The Gila Butte Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will have their Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Palo Verde. The program for the meeting will be “A Colonial Christmas,” presented by Peggy Boyd of the DAR’s Saguaro Chapter. Meetings are open to the public, so if you would like to attend, contact Pennie at pbonnett@coxnet.

On Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. Gila Butte will be participating in Wreaths Across America by placing wreaths on veterans’ graves at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road. Wreaths Across America originated in 1992 when the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, had excess wreaths and arranged for them to be placed in older sections of Arlington National Cemetery. This became an annual tradition, and in 2005 photos on the Internet created even more demand for wreaths for veterans. Wreaths Across America incorporated as a nonprofit in 2007, and now wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves across the country every December.

October was a great month for our Membership Committee! The Gila Butte Chapter attended all three Open Houses in Sun Lakes, and with the enthusiasm of the volunteers working the DAR tables, we have many ladies who requested more information. Also, we had three prospective members join us at our October meeting. If you would like to learn more about DAR, contact Pennie at [email protected].

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, charitable organization, founded in 1890 and incorporated by an act of the United States Congress in 1896. Membership in the society is open to any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. The DAR functions as a volunteer service organization and is dedicated to patriotism, education, and historic preservation. While DAR supports a strong national defense, it is not a political organization, nor does it lobby. Its membership includes women from Republican, Democratic, and Independent political parties; women from all races and ethnic backgrounds; and women from ages 18-100+. The society does not subscribe to any particular religion, nor does it discriminate against any members who are of various religious beliefs.