Memorial Day & Flag Day

The Second Continental Congress determined the design of the American Flag, June 14, 1777. Within the papers of the Continental Congress the transcript reads: 

" Resolved that the flag of the thirteen united states be 13 stripes alternate red and white, that the union be 13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation."

Thus was born the famous Stars and Stripes, a flag design that evolved over time as more states joined the Union.  There are now 50 stars where there were once 13, and the nation has witnessed 236 years of a unique history.

Flag Day is now recognized on June 14, the "birthday" of the Stars and Stripes, as a result of the efforts of a Wisconsin teacher, Bernard John Cigrand.  The National Flag Day Foundation explains on its website:

"In Waubeka, Wisconsin, in 1885, Bernard John Cigrand a nineteen-year-old school teacher in a one-room school placed a 10" 38-star flag in an inkwell and had his students write essays on what the flag meant to them.  He called June 14th the flag's birthday.  Stony Hill School is now a historical site.  From that day on Bernard J. Cigrand dedicated himself to inspire not only his students but also all Americans in the real meaning and majesty of our flag."

As a result of Cigrand's efforts, Flag Day was officially proclaimed by President Wilson in 1916 to be celebrated on the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777.  It was President Truman, however, who signed an Act of Congress on August 3, 1949, establishing as Flag Day in the United States.

Flag Day Information taken from Fold3.

DAR Daughters remember to fly your flag proudly especially on June 14th. 

Posted by Jackie Craft, Regent

Memorial Day...always the final Monday in May. This national holiday originated post-Civil War to honor both Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that conflict. This special day of honor quickly became the day to remember all men and women in the service who died serving their country. By the 20th century Memorial Day had become a long-weekend devoted to such things as shopping, family gatherings, and leisurely activities, such as a trip to the beach. Still this is a special time of remembrance.  

American Legion Post 543 Memorial Day Ceremony  

The Richard H. Stewart, Jr. American Legion Post 543 will hold a Memorial Day wreath ceremony at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 27th, 2013 at the Veterans Memorial adjacent to the St. James Community Center.  All local communities are invited to attend.  Our Master of Ceremonies will be Lee Norris and our guest speaker will be Retired Army Lieutenant General Joe Kinzer. Colors will be presented by the South Brunswick High School JROTC. There will be enough seating to accommodate all attendees. Carpooling is suggested as parking is at a premium.  In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place inside the Community Center. Submitted by Sandy Kennedy, (910) 253-9674.  (Dave Anderson and Steve Cherry, the publishers of ThisWeekStJames)


Memorial Day Celebration at the VFW Post 7288

The Memorial Day Celebration at the VFW Post 7288 in Calabash, North Carolina was a moving ceremony with Patriotic songs, speakers and wreath dedications. The most moving part of the ceremony was when they read the names of the veterans that died during the past years, loosing WWII vets is especially hard - The Greatest Generation. Thank God for our brave men and women.

Submitted by DAR member, Joan Hall

May 8th DAR Meeting Held at New Hope Presbyterian Church

Former Regent Lisa Pomeranz pins the regent's pin on Jackie Craft the new regent for Brunswick Town Chapter. The office is a two year position.

L to R: Jackie Craft, Betsy Pessetto , Cindy Sellers, and Diane Kuebert -
 Cheryl Lambert  and Susan Hadenchuk were unable to stay for the photo.

Chaplain Bonnie Becmer swore in the new officers for next year, Jackie Craft, Regent, Betsy Pessetto, 1^st Vice Regent,Cindy Sellers,Registrar,  Diane Kuebert, Chaplain, Cheryl Lambert, Recording and Corresponding Secretary and Susan Hadenchuk, Librarian.  Pat Gooding, Treasurer and Norma Eckard, Historian were unable to attend and will be sworn in at the  September DAR meeting.

Betsy Hammer was recognized for being a member of DAR for 35 years.

Nadine Bray

Nadine Bray won first place in the Women’s Issues for her essay in the career category from the South Eastern Division and this will go onto national for judging. The Brunswick Town Women's Issue Report received first place for "Outstanding Report on Women's Issues."  Phyllis Wilson, won a state award for her essay on a health category. Phyllis Wilson won Outstanding Public Relations Committee Chair from the South East Division.  Phyllis plus the Brunswick Town Chapter pamphlet will go on to National for judging.

Phyllis Wilson

Coverage of the May 8th DAR Meeting

Pat Hairston of Carolina Canines and service dog Angel gave a very moving and informative oral and slide presentation of service dogs for veterans at our May 8th DAR meeting.  The dogs are trained by military prisoners.  Angel showed us some of the things these dogs learn to be helpful to our injured veterans.

Gwen Causey recognized Carol Jutte, Rhonda Amato and Ella Maugans for serving as Pages at the State meeting and presented them with pictures of all the Pages.

The new DAR  members were sworn in and presented with a DAR pin.
They are L to R: Dianna Conaty, Chris Frazier, Pat Johnson and Kathy Miller.

Nora Hickam, State Americanism chair asked DAR members of the Brunswick Town chapter to take a picture of a flag in your yard, on your car, a pin or earrings you may wear or whatever and send it to her.  She is going to put together an album for next year’s State meeting.  She also reported she is going to Tennessee to mark a grave and will dress up as Martha Washington.  Nora reported that we will be purchasing refreshments for the Naturalization Ceremony in Southport and passed around a signup sheet for help for a few hours on Wednesday, July 3^rd.  She will be dressing up in period clothing and invites others to do the same.