Wreath laying set for Saturday
Examiner photo by Connie Clements Local DAR Regent Kathy Cave Wells presents certificates recognizing Hazel Cannon (left) for 60 years membership and Laura Cherry Purcell for 65 years membership. DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to securing the independence of the United States of America. 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 is eligible to join. For more information, contact Wells at (832) 453-3188.
The Robert Raines Chapter of the National Society-Daughters of the American Revolution (NS-DAR) ends 2022 honoring America’s veterans. At its annual Christmas Brunch Saturday, Dec. 10, Chapter and Pocahontas Society members brought ornaments for a gift exchange as well as items to fill the “Facility Needs” list for veterans hospitalized at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.
After the swearing in of several new members, Chapter Regent Kathy Cave Wells presented certificates in recognition of DAR membership of 10 years or more. Receiving certificates were Hazel Cannon for 60 years and Laura Cherry Purcell for 65 years who became a member at the age of 18.
Following lunch, members completed their veteran-related service project – converting plastic grocery bags into “plarn,” which will be crocheted by VFW members into sleeping mats for homeless veterans.
Wreath laying Dec. 17
Wells extended an invitation to members and the community to participate in the 2022 Wreaths Across America (WAA) wreath laying ceremony at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 17. A brief solemn ceremony will be led by Commander Steve Storey of the American Legion McCluskey Post 640 at Navasota’s Oakland Cemetery followed by attendees laying wreaths on veteran’s headstones. In 2021, Wells was successful in getting Navasota’s Oakland Cemetery designated as one of few Texas cemeteries selected to conduct a wreath laying ceremony. WAA was founded in Maine more than 25 years ago by Worcester Wreath Company owners Morrill and Karen Worcester when the couple found themselves with a “surplus of wreaths” and placed them in an older, less frequently visited part of Arlington National Cemetery. What began as a simple gesture of respect grew into an annual tradition and volunteers from organizations like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars began lending a hand.