The Jonathan Hardin Chapter of NSDAR held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at the Gibbs Memorial Library in Mexia. The meeting was called to order by Regent Aleece McBay; and, following the DAR Ritual, several committee reports were given.
Louise Martin, chairman of The Flag of the United States of America Committee, reported that 83 letters were sent on behalf of the chapter to local businesses commending the appropriate and respectful flying of the flag of the United States of America.
Service to America chairman and Vice Regent Kathleen McKee reported that as of this date NSDAR members across our nation have recorded 1,634,846 volunteer service hours for 2017.
The Jonathan Hardin Chapter has reported 1,547 service hours in the community.
The National Day of Service Project has been completed with the delivery of gift bags to First Responders in Freestone and Limestone counties in appreciation for their service in the community.
Service for Veterans chairman and Second Vice Regent JoAnn Slauson reminded members of the Christmas gift bags for veterans in local nursing homes to be completed on Wednesday, December 6, with a covered dish meal to be shared afterward. Six additional veterans have been added to the original count.
For the program, American Heritage Committee chairman and chapter member Jackie Tidwell presented a program entitled “Man Overboard” about John Howland, 13th signer of the Mayflower Compact.
Mr. Howland was born in England and at the age of about 20 desired to leave his home to pursue religious freedom in America as a “First Comer” better known as a “Pilgrim”.
On September 6, 1620, 102 passengers sailed from Southampton on the Mayflower. A passenger named John Carver, future governor of Plymouth Colony, asked Mr. Howland to travel with him as an indentured servant. Mr. Howland accepted. Mr. Howland made history by cheating death. He plunged overboard in a storm and he held on to a rope until a sailor hauled him back on deck.
Mrs. Tidwell shared many aspects of John Howland’s life after his arrival in America until his death. He signed the Mayflower Compact on November 21, 1620 along with 40 other men in the main cabin of the Mayflower near Cape Cod. This document was the first charter of self-government pledging to work together to make the colony a success.
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 going the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR, please contact Regent Aleece McBay at 254-729-5177 or Registrar Billie Bournias at 903-389-3592.
