Hillegas DAR honors veterans
Patriotism is one of the three missions of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The chapter has certainly been busy these past couple of months.
Members participated throughout Saline and Gallatin counties, participated in larger ceremonies as well as at smaller activities and placed flags on veterans' graves at small rural cemeteries. The ceremony sponsored by the American Legion George Hart Post 167 was exceptionally nice this year. So many different groups were involved. The Boy Scouts led the pledge with several troops in attendance, two high school students played taps, one with the echo. Veterans from the legion did a 21-gun salute and auxiliary member Mama T (Teresa Pankey) sang "The Star-Spangled Banner. The Rev. Keith Ital was the keynote speaker. He talked of the many sacrifices that generations of veterans had made to preserve our liberties. The Michael Hillegas chapter past regent read the poem "In Flanders Field". DAR also laid the DAR Wreath to honor all veterans. It was a beautiful day.
The chapter also supports the Southern Illinois Honor Flight. Michael Hillegas Chapter Daughters signed cards for each member of the Spring Flight. Sheila Albright, veterans chairman, gathered times for a huge basket of goodies that generated funds to donate for the next honor flight this fall.
Sheila also participated in the Vietnam Moving Wall. She worked in the information tend and also assisted visitors with information about the wall as well as to help them locate the name of a veteran and make a rubbing of the name. It was a very moving and humbling experience.
Last but not least, Sheila has honored several Vietnam veterans in smaller ceremonies. She presents them with certificates thanking them for their service as well as with a lapel pin. If you know someone who has not yet been recognized please contact a DAR member for information.
How to Contact Us
If you are interested in joining the Michael Hillegas Daughters of the American Revolution and think you have an ancestor who fought during the American Revolution either as a soldier or a patriot who contributed to the cause, let us know. Contact the Registrar, Christy Short, at (618) 269-3279. She will help you get started.