Honorary Regent Barbara Hugus (left) and Regent Lesley Baran
Toni Bolling Lutter
December 2016 saw Gila Butte Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) participating with DAR chapters around the state, the nation and the world in honoring deceased veterans in the annual wreath-laying known as “Wreaths Across America.” DAR chapter members in the Phoenix area joined with other interested organizations at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona to recognize our veterans.
“Wreaths Across America” was founded by Morrill Worcester, who in 1992 began sending wreaths from his wreath company in Maine to the older, less-visited sections of Arlington National Cemetery. From that small beginning came the current nationwide movement at VA National Cemeteries and other cemeteries where vets are buried. For his patriotic work, Worcester was awarded DAR’s Medal of Honor, an award to an American who has shown extraordinary qualities of leadership, trustworthiness, service and patriotism.
Along with many other patriotic organizations, Gila Butte Chapter funded the purchase of wreaths and attended the ceremonies at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona as part of its efforts on DAR Service to Veterans Committee. The national committee provides a tangible way for DAR members to say “thank you” by acknowledging and recognizing veterans’ service, sacrifice and commitment to the preservation of our nation’s freedom. Of special committee importance is the recognition of and appreciation for women veterans’ service.
Gila Butte DAR meets in Sun Lakes and welcomes eligible women interested in honoring and supporting U.S. veterans and active military. Those eligible are women over 18 who can prove a direct bloodline lineage to a Patriot of the American Revolution, without regard to religion, race or national origin. For information, please call 480-802-6993 or go to the Gila Butte Chapter website gilabutte.arizonadar.org.