Leslie M. Clark, regent of the Shrewsbury Towne-Monmouth Chapter presented a program on DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) to 30 members of the Seabrook (Tinton Falls, NJ) Community Veterans Group on Thursday, January 26, 2023.
The Veterans group formed a relationship with the DAR chapter during the chapter’s sales of Wreaths Across America (WAA) in December 2022. The Seabrook group financed 20 WAA wreaths that were laid on the graves of veterans at Fair View Cemetery in Middletown, NJ. In all, the chapter financed 154 wreaths in 2022. Regent Clark’s speech featured historical information on the founding of DAR, highlights of the chapter’s accomplishments in serving veterans, and an overview of other community service projects in which the chapter participates.
A short video was shown on the role of DAR patriotism over the course of US wars. Also in attendance were chapter members Liz Dunnell, chapter director; Kathleen Mazzacco, vice regent; Anita Nixon, Seabrook resident and DAR chapter member, who serves as the liaison between the chapter and the veterans group and facilitated the DAR attendance at Seabrooks veterans group meeting; and Elaine Everett, Seabrook resident and DAR chapter member.
Regent Clark and Director Dunnell presented a DAR Certificate of Appreciation to the Seabrook group for their support of veterans through the purchase of wreaths through WAA. Gary Baldwin, president of the veterans group, accepted the award on behalf of all its members.
Plans for the future include further activities between the DAR chapter and the Seabrook Veterans Group. Members of the veterans group propose to join the chapter on December 16, 2023 to lay WAA wreaths at Fair View Cemetery. The DAR chapter also plans to share information on potential guest speakers for the Veterans Group meetings and vice versa.
Cover photo: Director Liz Dunnell and Regent Leslie M. Clark present DAR Certificate of Appreciation to Seabrook Veterans Group President Gary Baldwin.