Jonathan Hardin Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met on Patriot’s Day, September 11, 2024, at Gibbs Library in Mexia. Regent Patti Gauntt called the regular meeting to order, followed by the invocation from Chaplain Nancy McSwane.
The pledges to the United States and Texas flags were followed by the DAR opening ritual. Mrs. Gauntt then introduced Ed Marcotte, husband of chapter historian Mary Ellen Marcotte. Mr. Marcotte is an active Mason and presented our Wreaths Across America Chair, Beth Harrison, with a monetary gift. Mr. Marcotte has personally collected a total of $1,876 from the Masonic Lodges in Limestone and Freestone counties. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army. The Army jacket belonged to his uncle and represents a line of Marcotte men who served their country.
Mrs. Gauntt read a message from the President General, NSDAR, who reminded us that September is also the perfect time to reach out to our schools in Limestone and Freestone counties regarding DAR’s various contests such as the DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest. High school students in grades 9–12 are encouraged to submit an entry to the Patriots of the American Revolution DAR History Essay Contest, writing on figures from the Revolutionary era. We are delivering material to the area schools and will also open the Patriots of the American Revolution History Essay Contest to homeschoolers.
Member Heidi Elliot (for National Defense Chair, Cindy Avery) led us in a moment of silence as we remembered those who lost their lives in the attacks on our country on September 11, 2001. Mrs. Elliott then presented a timeline of Voting Milestones in America and reminded us to exercise our privilege to vote as Americans.
“Minute” reports were given by our standing committee chairs: American Indians (Susan Rankin); Conservation (Beverly Jones); The Flag of the United States (Terri Patterson); and Women’s Issues (Edye Gillen-Hall). Patti Gauntt (for DAR Project Patriot Chair Diana McDonald) challenged our chapter to bring $20 VISA gift cards to be sent to the USO Warrior and Family Support Center at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. This will be an ongoing project for 2024-25. DAR Service to Veterans Chair, Beth Harrison reported that the committee is making plans for our annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on November 13 at First United Methodist Church in Mexia. Patti Gauntt (for Service to America Chair Diane Pullin) reported that their committee is working on our chapter’s DAR Day of Service for October to serve our communities in honor of DAR’s founding on October 11, 1890.
A special committee report was given by our American 250! Committee Chair Kay Alston on preparation of an event sponsored by Jonathan Hardin Chapter in Limestone County celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. We will reveal those plans soon. A special committee report from our Wreaths Across America Chair Beth Harrison, reminded us of our five Wreaths Across America ceremonies will be held on December 14, 2024.
Constitution Week Committee Co-Chair Julia Morton reported that County Judge Richard Duncan (Limestone) and County Judge Linda Grant (Freestone) would be signing proclamations declaring Constitution Week in each county. Constitution Week is September 17-23 yearly and was started by DAR in 1955 and later signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The DAR also erected a structure that is built in tribute to the Constitution of The United States. DAR Constitution Hall, which is a performing arts center, opened in 1929.
Parker Black of Lanely, Texas presented a well-prepared program on Our Constitution. Parker is the daughter of chapter member Marsha Black and husband, Martin. Parker is a student at Faith Academy of Freestone where she plays volleyball. She is a member of the Priscilla Alden Children of the American Revolution Chapter in Temple and is an active member at the state level for the Children of The Republic of Texas.
Parker gave an overview of our Constitution and then we played Constitution Jeopardy. Everyone was a winner in the end when she shared a large bowl of red and blue wrapped chocolates. Parker is also the granddaughter of Honorary Regent Nancy (and Marshall) McSwane; and member Cynthia (and Clyde) Allen.
The benediction was given by Honorary Regent Aleece McBay (for Nancy McSwane).
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.
If you are interested in learning more about Jonathan Hardin Chapter and DAR membership, please contact Jonathan.Hardin1922@gmail.com, or consider attending one of our chapter meetings.
