There are essentially three separate and distinct patriotic organizations whose main reason for existence is to preserve the memories and glorify the deeds of the patriots who fought for and created this great country: They are:

1. The Society of The Cincinnati
2. Sons of the Revolution
3. Sons of the American Revolution

     The Society of The Cincinnati was founded by George Washington and Henry Knox. This Society is the oldest hereditary-patriotic society in the Western world, having been formed in May 1783. Membership requirements were that its members had to have been members of General Washington's staff or the officer corps of the Continental Army, or ancestors thereof. Obviously this was a very restricted membership.

     The Sons of the Revolution was organized in New York December 18, 1875 primarily by leading members of the Society of The Cincinnati, in order to broaden participation in preserving the American Heritage. The Sons opened its membership to all sons of enlisted men as well as officers and all sons of other patriots who risked their lives during the Revolution.

     The Sons of the American Revolution was formed for even broader participation and less stringent membership requirements.