Throughout the year, our society proudly hosts a vibrant lineup of annual and seasonal events that embody our mission to honor Revolutionary War patriots, promote patriotic education, and strengthen community ties. From recurring traditions like Liberty Tree Dedications and grave marking ceremonies to special observances such as Veteran Honor Flights and Revolutionary War battle commemorations, these gatherings invite members, families, and the public to connect, reflect, and contribute. Whether marking the "Spirit of '76" or welcoming new citizens at naturalization ceremonies, each event fosters shared values of liberty, service, and heritage.
Watch our events calendar as the dates of these event approach for a detailed listing of their locations, programs, and schedules. Many of the events below are described more fully in our sections Sites and Celebrations, Patriotic Activities, Color Guard, and Youth Contests.
Year-Round Events
Florida State Color Guard (Photo: Holly Hamilton)
Each year, our society holds a series of recurring events that support our mission, our community, and celebrate our shared traditions. These annual activities are opportunities for the society and the public to connect and contribute together.
- Liberty Tree Plantings: Living memorials evoking the spirit of 1776, featuring readings from Revolutionary leaders, patriotic music, and commemorative markers.
- Patriot Grave Marking: Ceremonies to honor Revolutionary War patriots with engraved grave markers, often including color guards, musket salutes, and formal dedications.
- Compatriot Grave Marking: Tributes to honor deceased members of the society, highlighting their service to the organization and their patriot ancestors.
- Veteran Honor Flights: A non-profit program to transport U.S. military veterans - primarily World War II, Korean, and Vietnam-era, or the terminally ill - to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to their service without cost.
- Naturalization Ceremonies: To welcome new citizens at naturalization ceremonies at Florida's district courts to foster connections to the nation's heritage and the values of liberty and citizenship that America upholds.
- Revolutionary War Battle Commemorations: Public programs preserving the "Spirit of '76," educating the public on the founding era, and recounting the struggle for American independence.
- Educational Programs: To provide educators, schools, and fraternal organizations with programs focused on the American Revolution, patriotism, and civic responsibility.
Seasonal Activities
Throughout the year, we host a variety of seasonal events to bring our community together. These gatherings provide opportunities to connect, volunteer, and make a lasting impact. Take a look at the events below to see what’s coming up this year.
February
- George Washington’s Birthday: Originating during the Revolutionary War to boost morale, the celebrations evolved from military salutes and city dinners into a national day of civic reflection in which our chapters participate with parades, toasts, and readings.
- National Society Spring Leadership: Semi-annual gathering in Louisville, KY for committee discussions on activities to support the society's core mission and to promote patriotic education.
March
- Battle of Nassau: A commemoration in Pompano Beach of the naval operation and amphibious assault of March 3–4, 1776 by American forces against the British port of Nassau to address gunpowder shortages and to seize British forts and military supplies.
- Last Naval Battle: A commemoration on Merritt Island to celebrate the final naval victory of the war off Cape Canaveral between Captain John Barry on the Alliance and the British ships on March 10, 1783.
- Battle of Thomas Creek: A commemoration just north of Jacksonville to recognize the second invasion of East Florida as authorized by George Washington in the spring of 1777.
April
- Patriot Day: Celebrated on the third Monday in April, a, reenactment of opening battles of the American Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord, MA on April 19, 1775 with historical recreations and parades.
May
- Battle of Pensacola: Observed in Pensacola each May, the celebration honors honoring the Spanish and colonial forces that fought for control of West Florida against the British in 1781.
- Florida State Spring Board of Managers and Annual Meeting: The annual state-wide gathering in Kissimmee to elect officers, approve budgets and policies, assess progress toward goals, and set plans for the year ahead.
- Memorial Day Parades: Community-focused events across Florida to honor military personnel who died in service to the United States, featuring color guards, marching bands, veterans, and floats in procession.
June
- Battle of Alligator Creek Bridge: A commencement just north of Jacksonville marking the only Revolutionary War battle fought in present-day Duval County where the Georgia mounted militia fought against British Major Mark Prévost’s forces.
July
- 4th of July Parades: Quintessential American celebrations of independence across Florida, featuring patriotic processions in small towns and major cities with community groups, musicians, and floats.
- National Congress: The gathering of leaders and members from across our state societies and Europe at a location for a week in early July to meet and plan the work ahead.
September
- Youth Contests: Many chapters begin the annual contests for youths of all ages to engage students and educators in the history of the American Revolutionary period.
October
- National Society Fall Leadership: Semi-annual gathering in Louisville, KY for committee discussions on activities to support the society's core mission and to promote patriotic education.
- Florida State Society Board of Managers Meeting: Semi-annual state-wide follow-up in Kissimmee to review the work in progress, track efforts on goals, and adjust strategies to ensure alignment.
November
- Veterans Day: State-wide participation to recognize those who have served in the United States Armed Force for their service and sacrifice in defending the nation's freedom and security.
December
- Wreaths Across America: The placement of live balsam wreaths on the headstones of fallen US veterans at national, local, and military cemetaries to remember, honor, recognize, and teach.