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Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR holds monthly meeting

The regular monthly meeting of the Benjamin Prescott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was held on Thursday, May 6 at the YWCA in Westfield. There were 16 members present. The meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by Registrar Barbara Pietro.

The opening ritual was conducted by Registrar Pietro. The President General’s Message was then read by Elizabeth Sedlmayer. The first Thursday of May is recognized as the National Day of Prayer. It was created in 1952. On this day, prayers are offered for our American leaders. A prayer written by Thomas Jefferson was read by Sedlmayer.

The DAR National Defense Article was read by Megan Austin. National Loyalty Day is celebrated on May 1 to remember the American founders and to reaffirm our American freedoms. It was first observed in 1921 and was called “Americanization Day.” In 1949, a resolution changed the name to Loyalty Day. In 1958, Congress declared May 1 of each year as Loyalty Day to promote loyalty and love of the United States of America.

Registrar Pietro then spoke about the monument for the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The committee comprised of Pietro, Sedlmayer, and Megan Austin reported that they are working on making a support for the monument to protect it from the wind. A flower committee consisting of Bonnie Larkin, Sedlmayer, and Austin was formed. The committee will purchase the flowers and plant them around the monument. Sedlmayer then mentioned that the American Legion Memorial Day Service will begin at 11a.m. so chapter members should arrive by 10:45 a.m. The Legion will hold its service and then chapter members and Legion members will dedicate the monument as a community project. A picture will also be taken for the newspapers.

Sedlmayer stated that help is needed to place flags on the graves of veterans for Memorial Day. She will send information listing the times and dates for both Forest Hill Cemetery and Pioneer Cemetery.

On June 3 at 5 p.m., the chapter will hold a picnic at the Ottaway Park in Westfield. The dinner will be catered and will cost $15 per person. Members should let Larkin know the dinner choice they would prefer. The deadline for the dinner reservation is May 17. John Sipos will be the guest speaker and he will talk about the American flag.

The Lafayette Trail Marker Dedication Ceremony in Niagara Falls, New York was then discussed. This event was scheduled to take place on May 20 at 2 p.m. The dedication and placing of a marker will be on Goat Island. All DAR members are welcome to attend, but a ticket is required. To obtain a ticket, just go on the New York State DAR website. Parking is free and will be at Parking Lot #2.

Treasurer Larkin reported that the chapter received the Bronze Level for magazine subscriptions to the American Spirit. Members have done an excellent job supporting this magazine.

Vice President Roxanne Wood asked if anyone knew if the Mayville Parade was going to be held on July 4 this year. It was determined that the parade was called off due to the COVID -19 pandemic.

The next scheduled meeting will be on Thursday, June 3 at 5 p.m. at Ottaway Park in Westfield.

Anyone who had an ancestor who fought for freedom in the Revolutionary War and would like to join Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR is asked to call Barbara Pietro at 392-1166 or email jbpietro@gmail.com.

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