Becky Donatelli
Gila Butte Chapter was grateful for the opportunity to serve the Women Veterans on the Arizona Daughters of the American Revolution All Female Honor Flight. These veteran ladies are amazing and have served their country well. A three–day trip to Washington, D.C., was provided for 31 veterans. These ladies were treated with respect and like queens. Many Chapters around the Valley were at SkyHarbor Airport for the send off and to welcome us back home. A big thank you to all the guardians who helped take care of these ladies. These guardians (all female) helped with pushing wheelchairs or lending a hand when needed. The guardians took great care of all the veterans. Each veteran had an assigned guardian throughout the trip. We weren’t there to just push wheelchairs or lend a steady arm. We listened to some amazing stories and how these ladies overcame the pressures of their job. It was an emotional journey for some or should I say all of us that participated. I was truly honored to be among the chosen Guardians. Veterans, with their Guardians toured the U.S. Navy Museum, the World War ll Memorial, Iwo Jima monument, the field of tulips and Bell Tower a gift from the Netherlands, the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam Wall, the Military Women’s Memorial, as well as the DAR headquarters and finally laying a wreath at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Wrapping up our trip with a visit to Fort McHenry, the place where Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner, what would become our National Anthem. Each step of the way these veterans received a hero’s welcome and respect.
Thank you to our veterans for all they have done and continue to do. Without you we would not be a free nation.
AZ Daughters of the American Revolution take great pride in serving our community and our veterans.
We encourage any woman, age 18 and older to join us in recognizing and serving those of our communities. Daughters of the American Revolution is a wide and diverse organization of women. Promoting the three tenets of Historical Preservation, Education, and Patriotism. If you are interested in the genealogy of your family and serving your community, please reach out. We can help you find your direct lineage to a Revolutionary soldier.
Come be a part of America’s 250th Birthday, by joining an organization that truly supports God, Home, and Country.