The Colonel Abram Penn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met October 9 at the Landmark Center with nine members present.

Regent Louise Hansen opened the meeting with the DAR Ritual, Pledge of Allegiance, and the American’s Creed. Mary Ann Franklin read Ann Turner Dillon’s president general’s message reminding daughters that October is the 127th anniversary of the founding of DAR.

Janice Axelson Stanley’s national defense message was about supporting and defending the Constitution. As stated in Article VI of the Constitution, it requires officials to take an oath “to support the constitution.” As American citizens it is our obligation to preserve, protect and defend the United States Constitution.

An interesting report by Catheryn Vaughn told about Eben Appleton loaning the Star-Spangled Banner to the Smithsonian as a permanent gift with the condition that it never leave the Institution under any circumstances.

However, after German bombers launched the bombing blitz on London in 1940, American leaders took action to prevent that tragedy from happening in Washington, D.C., by moving several nation’s treasures to a secret place near Luray. Moved were handguns, rifles, swords, first ladies’ dresses, china, furniture, and the Star-Spangled Banner to name a few items. These were placed under 24-hour guard but by late 1944 all were returned to their proper place at the Smithsonian.

“Christopher Columbus” Day was proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937. For the history report, Columbus’s life was reviewed by Janice Axelson Stanley.

Onie Vaughn’s conservation minute discussed climate change and landmarks that are at risk by the rise of sea levels. Many historic sites along the East Coast between Southern Maine and Cape Hatteras, N.C. are the most threatened.

For our program this month, chapter members brought old memorabilia to share. Included were salt dishes, quilt, doilies, tooth pullers, butter dish, cross stitch, mining tools and other items.

Betty Banks