Calling the meeting order of the Washita Chapter on October 9, 2023, the Regent Kay Hagerman assisted by the Chaplin Judy Tracy, led the group in the Opening Ritual. It was followed by the group reciting the following : Pledge of Allegiance, American’s Creed, Preamble to the Constitution, Salute to the Oklahoma Flag and the singing of a patriotic song, accompanied by Doris Minor.
Ellena Womack gave the President Gener’s Message that refl ected on “how much our organization has accomplished during the past 133 years”. The organization has welcomed more than 1,045,000 women into membership. All with unique “backgrounds, beliefs and life experiences but sharing the common bond of lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution” The National Defense Report given by Phillys Stevenson taken from the National Defender and an article written by Ruth Brent Tofle, was a review of the ending of WWII ceremony on “The Mighty MO” , the USS Missouri that was anchored in Tokyo Bay, Japan. The surrender ceremony was staged on 2Septmember 1945, at what would be known as the “altar of peace” aboard the battleship the U.S.S. Missouri. Ensign Sherman F. Drake who served on that ship wrote a description of the scene that was printed in his hometown newspaper: “Only 2 hours ago I had the honor and privilege of standing on the ceremonial quarter deck of the famous ship and watching while history was being made. To you at home, no matter how many pictures you read or radio descriptions you hear, you shall never be able to feel the excitement, the pride, the glory, the despair, the humiliation, the historical greatness nor the momentous influence on our present and future lives which this ceremony encompasses.”
The program, “Drought Resistant Pollinator Gardens: was presented by Laura Haggerty, Soil Conservationist Urban and Small-Scale Production USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. She was assisted by Courtney Weymouth also of USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.
Committees giving reports: American History, American Indians- Virginia Reid spoke about the movie, “Killer of the Flower Moon” and the Osage Tribe; Commemorative Events-The earliest organized written political activity taken by women in American history was the signing of a resolution against the tax policies of the British Empire by 51 women, Women’s Issues—Judy Tracy encouraged members to write their own histories. She gave out a paper that will help them get started.
A story from Patriot Records Project told the story of Query Sweating, a slave, that enlisted into the Continental Service and mustered out on March 6, 1778 with 120 pounds Sterling. In today money that would be $23, 238.
The group will be delivering the items that were collected for the Clinton Women’s Center following the meeting.
The meeting was closed with the reading of the Daughters Pledge.
Those attending were: Marci Grant, Kathryn Harrison, Evelyn Hart, Kay Hagerman, Deborah Lippencott, Doris Minor, Virginia Reid, Phillys Stevenson, Linda Stewart, Betty Todd Judy Tracy, Marilyn Wilson, Ellena Womack and guests-Laura Haggerty and Courtney Weymouth.
