Fort William Bent D.A.R. Meeting Held

By Kathryn Nutt

October 1, 2004

The regular meeting of the Ft. William Bent Chapter of the D.A.R. was held at the Blackwell Station in Lamar. Nine members and one guest were in attendance. Lunch was enjoyed by all.

The Meeting was called to order by the Regent, Paula Deen. The invocation was given by Lavaun Remling and the Patriotic exercise was led by Faye Barber. Anita Bishop gave the National Defense message with information about the National Defense Committee, established in 1926 to assist members in carrying out patriotic education and historical objectives of the National society and helped to promote and enlighten public opinion. The Resolution of the 113th Congress was to Establish the WWII memorial, and record their services and deeds for future generations. Bishop also showed the insignia of our new President General, which is the Liberty Bell. You may purchase the lapel pen though brochures from the National office. Each President General has a special project for which the money from the purchase of the Liberty Bell pen is donated.

The minutes were read and approved and the treasures report was given. New co-treasures were elected. Committee reports were given. Paula Deen gave the report for Constitution week, September 17-23. The signing of the Proclamation will be on September 20 in the Commissioners office.

It was announced that if anyone is interested in a genealogy workshop the committee has checked into the Lamar College and Library facilities and the Baca County new library facility will be completed in April. More work will be done on this endeavor.

The need for Volunteers for aid in the Veterans office/clinic was discussed. At the meeting last spring, it was thought that although the D.A.R. is associated with Veterans facilities in other cities that we should look into volunteering services, if needed, locally.

With all reports given the program was presented by Betty Thys, RN, Baca County Public Health Nurse. The program was on Emergency Preparedness, in case of terrorist attack. Volunteers are needed for jobs to help out in the readiness. On October 16 a mass readiness procedure will be held. In Springfield a flu clinic will be held at the Blue Building at the fairgrounds and emergency procedures will by carried out in practice. Kathy Nutt will be helping the nurses with the flu shots and other volunteers will be appreciated. The information was very helpful, but a bit frightening to think that the United States of America, as a free country is under such attack. We, Americans, who have come to the aid of many countries in times of need, and offered refuge to peoples from many countries in need of a home, are in troubled times, under attack, and fear of further attack. We appreciate all the work the Public Health has done to help keep us safe.