Community outreach is one of the core values of the Sons of the American Revolution. ​

​Flag Recognition and Retirement

Proper respect and treatment of our national banner is important to the SAR and it's members. Honoring the flag is a way of showing respect for our country, our national history, and honoring all of those who have served and died for our country. To that end, the Tennessee SAR has a program where chapters can honor businesses, organizations, and citizens who properly display the flag.

We partner with the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE or Elks Lodge), the Scouting America and other organizations to properly retire and dispose of flags with honor. Flags which have previously provided proud and worthy service, some of which have paid tribute to our honored dead. The ceremony is conducted to provide a dignified procedure for the disposal of US Flags which have been soiled, are faded, are tattered or torn and are no longer serviceable for further display or use.

SAR’s “Flags for Freedom” program distributes classroom size, smaller flags and flag brackets to school systems, so that students have to say the Pledge of Allegiance daily. 2010 Tennessee Code 49-6-1001 Flag Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance: “Each board of education shall require the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in each classroom in the school system in which a flag is displayed.”

If you would like more information on Flag Recognition and Retirement, email the committee Chairman: ​flag@tnssar.org. 

Liberty Tree Program

For decades before the American Revolution, an elm tree stood in Boston which became known as the Liberty Tree. This tree was the rallying point for many Colonial Patriots in the area who objected to British tyranny. The tree was destroyed in 1775 by Loyalists who supported the British King, George III, however the idea of the Liberty Tree lived on. Many other towns established their own Liberty Trees.

Most of the old town Liberty Trees have been lost to time, but the concept continues on nearly two and a half centuries later. The SAR encourages local chapters to work with the local communities to establish new Liberty Trees across the United States. These trees will serve as a reminder to citizens of those original Colonists who believed so ardently in in the concept of Liberty and used their Liberty Trees as the rallying point for their activities to establish an independent United States.

If you would like more information on the Libery Tree program, email the America 250th committee Chairman: america250ar@tnssar.org.

Public Service Awards

Part of what makes our communities special is the hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and even heroism shown by community members, including law enforcement, military personnel, teachers, emergency responders, and everyday citizens. To recognize the outstanding contributions of these citizens the SAR has several different medals and recognition programs including:
  • Law Enforcement Medal
  • Heroism Medal
  • Life Saving Medal
  • Fire Safety Commendation Medal
  • EMS Medal
  • Certificates of Appreciation

If you would like more information on the Public Service Committee, contact the Chairman: PublicServiceHeroes@tnssar.org.