Our Founding Principles

Upon its founding, 10 objectives were declared to be the SAR’s permanent mantra. “The objects of this Society are declared to be patriotic, historical, and educational, and shall include those intended or designed to:

1. Perpetuate the memory of those who, by their services or sacrifices during the war of the American Revolution, achieved the independence of the American people.
2. Unite and promote fellowship among their descendants.
3. Inspire them and the community at large with a more profound reverence for the principles of the government founded by our forefathers.
4. Encourage historical research in relation to the American Revolution.
5. Acquire and preserve the records of the individual services of the patriots of the war, as well as documents, relics, and landmarks.
6. Mark the scenes of the Revolution by appropriate memorials.
7. Celebrate the anniversaries of the prominent events of the war and of the Revolutionary period.
8. Foster true patriotism.
9. Maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom
10. Carry out the purposes expressed in the preamble of the Constitution of our country and the injunctions of Washington in his farewell address to the American people.”

Washington’s Contemplations

Given our final objective it is advantageous to consider George Washington’s injunctions or “solemn contemplations” from his farewell address as they establish the undercurrent, the worldview, the moral and political compass that SAR was established to follow:

1. Cherish dearly the unity of government, specifically the union of the State to ensure prosperity.
2. Respect for the authority of our government, compliance with its laws, and acquiescence in its measures are perpetually necessary to the fundamental maxims of true liberty.
3. Obligate all who live within our nation to respect and obey the Constitution.
4. Resist with care the spirit of innovation upon the principles of the Constitution.
5. Regard parties and political factions as dangerous to the liberty you hold dear.
6. Inspire caution in those entrusted with the country’s administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres.
7. Remember, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports” and absolutely necessary for the perpetuation of a free government.
8. Promote then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge.
9. Cherish public credit, but do not be so foolish as to accumulate debt that is greater than your capacity, thus emphasizing short term, reasonable extensions of credit to those able to handle its burden. Likewise, the government should not burden future generations with debt the present generation should bear and discharge.
10. Observe good faith and justice towards all nations, but do entangle yourselves with the affairs of Europe and others, and be cautious of forming alliances or preferences for any particular nation.

Washington’s farewell address can be read in its entirety here: <https://www.mountvernon.org/education/primary-source-collections/primary-source-collections/article/washington-s-farewell-address-1796/>