The Major George Gibson Chapter NSDAR met Nov. 18 at the Flatwoods United Methodist Church, Jonesville, Virginia. Those present were Charlotte Brooks, Joy Burchett, Andrea Cheak, Sharon Harrell, Rebecca (Becky) Jones, Linda Lawson, Agnes Marcum, Myra Richardson, Rebecca (Becky) Royal, Augusta Sinon and Manerva Watson

Treasurer and Past Regent Charlotte Brooks called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. She began the DAR Ritual with customary participation by Chaplain Manerva Watson and members. Augusta Sinon led the Pledge of Allegiance, Sharon Harrell began The American’s Creed and Joy Burchett started the Preamble to the Constitution. Becky Royal led singing of the national anthem. Brooks presented the Flag Quote.

Chaplain Watson gave the devotion and program by addressing both Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. Her Veterans Day prayer asked for peace on earth and good will towards men. The Thanksgiving message began with Psalm 145:3. For Christians, thanksgiving is a way of life. We give thanks to God who has given us life, sustains us, and gives us personal relationships with Him as a child of God. Chaplain Manerva ended with a prayer thanking God for what we have been given.

Andrea Cheak read from NSDAR President General Ann T. Dillon’s November online message. Dillon was inspired to see stories about chapter celebrations of the National DAR Day of Service. She wrote about visiting World War I battle sites during the DAR trip to France, stating she was looking forward to the grand centennial celebration of Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 2018. Chapters were encouraged to consider opportunities to honor the sacrifices made by all veterans in their communities. The President General concluded with a wish that we feel the blessings of the people in our lives during this holiday season.

Agnes Marcum continued the flag minute from the October meeting, reading more “Facts and Folklore of Old Glory” from the DAR website. Although there seems to be no official explanation for the colors of the United States flag, a report by Charles Thomson to the Continental Congress states that parts of the Seal of the United States will be red, white and blue, like the flag. White signifies purity and innocence, red, hardiness and valor; and blue, vigilance, perseverance and justice. Soldiers of the “rag tag” American Army, however, are reported to have had their own more direct explanation of the colors. Some said that red stands for the blood shed to protect the flag, white for loyalty, and blue for unity.

In her Indian Minute, Marcum told about Ira Hayes, an American Indian who served in the United States Marines in World War II. Corporal Hayes was born Jan. 12, 1923 in Arizona. He was in several battles, including Iwo Jima. Among his awards were the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Ribbon with a combat “V” and a Combat Action Ribbon. Hayes died on January 24, 1955 at age 32 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

The DAR School Minute, also presented by Marcum, continued the first-timer’s tour observations. The first school visited was Hindman Settlement in Kentucky, a school that addresses the needs of dyslexic students. The group celebrated DAR’s National Day of Prayer at the school chapel and toured the campus. The author wrote that Hindman has a beautiful, peaceful setting that instills a sense of serenity and hope. She noted that the Appalachian region is rich with music and local artists, stating that the valuable work at Hindman also supports that heritage.

The chapter is donating 28 holiday gift bags to veterans at the Mountain Home, Tennessee nursing facility. These bags were filled by Agnes Marcum, Myra Richardson and Sharon Harrell and contain throws, crocheted hats, socks, snacks, hand soap, pens and other items donated by members. Also, our chapter is participating in the Wreaths Across America program. The wreaths are to be placed on veterans’ graves at the Mountain Home Cemetery on Dec. 16, 2017 at noon.

Several other items were covered during the meeting including approval of the secretary and treasurer reports, nominating the Community Service Award recipient, accepting a new chapter member, and other business topics. Members were reminded to submit their volunteer hours, annual reports, DAR school items, and number of plastic bags recycled on or before the December Christmas Brunch.