From Captain William Bibb
Chapter DAR
See more photos below.
Wetumpka, AL — The Captain William Bibb Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) proudly hosted a Flag Day Tea on June 14th, commemorating two powerful milestones in American history: the adoption of the United States flag and the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army.
Held at Trinity Episcopal Church in a spirit of reverence and patriotism, the event brought together members of DAR, distinguished guests, veterans, and community partners for a program that honored the enduring legacy of both the American flag and the Army’s centuries of service and sacrifice.
The program opened with the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, setting a solemn and dignified tone. Attendees heard greetings from Alabama State Regent Malinda Williams, NSDAR Vice President General Patrice Donnelly, and Lydia Lanford, President of the Alabama Society of the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.). Special recognition was given to numerous state officers of the Alabama Society DAR and members from multiple DAR chapters across the region in attendance.
Featured at the event was the presentation of the Hannah Arnett White Medal to Earl Gillian in recognition of his outstanding cooperation and service to the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Hannah White Arnett Medal is one of DAR’s newest recognitions and was presented to him by his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Kathleen Tobias. The heartfelt moment underscored the spirit of gratitude and recognition that defined the day.
A highlight of the afternoon was a moving address by Colonel Charles “Tony” Bonasera, U.S. Army, Retired, whose distinguished 37-year military career and continued dedication to service inspired all in attendance. His reflections underscored the event’s theme of remembrance, commitment, and national pride.
The program concluded with a unifying moment as guests stood together, small flags in hand, and sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” led by musician Troy Helms, whose performance added a heartfelt touch to the day’s celebrations.
With deep appreciation for veterans and a steadfast dedication to honoring American history, the Captain William Bibb Chapter reaffirmed DAR’s mission: to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism for generations to come.
# # #
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 DAR membership, visit facebook.com/captwmbibbnsdar
or contact [email protected]
# # #
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org
Cutlines for photos below: Photo 1: Kathleen Tobias and Elizabeth Gillian present the Hannah White Arnett Award to Earl Gillian.
Photo 2: COL Charles A Bonasera shows the pillow he received from members of DAR at time of his deployment to Afghanistan in 2004.
Photo 3: State Officers of the Alabama Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
L-R: Melanie McDaniel – Organizing Secretary, Sharon Deaton – 1st Vice-Regent, Malinda Williams – Regent, Rebecca Riddick – Chaplain, Laura Murray – Librarian
Photo 4: Members of Captain William Bibb DAR stand together following the day’s event. L-R; Jackie Earnest, Sharon Cargill, Traci Culverhouse, Jane Burris, May Eason, Alicia Chalker, Allannah Tindal, Elizabeth Gillian, Kathleen Tobias, Cheryll Bass, Jessie Burris, Sharon DeMuth (Ursula Wolcott-Black Swamp Chapter, Ohio)
Photo 5: Alabama Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard
L-R: Joe Barker, Cade McCool, Skip Dotherow, Randell Jennings, Buddy Irving, Allen Herrod
Photo 6: Lydia Lanford – President Alabama Society Children of the American Revolution, COL Charles A Bonasera, U.S. Army, Retired, Jane Burris – Captain William Bibb Regent
.
