The Major George Gibson Chapter NSDAR met June 9 at the home of Agnes Marcum. Members present were Charlotte Brooks, Joy Burchett, Andrea Cheak, Sharon Harrell, Judy Hounshell, Agnes Marcum, Fay Ramsey, Myra Richardson, Judy Richmond, Rebecca (Becky) Royal, Augusta Sinon and Patricia White. The hostesses were Marcum, Harrell and Richardson.

Also present were guests Susan Parker and Debbie Lawson. Andrea Cheak introduced Parker, stating that her membership application is almost ready for submission. Hounshell introduced her sister, Debbie Lawson, stating Lawson lives in Florida and is a former DAR member.

Past regent/treasurer Brooks called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. She began the DAR Ritual with customary participation by the group. Ramsey led the Pledge of Allegiancea, Harrell, The American’s Creed and Judy Hounshell, the Preamble to the Constitution. Becky Royal led singing of the national anthem. Brooks read the Flag Statement from the chapter yearbook.

Brooks also provided the devotion in the absence of Chaplain Manerva Watson. The scripture was Romans 14:10 which relates to judging others. If we dwell on another’s faults, we forget to notice his or her good qualities. Life goes too fast to waste time criticizing. Encouraging words create growth and determination to improve.

Cheak read from NSDAR President General Ann Turner Dillon’s June 2018 online message. Dillon wrote that many resources in the DAR Library have been digitized so that research can be done at home for those unable to attend this year’s Continental Congress. The Historian General’s office now has procedures that make it easier for chapters to mark Revolutionary War Patriot’s Graves.

Burchett provided the National Defense message. A DAR chapter in Pennsylvania is supporting two programs for area veterans. They support the “Service Dogs for Veterans” with financial donations and support a local non-profit “Operation Troop Appreciation” by helping veterans establish residence and resume a normal lifestyle.

The upcoming 100-year anniversary celebration activities were discussed, and some final decisions made. The secretary and treasurer reports were also approved.

The group then had a period of fellowship while enjoying the delicious foods provided by hostesses Marcum, Harrell and Richardson. Afterward, the hostesses provided flag-making materials for a “Design Your Flag” program in honor of Flag Day. Some chose to paint free-handed on a canvas although most decided to paint the flag colors on wooden paint sticks and wooden cut-out stars. After the painting was complete, the approximate 12×9 inch flags were glued together and ready for display.

At the end of the flag making, Marcum read some interesting flag information. The first was from a Walmart source who reported a tremendous increase in U.S. flag sales from 2.5 million the year prior to the tragic events of 9/11 to 7.8 million the following year.

Another flag story from years earlier relates to the TV show “Gilligan’s Island.” In the opening sequence of first-season episodes, the U.S. flag can be seen flying at half-staff in the distance because the pilot episode finished filming on November 22, 1963, the date President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

Also, according to the U.S. Department of State, the names of the flag’s official colors are “old glory red,” “white,” and “old Glory blue.”

The next chapter meeting is the 100-year anniversary celebration at Karlan Mansion at Wilderness Road State Park on July 28.