Gila Butte DAR has honored members Jane Chiles, Joan Johnson and Janet Udall for their volunteer efforts at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, and presented a certificate to Barbara Bayley for her years of service as a “Cemetery Lady.”

Each Cemetery Lady volunteers her time to attend funeral services at the Phoenix-based national cemetery to ensure that no U.S. veteran is buried alone. As members of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), these volunteers pledge themselves to our veterans in life and in death. They are on hand to support funeral attendees or to stand as sentinels for those without family or friends in witness.

DAR’s Service for Veterans Committee dedicates itself to serving our veterans through such projects as Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Representatives (VAVS); encouraging youth volunteerism; and supporting the Library of Congress in its Veterans History Project. Although National Cemetery Administration manages all of its volunteer staff, DAR proudly claims establishing the original Cemetery Ladies.

Gila Butte Chapter meets in Sun Lakes and welcomes membership inquiry from all eligible women. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of religion, race or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join. Women interested in serving our veterans in DAR may call 602-430-6048 or go to the chapter website gilabutte.arizonadar.org for information.