A dessert meeting was held at the home of Joni Merrigan, Feb. 5. A delicious dessert with a President’s Day theme was served to eight members.
Regent Audrey Hoerler, at 1:20 p.m., led us in the Opening Ritual and the Pledge of Allegiance. She read the President General’s Message: Several DAR Executives are planning a visit to Spain this month to conduct a Units Overseas conference in Madrid with representatives of the chapters located outside the US. In addition, they plan to dedicate two historic markers. One will be placed in Macharaviaya to honor the hometown of Bernard de Galvez in 1746; a second in Malaga will recognize Spanish support for the American Revolution and honor the Spanish who responded to King Carlos III’s request for donations to fund the war for American Independence.
A DAR delegation of 12 members will move on to Hungary, where they will dedicate a plaque to honor the Karcag birthplace of Michael Kovats, the Hungarian Hussan nobleman who is considered the Father of the U. S. Cavalry. In 1777, after learning about the American Revolution, he offered his sword to the American ambassador in France, Benjamin Franklin. He closed the letter that has since become quite famous by writing, “I have no wish greater than to leave forthwith, to be where I am needed most, to serve and die in everlasting obedience to your Excellency and the Congress. Most faithful unto death, Michael de Fabriczy.” It was a pledge that he regrettably fulfilled, as Kovats was killed in action at the battle of Charleston on May 11, 1779.
National Defense Report: February 19 is National Vet Girls RISE Day. Women have served in the armed forces since the Revolutionary War, but many have not been recognized for their service. The contributions of nearly two million women veterans deserve acknowledgment. The day also celebrates the bonds they formed and their experiences through military service. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) quote:
“From the world wars of Europe to the jungles of the far East, from the deserts of the Middle East to the African continent, and even here in our own hemisphere, our women veterans have made the world a better place and America the great country we are today.” Vet Girls RISE also serves as a resource and knowledge stream for women veterans and helps them in the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life.
Indian Minutes: Native Americans were often grouped into tribes or nations. These groupings were generally based on people that shared the same culture, language, religion, customs, and politics. There are over 1,000 American Tribes in the US.
Secretary’s report was approved as read.
Correspondence: New NE NSDAR Bylaws.
Program: Joni had many presidential trivia questions for us. It was very interesting and educational.
We thanked Joni for being our hostess and for the informative program. Our next meeting will be at the Rosewood Estates meeting room with Lynne Messersmith as hostess. Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.