Joining the members of DAR in remembering veterans of the Vietnam War are (left-right): Mike Gokey, Jeff May, Regent Aleece McBay, Robert May, James Hancock, John Sunday, and Holloway Martin
The NSDAR Jonathan Hardin Chapter held its last meeting of 2016 on Wednesday, December 7, at the Gibbs Memorial Library in Mexia. Following the DAR Ritual and presentation of the President General’s Message by Chapter Regent Aleece McBay, a short business meeting followed.
Vice Regent Kathleen McKee reminded Daughters of the 75th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor on this date.
Additionally, Mrs. McKee shared that NSDAR has partnered with The United States of America Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration, established by Congress, to “thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war (POW) or listed as missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
Since the chapter is a member of the Vietnam Commemoration Partner Program, Kathleen McKee, Vice Regent, gave a short presentation on the design of the commemorative flag that was on display. Also on display was the “Missing Man Table” and Vice Regent McKee explained the meaning and symbolism behind each item: the round table, white tablecloth, a single red rose in a vase, red ribbon tied on vase, slice of lemon on a bread plate, a pinch of salt on the plate, the Bible, an inverted glass, and an empty chair.
DAR Service for Veterans Committee Chair, JoAnn Slauson, gave instructions to members for assembling Christmas gift bags for veterans in seven nursing homes in Freestone and Limestone counties. Once, assembled chapter members volunteered to deliver the 55 bags to nursing homes in Groesbeck, Mexia, Teague, and Fairfield.
After the business meeting, the chapter members welcomed the following veterans for a luncheon in their honor: Robert May, U.S. Navy; James Hancock, U.S. Air Force; Jeff May, U.S. Army; Michael Gokey, U.S. Air Force; Holloway Martin, U.S. Air Force; and John Sunday, U.S. Army.
After the presentation of certificates to those veterans in attendance, everyone enjoyed a covered dish luncheon furnished by chapter members.
