Toni Bolling Lutter

On December 7, 2015, the 74th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Gila Butte Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) joined chapters from around the state at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, in remembrance of the day when Japanese bombs were dropped on Pearl Harbor to devastating effect. This annual commemoration begins with a wreath-laying ceremony by Arizona service and military organizations, and by tradition, the DAR State Regent places a wreath on behalf of the State Society.

This year, the Arizona DAR wreath was presented by State Regent Gillian Morse who is a member of Gila Butte DAR. Morse is a long-time resident of Sun Lakes and is also an Honorary Gila Butte Chapter Regent.

Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza is located in downtown Phoenix in front of the Arizona State Capitol Building. Among the monuments and memorials in the Plaza are relics from U.S.S. Arizona, which was sunk at Pearl Harbor, killing 1,177. The plaza is now home to the U.S.S. Arizona anchor and signal mast. The wreck itself remains in Pearl Harbor as a National Historic Landmark.

Gila Butte Chapter meets in Sun Lakes and welcomes eligible women who believe in preserving American history and historic places. Any woman over 18 who can prove lineal bloodline descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution is eligible. For membership information call 602-430-6048 or go to the Gila Butte chapter website gilabutte.arizonadar.org.