The Col. John Rosenkrans Chapter, New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolution, celebrated its 50th anniversary as a state chapter on November 17, 2007 at a gala event held at the Lafayette House, Lafayette, NJ. The Colonial Musketeers Senior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps, dressed in Revolutionary period uniforms, greeted arriving guests with musical selections played on authentic replicas of instruments used in 1776. The American flag and 10 of the 33 historical Revolutionary War battle flags that were on display by the Sons of the Revolution were paraded into the room in a stately procession by members of Sons of the Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution. Chapter President Gerald G. DeGroat extended a warm welcome, introducing the chapter members and honored guests, including two direct descendants of Col. John Rosenkrans, McClellan Rosenkrans (with wife, Gladys) and Lynn Marie Rosenkrans Meyer, as well as the only living charter member, John R. Naisby, III.

Following an exquisite meal that was enjoyed by all, New Jersey Frontier Guard member, Doug Pitchell, in Frontier Guard uniform, gave a description of the responsibilities of the Frontier Guard during the time prior to the Revolutionary War. Glenn Wershing, archeologist, then spoke briefly about the Van Campen Native American artifact collection that chapter member Richard M. Roy displayed at the event. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the chapter, Senator-elect Steve Oroho presented to President DeGroat a Joint Legislative Resolution from NJ State Senator Robert Littell and Congresswoman Alison McHose and a statement that was entered into the Congressional Record by U.S. Congressman Scott Garrett.

Guest speaker Peter Osborne, Former Executive Director of the Minisink Valley Historical Society, concluded the event with a superb presentation on Fort Decker and a detailed description of the period clothing he was wearing. The nearly 100 guests were encouraged by President DeGroat to view the musical instruments, the Native American artifact collection, the original Col. John Rosenkrans Chapter Charter, the colorful flag display, the original bronze plaque honoring Col. John Rosenkrans and other historical papers that were on display throughout the room.

This celebration marks an important milestone for the Col. John Rosenkrans Chapter. Fifty years ago there were 25 original members. With continued interest in preserving our heritage and with several new members on the horizon, the chapter anticipates many more significant milestones to follow.