Poage Chapter DAR Make Important Donations
Pamela Hall
The mission of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) organization has always been a dedication, not only to historical preservation, but also to education and patriotism. The Poage Chapter DAR here in Ashland excels in accomplishing this mission, and has been especially busy in this regard in recent months.
The Poage Chapter DAR has donated several American flags to various organizations in an effort to fulfill a mission of their own called “Sparkle and Shine for the Red, White, and Blue”. The goal is to make sure the American flags that are flown are in good condition and fly proudly. Flags have previously been donated to the C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum, as well as to the City of Ashland, just to name a few. The flag donated to the City of Ashland was a flag that had actually flown previously over Constitution Hall.
The Flatwoods Branch of the Greenup County Public Library is the latest recipient of an American flag donated by the Poage Chapter DAR.
“We are honored to display the American flag with pride,” stated Timothy Gampp, Greenup County Library Director, “knowing that it was donated by an organization as esteemed as the Daughters of the American Revolution. The donation not only enhances the physical space of our library but also strengthens the sense of unity and patriotism that our patrons feel when entering our doors.”
A flag dedication ceremony was held at the Flatwoods Branch Library with Greenup Boy Scout Troop 168 participating. The involvement of Scout Troops for flag dedication ceremonies such as this, and also flag retirement ceremonies that are occasionally held, is part of the fulfillment of the mission to promote education and patriotism.
“We like to involve Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops as much as possible,” said Cheryl Spriggs, Regent of the Poage Chapter DAR. “It gives them the opportunity to learn first hand about patriotism and also to put it into practice.”
The Poage Chapter DAR made another important stride toward meeting the goals of education and patriotism with the donation of a Braille copy of The Constitution of the United States of America to the Kentucky School for the Blind Library in Louisville. The Poage Chapter had previously donated a Braille American flag with the Pledge of Allegiance to the facility as well.
“We believe everyone should have the opportunity to read The Constitution of the United States,” Spriggs explained, concerning the importance of the donation. “This donation is to insure that those who read Braille are afforded that same opportunity.”
The Poage Chapter DAR is now gearing up for Constitution Week, September 17 – 23. This year marks the 236th anniversary of the signing of The Constitution of the United States of America. It will be commemorated with a Bells Across America ceremony on September 17 at Broadway Square on 16th Street in Ashland. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to exercise our freedom by reciting the Preamble to The Constitution. That will be followed by ringing a bell for approximately one minute at 4 p.m., the time that The Constitution was signed. At 3:30 p.m., Poage Chapter DAR members will begin to distribute copies of the Preamble for the group recitation, along with handing out bells.
There is also a display in the window of the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center for Constitution Week put together by the Poage Chapter DAR. The beautiful arrangement will be on display through September 25 and everyone is encouraged to stop in to view this celebration of our freedom.
As you can see, the Poage Chapter DAR is deeply involved and active in the community. In addition to the various donations of the American flags, they place flags and wreaths on veteran graves. They also conduct events for veterans, such the Viet Nam Veterans Luncheon that was held in May, and the upcoming Veteran Stand-Down on October 4. More details will be forthcoming concerning that event.
Thank you, Poage Chapter DAR, for your important work in the community. Timothy Gampp, Greenup County Library Director, said it best:
“Their support underscores the importance of community engagement and collaboration in creating a better tomorrow for all.”