WESTFIELD — The Benjamin Prescott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution held its regular monthly meeting on March 2 at the Patterson Library in Westfield. There were 10 members present.

The opening ceremony was conducted by Regent Bonnie Larkin. Larkin then summarized the President General’s Message, which thanked everyone for all their service to the Society. The National Defense Article was read by Barbara Pietro. March 29 was National Vietnam War Veterans Day. During the Vietnam War, 9 million Americans served our country. We thank these veterans for their service and dedication and honor them and their families. We also will always remember those who lost their lives during this conflict.

Historian Brenda Johnson then gave her report. March is Women’s History Month. Johnson shared an article on the Chautauqua Women’s Club. In 1935 First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt invited 900 members of the Chautauqua Women’s Club to the White House. Johnson then mentioned a possible field trip for the summer. The chapter expressed an interest in a ride on the Chautauqua Belle with lunch in Mayville Park. More information will be forthcoming.

Elizabeth Sedlmayer mentioned the Mark Twain exhibit at the Barker Library in Fredonia. Members expressed an interest in visiting the exhibit and it was agreed that on Friday, April 14, members would meet at Denny’s Restaurant on Route 60 in Fredonia for lunch at 11:30. After lunch, members would drive to Barker Library to view the exhibit and then we would hold our April meeting. Larkin stated that the Spring District VIII Meeting will be on April 29 at Chautauqua Institution Athenaeum. On Oct. 7, the chapter, along with the Major Benjamin Bosworth Chapter, will host the Fall District VIII Meeting at the Dunkirk Elks Lodge. More information will be forthcoming. In place of a Patriot Minute, Regent Larkin gave the chapter a Conservation Minute. Arbor Day is April 28. There are 42 DAR forests in the country. New York State’s forest is the Montgomery County Reforestation Area in Charleston, northwest of Albany. It was dedicated on Oct. 21, 1940, in honor of Major General Richard Montgomery. He was born in Ireland on Dec. 2, 1738. Montgomery fought in the French and Indian War and attained the title of Captain in the British Army. He later resigned his commission and moved to New York. He became a farmer and in 1773, he married Janet Livingston. Montgomery was elected to the New York Provincial Congress in 1775. He was appointed to lead the campaign against Canada. Montgomery, with his troops, captured several strongpoints and the city of Montreal for the Patriot’s Cause. Now a Major General, Montgomery moved his troops outside of Quebec. Unfortunately, the British and Canadian troops spotted the men and met them with grapeshot and musket fire. Montgomery and many of his men were killed on Dec. 31, 1775. Montgomery was laid to rest with respect in Quebec on Jan. 4, 1776. In July 1818, his remains were moved to New York. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 14 at the Barker Library in Fredonia.

If you had an ancestor who fought for freedom in the Revolutionary War and would like to join us, please call Barbara Pietro at 716-392-1166 or email jbpietro@gmail.com.