November, 2026

I have just received in the mail my church’s bi-monthly magazine, The Herald. A particular article jumped out at me, and I thought immediately of its relevance to the SAR. The title of the article is “We Are the Story; generosity helps build connections and community.”

Let me quote the first paragraph: “Some of the most meaningful experiences in our lives happen when we find a community that welcomes and believes in us. A place where our faith can grow, and we know we belong.”

This statement articulates how I feel about my involvement in the SAR. In both my chapter and in the Missouri Society, I was warmly welcomed and encourage to participate in the life of the society. What a blessing. Because of the relationships that have been fostered, I have grown in my patriotism and faith in the country I love so deeply.

As we celebrate the upcoming holidays and reflect on those men and women who have been faithful to our country in military sevice, we are mindful of the ongoing struggle to live out the deeper meanings of what it means to me a citizen of the United States of America. Faithfulness isn’t just relegated to a religious or spiritual life but is also lived out in all the activities we participate in.

We are encouraged to share the stories of our patriot ancestors so that others learn about the real people who gave their efforts and many, their lives, to create a new and different way of being a nation in the world. “We are the story!” If the SAR means anything to you, share it.

No matter your religious or spiritual perspective, the meaning of the holiday season has value in reminding us of our national heritage and of building “connections and community.” Season’s greetings!

Blessings,

Michael Hahn

MOSSAR Chaplain