The Urbana Chapter DAR met Nov. 12 at the VFW/DAV joint headquarters in BrownRidge Hall. Area veterans were invited for a social hour from 9 to 10 a.m. with donuts, coffee and cider and to hear a speaker.
Thirty veterans, 21 guests and 28 DAR members were in attendance.
Regent Pat Detwiler greeted everyone and gave a special welcome to Darlene West, State Recording Secretary. Regent Detwiler gave a brief history of how Veterans Day was instituted. She then recognized the veterans by having them stand when their branch of service was named and the war conflict in which they served. DAR member Judi Henson read the poem “Thank You for Your Service,” which was written by a DAR member from another chapter.
Regent Detwiler proceeded with the opening ritual. State Recording Secretary, Darlene West, led everyone in The Pledge of Allegiance. Following the ritual a motion to suspend the meeting for the program was made Margaret Denzer and seconded by Lana Seeberg. Motion carried.
Our program was presented by Lt. Col. Paul Kari, a former fighter pilot and Vietnam POW. Mr. Kari told those present of his capture and described some of the torture and hardships he endured while being held as a prisoner. He was a POW for 7 years and 8 months.
The Chapter recreated a Fallen Member Ceremony. Items that would be on a table setting for a meal were put on a small table; a reader would tell the significance of the item and then a bell was rung. Those steps were repeated as the next item was placed. A Bible was the last item placed on the table. This is a very moving ceremony, known by many veterans but not known by the public.
Treasurer Judy Brooks presented a donation to Craig Bennett, Commander of the VFW Post 5451. Vice Regent Kim Snyder read the poem “The Beat Goes On,” and a prayer by Chaplain Carol Tong ended the program.
After the program DAR members had their business meeting.
National Defense Report – Margaret Denzer read “What is a Veteran,” and Vice Regent Kim Snyder gave the President General’s report. Secretary minutes were approved as read.
Bills were presented and voted to be paid. Treasurer Judy Brooks reported she filed with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for Charitable Organizations which is done each year. She also reported that dues were in and she would be mailing the national and state dues in the following week as they have to be paid before December 1st.
Chaplain Carol Tong reported she sent cards to various members.
Registrar Dona Tullis reported 86 members and 12 associate members and 6 prospective members.
Librarian Lana Seeberg related information about the DAR National Library.
Regent Detwiler told the members about the Pennsylvania House 75th anniversary which some of our members attended. She also related that the student essays had been graded and one was sent to State. Student essay winners and student good citizens will be recognized at our February meeting.
Vice Regent Kim Snyder told members she and daughter Megan (C.A.R. President) attended the Caroline Scott Chapter 100th anniversary in Oxford, Ohio. Bird houses for the Spring OSDAR meeting are being put together by Eagle Scouts from an area Boy Scout troop. The bird houses will be painted by some of our DAR members.
American Indians – Carol Tong read from a diary relating how the pilgrims first made contact with the American Indians.
C.A.R. – Megan Snyder (C.A.R. President) reported that the group is collecting pull tabs from any cans. These will be going to the Ronald McDonald House.
DAR Service for Vets – Mary Pollock thanked everyone for the items they brought for the vets for the VA Hospital in Dayton. Carol Tong will help Mary deliver these items.
DAR Magazine – Lana Seeberg told members that the current “American Spirit” DAR magazine had some very interesting articles and encouraged those who don’t have a subscription to sign-up. Subscriptions are $18.00 and received every other month.
Historic Preservation – Cheryl Walter said she is working on trying to get access to a cemetery where her revolutionary war soldier ancestor is buried and that there are more soldiers buried there.
Service for America – Judi Henson reminded everyone to get their volunteer hours into National. Our chapter is down quite a lot from last year’s total.
Insignia – Margaret Denzer told members that there is a DAR pin for everything.
Regent Detwiler thanked our hostesses: Dolly Wisma, Lana Seeberg, Dixie Burdick, Claudia Foulk and Cheryl Walter. Chaplain Carol Tong gave a Thanksgiving prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 12:37 p.m.
