Missouri Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard Photo Gallery

President General Joseph W. Dooley is shown here during the presentation of the 80th Year Rededication Plaque to the Jackson County Historical Society, Jackson County, Missouri, Historic Truman Courthouse,
Independence Square, Independence, Missouri on Friday, September 6, 2013

80th Year Rededication Plaque to the Jackson County Historical Society, Jackson County, Missouri, Historic Truman Courthouse, Independence Square, Independence, Missouri on Friday, September 6, 2013
Presentation of 80th Year Rededication Plaque to the Jackson County Historical Society
President General Joseph W. Dooley
Jackson County, Missouri
Historic Truman Courthouse
Independence Square
Independence, Missouri
Friday, September 6, 2013

On September 6, 2013, President General Joseph W. Dooley returned to Kansas City to join Missouri Society President Richard T. Bryant in the presentation of a plaque to the Jackson County Historical Society to be placed permanently at the historic Harry Truman Courthouse in Independence, Missouri. The plaque, which was authorized by the Missouri Society in response to the Initiatives announced by the President General during the 2013 SAR Congress recites : "Following the admission of Missouri as the 24th state in 1821, the Missouri State Legislature authorized the establishment of Jackson County, named after Andrew Jackson, then a United States Senator, formerly a hero of the War of 1812 and later the seventh President of the United States. Jackson was also a veteran of the American Revolution, having joined the militia at age 13." The plaque further honors Harry S. Truman who began his political career in the Courthouse which he dedicated on September 7, 1933 and prominently displays the SAR emblem.

As Vice President, Harry S. Truman became the 33rd President from 1945 to 1953 succeeding Franklin D. Roosevelt. Truman, who was born in Lamar, Missouri on May 8, 1884, saw active duty when his National Guard unit was called up for action in France and discharged as a captain. After the war Truman operated a clothing store and then entered politics, becoming a County Judge. In 1934 he became a U.S. Senator from Missouri serving in the Senate until he was selected as the Vice Presidential candidate for President Roosevelt's fourth term. Upon completing his second term of office as President in 1953, Truman returned to Independence and wrote his memoirs.

Harry Truman's Revolutionary War ancestor was Lieutenant James Holmes of the 2nd Regiment of the Virginia Militia who served from 1777 to 1781. At Truman's home in Independence, Missouri, President General Lee Young Smith presented the former President with his membership certificate, the SAR membership insignia badge and the SAR gold good citizen medal.

It is only fitting that on September 7, 2013, 80 years from the exact date when Harry Truman dedicated this historic courthouse in 1933, President General Joe Dooley took the stage along with Missouri Society President Richard Bryant and participated in the ribbon cutting with Jackson County officials at the Truman Courthouse public rededication.

The actual presentation of the Sons of the American Revolution plaque took place at the exclusive preview of the Jackson County Courthouse hosted by Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders on Friday, September 6, 2013 followed a reception hosted by the County Executive, a private tour of the revised courthouse and the presentation of the plaque to the County Executive and to the Jackson County Historical Society representative Steve Noll by the President General and Missouri President . Missouri SAR Executive Committee members James Osbourn, Clifford Olsen and Russ DeVenney were in also attendance at the rededication reception.

"By reopening the historic Truman Courthouse in downtown Independence, we are bringing the history of Jackson County and part of President Truman's legacy back to life, " said Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders. "Our citizens as well as visitors from around the country will once again be able to see where Truman's remarkable career of public service began."

"At the rededication ceremony and ribbon cutting on Saturday, September 7, 2013, members of the Missouri and Kansas Color Guard joined with the Jackson County, Missouri Sheriff's Department Color Guard in commencement activities. The bell in the Courthouse's clock tower rang exactly at 2:00 p.m. to begin the ceremony which was followed by Kansas City music great Ida McBeth singing the National Anthem followed by comments by city and county executives. Members of the Color Guard served as volunteers, offering tours throughout the Courthouse following the ribbon cutting ceremony."

"Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the building has undergone significant renovation work over the past seven years. This national landmark will now have a plaque honoring patriot Andrew Jackson and Missouri's most well known descendant of the heroes of the American Revolution Harry S. Truman. The bronze plaque, which honors Andrew Jackson along with Harry Truman, will remain on permanent display at this historic site.."

Left Photo: President General Joseph W. Dooley.

Right Photo: Presentation of 80th Year Rededication Plaque to the Jackson County Historical Society.




Home | About Us | Our Purpose | Officers | Calendar of Events | Accomplishments | FAQ's | HST Color Guard | MOSSAR Color Guard | SCD Color Guard | Becoming A Member | Members Page | Newsletter | Other Organizations | Genealogical Links Patriots Add A Patriot | Guest Book | Contact Us

Harry S. Truman Chapter, Missouri Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Independence, MO
Copyright © 2006 MOSSAR All Rights Reserved.