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The Susannah French Putney Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) held their monthly meeting at the Butler County Historical Society in El Dorado, Feb. 16.
The group recited the PreambletotheConstitution, DAR Ritual, Pledge of Allegiance, American Creed and sang the Star Spangled Banner. Chaplain Ann Wimberly shared the prayer.
This meeting was a special occasion to honor the three American History Essay Contest winners and their teacher, Hillary Raple.
Winner of the high school essay contest was Denver McCormick. She was accompanied by her parents Megan and Andy McCormick. Her topic was “Patriots of the American Revolution” and she wrote about the wife of our second President, John Adams. According to the essay, Abigail Adams had concerns with many issues that affected women, including better education opportunities for both women and black people, whether free or enslaved. She promoted women having voting rights. Mrs. Adams also wanted military men to be taken care of with better living conditions, pay and retirement.
Lyla Green, winner of the fifth grade American History Essay Contest, presented her essay about John Phillip Sousa. She was accompanied by her parents, Angela and Gabe Green and sister, Addie.
Lilly Gregory, winner of the seventh grade American History Essay Contest, shared her essay, also about John Phillip Sousa. She was accompanied by her parents, Renee and Jeremy Driskell and Lonny Gregory.
L. Green and L. Gregory both noted the importance of patriotic music in uplifting the morale of military people, and also creating pride of country in all citizens. Military bands of all branches were and still are a source of inspiration. Both essays were written from the viewpoint of a newspaper reporter writing an article about the premier concert of the famous “Stars and Stripes Forever,” which took place on May 14, 1897 in Philadelphia, Pa. The song was met with rave reviews from audience members of the day. Some people loved this song so much that they thought it should replace “The Star Spangled Banner” as the national anthem.
Each of the winners was presented with a special certificate, a monetary gift and either a special medallion or emblem. Raple was presented with a gift along with appreciation for her support of the students and her promotion of the essay contests. All three essays will be entered in the state contest.
The next meeting will be held in Eureka on March 15 at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church. Visitors are welcome.
Members in attendance: Teresa Bachman, Sue Ann Brown, Kay Catlin, Carla Cook, Sigrid Denchfield, Patty Goedecke, Nancy Gordon, Janet Green, Jean Groendes, Sharon McClure, Kathy Morrow, Sheryl Moody, Nita Whiteman and Wimberly.
(Courtesy photo)
