Submitted Photo Shown in the photograph are members of the Jamestown National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution and members from several western New York DAR chapters who attended the recent Patriot’s Luncheon and program. In the center is New York State Regent Nancy Zwetsch. On the top left is guest speaker David Nichols, national chairman of the Honor Flight Network.

JAMESTOWN — Jamestown Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution recently held the annual Patriot’s Luncheon and program in the Christ First United Methodist Church in the Darrah Hall. Chapter Regent Connie Pilato welcomed all to the luncheon and then introduced the people at the head table and special guests. The American Creed, written by William Tyler was recited by all. All participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Attending the luncheon was New York State Regent Nancy Zwetsch, who spoke on programs and activities of the NSDAR. Zwetsch, a DAR member for 49 years, is a vibrant speaker and passed along much information to all. Also attending were District VIII Director Kay Green, and members from the Catherine Schuyler, Olean, and Polly Gillette Hull chapters, and State Chairman of Schools Deborah Stauring. Members of the Chautauqua County Chapter Sons of the American Revolution and Blue Star Mothers were also among the attendees.

Registrar Sharon Terwilliger introduced seven new members to be inducted by Zwetsch and Chaplain Martha Karapantso. Zwetsch and Pilato welcomed each new member personally.

The invocation was given by Karapansto. Following the luncheon, a moment of silence was given for a 44-year member who recently passed away.

The guest speaker was introduced by past Regent Linda Lucas. David Nichols, who serves as the national chairman of the Honor Flight Network, spoke on the mission of the program. The purpose of the network is to honor veterans for their sacrifices, particularly World War II veterans, by providing transportation to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was dedicated in 2004. The network began in 2005 with several small airplanes and has now expanded to 46 states including Alaska. The headquarters is in Springfield, Ohio.

For the over 500,000 veterans still alive, the network is making it possible for these veterans to visit the Memorial. By 2017, 200,000 veterans have been escorted to their memorials. This is a very worthwhile mission project that is so very important to all. Appreciation was extended to Nichols for his presentation.

Following the presentation, Pilato presented some closing remarks, Three prospective members were introduced by Terwilliger: Esther Bailey, a two-time Blue Star Mother; Stacey Chase; and Maureen Berner, whose application is under review in Washington, D.C. Karapantso gave the benediction.

The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded on Oct. 11, 1890 by four determined women and a group of patriotic citizens. One of the founding women was Mary S. Lockwood of Smith Mills, town of Hanover in Chautauqua County. The Jamestown Chapter was formed 10 years later in 1900, and maintains the DAR Chapter house on Prospect Street in the city. Any woman is eligible for membership in the DAR, who is 18 years or older, and can prove lineage to a patriot who aided in the American Revolution.

Call 664-4144 for more information.