We do this by perpetuating the stories of patriotism, courage, sacrifice, tragedy, and triumph of the men who achieved the independence of the American people in the belief that these stories are universal ones of man's eternal struggle against tyranny, relevant to all time, and will inspire and strengthen each succeeding generation as it too is called upon to defend our freedoms on the battlefield and in our public institutions." Quoted from the NSSAR website.
The Chapter was named for Major General William Smallwood (1722-1792), the highest ranking Marylander in the War of Independence. Upon his death, the Maryland Gazette left the following eulogy, "Prominent as a soldier, wise and dedicated as a statesman, inflexible as a patriot, he uniformly distinguished himself in the Cabinet and the field and through various vicissitudes of a long and doubtful war, maintained and possessed the confidence and applause of his country."
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