The Urbana Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met on Monday, March 21, at 1:30 p.m. at the VFW Post 5451 & DAV Chapter 31 in Urbana.
Honored guests included Vietnam veterans, veterans of all wars, their families and friends.
Other honored guests attending were:
Kathy Dixon, Ohio State DAR Treasurer and candidate for Ohio State DAR Vice Regent
Dr. Evan Dixon, a Vietnam veteran and speaker for the event
Robin Rose, Ohio State DAR Chaplain
Mayor of Urbana, Bill Bean
Bob Max, president of the Champaign County Veterans Service Commission
Tony Markin, Ccommander of DAV Chapter 31
In attendance were members: Lisa Black, Judy Brooks, Janice Coates, Margaret Denzer, Pat Detwiler, Theisa Dohner, Betty Driever, Janet Ebert, Jeanne Evans, Judith Henson, Peg Neiswander, Mary Pollock, Karen Yohn Preston, Deborah
Ruchty, Lana Seeberg, Becky Shultz, Kim Snyder, Carol Tong, Dona Tullis, Cheryl Walter, Dolly Wisma, Joanna Woodburn and prospective member Linda Fullerton. Associate members present were Linda Katon and Becky Thissen.
Regent Henson gave a moving tribute to Vietnam veterans. Bob Max presented Vietnam veteran lapel pins to those veterans present.
First Vice Regent Pat Detwiler read a Proclamation from Mayor Bill Bean followed by Regent Henson describing the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Flag displayed at the event.
Regent Henson gave information concerning the Honor Flight. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – World War II survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill. This service is free to all veterans. A family member may accompany them at a cost of $375.
DAR ritual
Regent Judi Henson and Chaplain Lana Seeberg led those present in the opening ritual.
The Preamble to the Constitution was read by Dona Tullis.
Regent Henson reported that March is the official month for honoring outstanding women in American History. The idea of having time set aside to honor the contributions of women began in Europe in 1911 to recognize the plight of women trying to gain equal rights.
The OSDAR American History Committee selects an outstanding woman in American History for the State of Ohio each year. This year we are excited to have an Urbana Chapter member selected for this award. Janet Ebert will be honored at the OSDAR State Conference on Saturday April 2, 2016. This honor recognizes women in American history, past and present who have made many valuable contributions to their community. Janet’s dedicated research is ongoing and she contributes daily to her church and community with her love of history, music and teaching.
National Defense Report
The National Defense Report, given by Margaret Denzer, shared a moving story of the conflicted emotions felt during the Vietnam era.
Dr. Evan Dixon was the speaker for the event. Giving a history of the Vietnam conflict, Dr. Dixon addressed how physicians served their country during the Vietnam era. He also gave high praise to other medical professionals serving during that time.
Regent Henson thanked the VFW Post 5451 and the DAV Chapter 31 for providing their lovely facility for the program. Treasurer Judy Brooks presented a check to representatives of the post.
Regent Henson reminded those in attendance that no country has shed more of its own blood for the freedom of other people than the United States of America. We need to show our appreciation of that service by loving our country, by supporting its constitution, by obeying its laws and by respecting its flag.
Chaplain Lana Seeberg gave the veteran’s prayer.
Refreshments were served to the honored guests, members and others present by Hostesses Kim Snyder, Peg Neiswander, Lisa Black, Jeanne Evans, and Dona Tullis.
President General’s message
The President General’s message was given by Pat Detwiler recognizing Women’s History Month. Members were encouraged to honor a woman who has made a contribution to community and country.
Chaplain’s report
The chaplain’s report and devotions were given by State Chaplain, Robin Rose.
Registrar’s report
The registrar’s report given by Betty Driever showed 84 members and 11 associate members as of March 21, 2016.
Historian
Janet Ebert stated that she will be sending a report regarding markers placed in the county by DAR.
Regent’s report
Regent Henson stated that the 117th OSDAR State Conference will be held on March 31-April 3 at the Columbus Airport Marriott. The Urbana Chapter has 10 members attending. Janet Ebert will be honored as the outstanding woman in American History for the State of Ohio at the luncheon on Saturday, April 2, 2016. On Saturday evening, Rachel Ebert will be presented as a debutante.
Megan Snyder, daughter of member Kim Snyder, will be serving as a Junior Page for the State Conference.
Committee reports
American Indians – Carol Tong reported on how the American Indians honored the land and gave thanks to the Great Spirit.
C.A.R. – Kim Snyder reported on the C.A.R. book drive and the “Pocket Flag Project”.
Celebrate America – Members were reminded to log their volunteer hours.
DAR Schools – Theisa Dohner reminded members to turn in box tops and labels. The Campbell soup label project will be discontinued as of July 31, 2016.
DAR Service for veterans – Regent Henson thanked members for their donations to the Caring Kitchen. Mary Pollock stated that small shampoos and soaps such as those from motels are welcomed by the veterans and Caring Kitchen.
Unfinished business
Letters to active duty military personnel for the Guinness World records were accepted. These will be sent to the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
A report was given from the nominating committee. The recording secretary’s position for 2016-2018 is still open. Anyone interested please contact Cheryl Walter.
On Monday, April 25 at 9 p.m. on AMC, “TURN” will begin season 3. This is AMC’s historical thriller that tells the story of the little known Culper Ring, a spy group of everyday heroes who helped George Washington win the war. The web site www.amctv.com/turn gives information on the series.
Please put May 28th, 11 a.m. on your calendars. Our Urbana Chapter will “mark” the grave of Clara Preston, member of the Urbana Chapter for many years.
Our next meeting is Monday, April 18, at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Paris Library. Linda Katon will present her program “Daniel Drake, Pioneer Doctor.” There will be an election of officers. The hostesses will be Freda Roesser, Kay Petty, Fonda Lou Eaton, Mary Pollock and Janet Evans.
