From Four WWII Army Chaplains to Rachel and Andrew Jackson

The regular monthly meeting of the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR was held on Valentine’s Day at the Gibbs Memorial Library in Mexia, TX.

Following the DAR Ritual, Regent Aleece McBay read the President General’s Message and Ann Gokey presented the National Defense Report featuring the story of “The Four Chaplains of WWII”.

This story marks the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the U.S. Army Transport ship “Dorchester”, a converted luxury liner and part of a three ship convoy on February 3, 1943, and the heroic acts of four military chaplains who gave their lives to help save 230 of the 902 on board. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends—John 15:13.

Regent McBay welcomed guests Marcy Carter-Lovick, TX DAR Organizing Secretary from Granbury and Pattie Gauntt of Teague.

Following the Chapter Registrar’s report on membership, the volunteer hours for Service to America in 2018 already total 165,269 and chapter hours total 106.

January meeting minutes were read and approved.

Education is one of the main focus areas of NSDAR and its Service to America volunteer effort. Daughters often use their creative gifts to educate others on the history of our United States of America not just at chapter meeting programs but out in the community.

Jonathan Hardin Chapter has been privileged to witness these Daughters in action as part of previous programs.

The chapter welcomed Marcy Carter-Lovick in her costumed portrayal of Rachel Donelson Robards Jackson.

In Love and War, the Story of Rachel and Andrew Jackson, chapter members learned about Rachel Jackson’s early life, her time as the wife of Andrew Jackson, the cruel accusations leveled at her in Jackson’s campaign for the Presidency of the United States, and her death just prior to becoming the First Lady of our seventh President.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible for membership.

For more information about joining the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR, please contact Regent Aleece McBay at 254-729-5177, or Registrar Billie Bournias at 903-389-3592.