In early 2008, the President of the Chapter Steve Bush encountered an article in the Republican Whig written late in the 1800’s giving a vague description of the original flag of the 8th Virginia Regiment used when the regiment first formed under Colonel Peter Muhlenberg. Comprised of Shenandoah Valley men from Pennsylvania to mid-Virginia, the famous “German Regiment” and the Shenandoah Sharpshooters are honored by the Col. James Wood, II Chapter. The actual appearance of the flag was not known at the time as it was held in private hands and had not been seen publicly for decades.
Paulette, wife of Compatriot Wayne Barringer was “commissioned” to make a recreation of the flag to serve as the standard for the chapter. The flag was presented to the chapter at the September 2008 meeting, received the blessing of the Chaplain and placed into use. Paulette Barringer was awarded the Chapter’s Martha Washington Medal for her efforts.
The flag is displayed at all meetings, taken with Chapter members and displayed at the Annual and Semi-annual meetings of VASSAR and also appears at most grave marking events. It is sometimes carried by the Color Guard during events when there are enough members of the guard present.
Along with the flag of the Culpeper Minute Men Chapter, it is one of the few Virginia Society Chapter flags based on a known historical flag.