ILSSAR Awards and Recognition
Celebrate service, leadership, patriotism, and impact across Illinois.
Nomination Deadline: April 15 (annually)
Illinois Society SAR awards are presented at the ILSSAR Annual Meeting. This page summarizes common award categories and the nomination process so chapters, officers, and committee chairs can recognize outstanding service and public impact.
What This Page Covers
- Award types: State society service medals, chapter-level recognition, public service medals, youth program medals, ladies medals, and certificates.
- Who can nominate: ILSSAR members may nominate. Eligibility varies by award; some awards may recognize non-members for public service or good citizenship.
- What makes a strong nomination: Specific roles, measurable service, outcomes, leadership, and sustained contribution (not just a single event).
- Integrity note: Awards are deliberative and should uphold the integrity of SAR recognition.
Award Categories
State Society Service Medals (Compatriots)
These medals recognize service and leadership within ILSSAR. Summaries below are paraphrased from NSSAR guidance; confirm exact criteria with the ILSSAR Awards Committee.
Patriot Medal
ILSSAR's highest service recognition for exceptional, sustained leadership and impact on the state society.
State Distinguished Service Medal
Honors long-term, distinguished service that materially advances ILSSAR programs or governance.
State Meritorious Service Medal
Recognizes significant service contributions above normal expectations for state-level roles.
State Roger Sherman Commendation Medal
Awarded for notable contributions or leadership achievements that advance ILSSAR priorities.
State Henry Knox Achievement Medal
Recognizes exceptional performance in a specific role, project, or program with clear results.
State Outstanding Young Member Medal (age 40 or younger)
Honors outstanding service and leadership by a younger member with strong chapter or state impact.
Service to Veterans Medal
Recognizes sustained support of veterans, veteran programs, or related community service.
Bronze Color Guard Medal
Honors meaningful service in the Color Guard at the chapter or state level.
Youth Education Medal
Recognizes leadership and measurable impact in youth education programs and outreach.
Silver 250th Anniversary Recognition Award (State level)
Recognizes significant contributions to America 250 or related semiquincentennial initiatives.
Some awards have additional NSSAR requirements or approvals. The ILSSAR Awards Committee will advise if supplemental documentation or national forms are needed.
Chapter-Level Service Medals (Context)
Chapters may follow their own processes for chapter-level awards. Common chapter medals include:
- Chapter Distinguished Service Medal
- Chapter Meritorious Service Medal
- Chapter Roger Sherman Commendation Medal
- Chapter Henry Knox Achievement Medal
- Chapter Outstanding Young Member Medal
- Bronze Good Citizenship Medal
- Bronze 250th Anniversary Recognition Award
Public Service Medals (Context)
These awards may recognize non-members for public service or heroism:
- Heroism Medal
- Life Saving Medal
- Law Enforcement Commendation Medal
- Fire Safety Commendation Medal
- Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal
Youth Program Medals (Context)
Youth program awards may include:
- ROTC Medal (Silver or Bronze)
- Eagle Scout Medal (Silver or Bronze)
- Youth Color Guard Medal
- C.A.R.-SAR Medal of Appreciation
- Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award Medal
Ladies Medals (Context)
- Daughters of Liberty Medal
- Lydia Darragh Medal
- Medal of Appreciation
- Martha Washington Medal
- Molly Pitcher Medal
Certificates (Context)
- Distinguished Service Certificate
- Certificate of Appreciation
- Years of Service Certificate
- Committee Service Certificate
- Memorial Certificate
Additional ILSSAR Awards (if applicable)
TBD by ILSSAR Awards Committee.
Nomination Process
- Deadline: All ILSSAR award nominations are due by April 15 (annually) for consideration at the ILSSAR Annual Meeting.
- Committee review: The Awards Committee reviews impact, scope, service duration, leadership, and alignment to the medal purpose.
- What to submit: A concise narrative, bullet list of achievements, dates and roles, and supporting evidence if available.
- After submission: You will receive an acknowledgment email. The committee may request clarifications or additional documentation.
- National approvals: Some NSSAR awards have separate national deadlines or approval steps and may require earlier submission than April 15. The Awards Committee will contact nominators if that applies.
FAQ
Can I nominate myself? Self-nominations are generally discouraged. If you believe a case is appropriate, consult the Awards Committee.
Do I need to be in the same chapter as the nominee? No. Any ILSSAR member may nominate, regardless of chapter affiliation.
What if I am unsure which medal fits? Submit the nomination and list your top choice plus an alternate. The Awards Committee will advise.
Can one person be nominated for multiple awards? It is possible, but focus on the most appropriate medal for the service described.
Can non-members be nominated? Yes. Public service and good citizenship awards may recognize non-members.
When are awards presented? ILSSAR awards are presented at the ILSSAR Annual Meeting.
Nomination Form
Nomination Deadline: April 15 (annually)
Submit your nomination using the form below. Each submission will be reviewed by the ILSSAR Awards Committee. All information submitted is used solely for awards consideration.
Privacy note: Information submitted is used only for awards consideration and committee review.
Submission method: The form below will collect your nomination and send it to [email protected] for committee review.
Questions: Contact the Awards Chair at [email protected].