One by one, the hardened soldiers wept openly. Washington embraced each man in silence. There was no pomp, no ceremony, and no speeches about future conquests. It was just a quiet goodbye between warriors who had done the impossible.

Immediately after leaving the tavern, Washington didn't march on Congress to demand payment or power. He rode to Annapolis, Maryland, resigned his commission, and went home to Mount Vernon to plant crops.

He did the impossible.
He refused the crown.
He trusted the people.

By stepping down, he ensured that the United States would be a republic ruled by laws, not a kingdom ruled by force. He proved that the military serves the people, not the other way around. It was the final, and perhaps greatest, victory of the Revolution.

The world watched in awe as the American Cincinnatus returned his sword to its sheath, proving that character is the strongest constitution of all.

Sources: Mount Vernon Ladies' Association / Library of Congress

11/19/2025