SAR Public Service Awards
Honoring Heroes
The Sons of the American Revolution and, specifically, the South Jersey Chapter recognizes and honors citizens and individuals in our public service sectors of Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, and Emergency Medical Services for their contributions to the community and for heroic acts with a commendation and medal. States, chapters, and commendation recipients are recognized in a booklet published and distributed at the National Congress each July.
The Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal
The Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal is presented to those who have served with distinction and devotion in the field of law enforcement. The medal is intended to recognize exceptional service or accomplishment in the field of law enforcement. Eligibility is not limited to peace officers but extends to the entire range of persons who make and enforce the law. This includes peace officers, attorneys, judges, prosecutors, and legislators who have performed an exceptional act or service beyond that normally expected. The recipients are usually recommended by their superiors or peers for their accomplishments. The award may be presented posthumously. The medal may be presented to an individual only once.
The Emergency Medical Services Commendation and Medal
The Emergency Medical Services Commendation and Medal is presented to an individual for accomplishments and/or outstanding contributions in the area of emergency medical services. The award is intended for paramedics, certified Emergency Medical Technicians, and others in the emergency medical field who have performed an act or service beyond which is normally expected. The medal may be presented posthumously. The medal may be presented to an individual only once, and no Oak Leaf Clusters or ribbon attachments are permitted.
The SAR Life Saving Medal
The SAR Life Saving Medal is presented to those individuals who have acted to save a human life without necessarily placing their own life or themselves in imminent danger. The medal is intended primarily for acts by civilians not in uniform, however, police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical personal, lifeguards, and SAR Compatriots are not excluded from receiving this award. The medal is not intended to recognize acts that would otherwise qualify for military or another organization’s valor and, in all cases, the fact that the actions of the rescuer actually saved the life of the victim must be validated by EMS or medical personnel.
The Fire Safety Commendation and Medal
The Fire Safety Commendation and Medal is presented to an individual for accomplishments and/or outstanding contributions in an area of fire safety and service. The award is not limited to firefighters. It may be presented to recognize a variety of fire safety and services that have evolved into a highly technical and skilled profession with constant study, development and involvement by numerous dedicated citizens with a single goal, which is protecting human life and property by preventing injuries or casualties due to fire and chemicals. The medal maybe presented posthumously. The medal may be presented to an individual only once.
The Heroism Commendation and Medal
The Heroism Commendation and Medal recognizes outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of imminent danger – i.e., acts that involve great personal courage and risk to the recipient. It is intended primarily for acts by civilians, not in uniform, but does not exclude police, firemen, EMS, and SAR members. It is not intended to recognize acts that would have been covered in the performance of one’s normal duty, nor by medals for valor by the armed forces. Animals are not eligible for recognition. The medal may also be presented posthumously. An individual may receive this medal multiple times.
Gloucester Twp.18th Century Day & Fall Festival & Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
Gloucester Twp.18th Century Day & Fall Festival & Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
18th Century Field Day & Fall Festival – 10/18 Details Where: Red Bank Battlefield, National Park When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm Rain Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 10 am to
Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
249th Commemoration of the Battle of Red Bank: A National SAR Color Guard Event 1:00 PM Save the date for Sunday, October 18th with a rain date of October 25th,
Wreaths Across America-at the Beverly National Cemetery
Wreaths Across America-at the Beverly National Cemetery
Wreaths Across America – National Day of Remembrance Honoring Our Veterans at Beverly National Cemetery Each December, Wreaths Across America coordinates a national day of remembrance to honor and remember
Gloucester Twp.18th Century Day & Fall Festival & Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
Gloucester Twp.18th Century Day & Fall Festival & Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
18th Century Field Day & Fall Festival – 10/18 Details Where: Red Bank Battlefield, National Park When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm Rain Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 10 am to
Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
249th Commemoration of the Battle of Red Bank: A National SAR Color Guard Event 1:00 PM Save the date for Sunday, October 18th with a rain date of October 25th,
Wreaths Across America-at the Beverly National Cemetery
Wreaths Across America-at the Beverly National Cemetery
Wreaths Across America – National Day of Remembrance Honoring Our Veterans at Beverly National Cemetery Each December, Wreaths Across America coordinates a national day of remembrance to honor and remember
Chapter News
Why 2026 Matters: Presentation at the Farmstead at Medford Veterans Breakfast
On July 3, 2026, South Jersey Chapter SAR member Rich Serfass presented a special program at the Farmstead at Medford Veterans Breakfast titled “Why 2026 Matters: The American Revolution, Its Veterans, and the Legacy Around Us.” The 40-minute presentation focused on...
Pomeroy Patriot Burials Sign Received for Bethel United Methodist Church
On July 2, 2026, the South Jersey Chapter SAR received the Pomeroy “Patriot Burials” graveyard sign that will be installed at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Sewell, Gloucester County, New Jersey. The marker recognizes the cemetery as the final resting...
South Jersey Chapter SAR Meeting – June 20, 2026
The South Jersey Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution held its June meeting on June 20, 2026, at the Camden County Library in Voorhees. The chapter welcomed New Jersey writer and historian Tony DiGerolamo as its guest speaker. DiGerolamo presented “Stories...