Descendants of the oldest American war, The American Revolution, thanked and welcomed home Vietnam Veterans on March 28, 2021 at Johnson Chapel U.M.C.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.

The National Vietnam Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony was hosted by the Woodburn Chapter of the W.V. National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) at the church’s front covered porch and parking lot. Woodburn Chapter is a Commemorative Partner with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration—a national 50th anniversary commemoration, authorized by Congress to thank and honor Vietnam Veterans and their families. The 50-year observance of Vietnam will continue through Veterans Day 2025.

Cindie Harper, Regent of Woodburn Chapter, NSDAR received a Proclamation from Governor Jim Justice acknowledging March 29, 2021 as Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day.

Woodburn Chapter Members: Edie Harper, Cindie Harper and Joan Gibson with the Proclamation

Vietnam Veterans who did not receive a warm welcome when they returned home after the war said they appreciated the recognition given Sunday afternoon outside the Johnson Chapel United Methodist Church.  Cindie Harper, Regent of Woodburn Chapter, was the keynote speaker for the event. 

Because of COVID-19 guidelines, the event was held outside and attendees were asked to wear masks and practice social distancing at the event.  Woodburn Chapter held a unique event that allowed attendees and any immunocompromised individuals, including Vietnam Veterans, to remain in their vehicles where they could watch the event from the church parking lot and listen to the ceremony through a radio station in their vehicles. 

During this author’s heartfelt keynote speech, it was often difficult for me to keep my composure. To thank and honor these Vietnam Veterans on behalf of a grateful nation was a blessing and a privilege. To say that each of them touched my heart is an understatement. 

According to West Virginia Public Broadcasting, more West Virginians served in the Vietnam War than any other state per capita and had the highest casualty rate per capita. The majority of West Virginians who served in the Vietnam War enlisted. The youngest men to enlist were 17 years old. This author’s dad, Larry Harper, was one of those 17 year olds. 

Harper said, “my father, Larry Clayton Harper, was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran who passed away in January 2000 from an Agent Orange related cancer. He never received any recognition for his service so I am honored to recognize the Vietnam Veterans who are present for the ceremony.”

Many of the Vietnam Veterans admitted that they did not receive a warm welcome home and were often treated with hostility. Several explained that they were just “dropped back into their everyday lives” like nothing ever happened and without any sort of assistance or programs to help them cope with their emotional and physical wounds. 

During the ceremony, Edith Harper, Chaplin of Woodburn Chapter and widow of Vietnam Veteran Larry C. Harper, read the names of the Vietnam Veterans from Morgantown whose names can be found on “The Wall” in Washington, D.C.

They are as follows:

BENNETT    THOMAS WILLIAM          CPL    Army  MORGANTOWN

BISE   ROGER ALLEN      SP4     Army  MORGANTOWN

CARDEN      ALBERT PARKER CPT    Army  MORGANTOWN

DALTON       MAJOR ROY JR      SP4     Army  MORGANTOWN

GOGGIN       PAUL STEPHEN     LCPL Marine Corps            MORGANTOWN

HAMRICK    KENNETH JAMES MAJ   Air Force        MORGANTOWN

HOSKINS      ROBERT SULLIVAN         PFC    Marine Corps            MORGANTOWN

JACKSON     HOWARD WADE   CPL    Marine Corps            WESTOVER

JOHNSON     WILBERT HERSHELL      SGT    Army  MORGANTOWN

KING LEWIS MILTON JR           SGT    Army  MORGANTOWN

KOVAC         DAVID ALLAN       LCPL Marine Corps            MORGANTOWN

LILLY           CARROLL BAXTER          LTC    Air Force        MORGANTOWN

MESSENGER          JAMES EDWARD   SGT    Marine Corps            MORGANTOWN

NOWELL      CHARLES KEITH JR         LCPL Marine Corps            MORGANTOWN

PERRY          GORDON DEAN     PFC    Marine Corps            MORGANTOWN

PICKETT      JOHN PRICE           2LT     Marine Corps            MORGANTOWN

ROSS  WILLIAM ROBERT JR     1LT     Army  MORGANTOWN

ROWSEY      RONALD DUANE   SGT    Marine Corps            MORGANTOWN

SAWYER      JAMES HOWARD   PFC    Marine Corps            MORGANTOWN

SCARBOROUGH    JACK WADE JR      SGT    Army  MORGANTOWN

SISLER          WILLIAM DOUGLAS        SGT    Army  MORGANTOWN

SLAVENSKY           JOSEPH JR   LCPL Marine Corps            MORGANTOWN

SPENCER     DEAN CALVIN III  SP4     Army  MORGANTOWN

STRAFACE  JEFFREY DENNIS CPL    Army  STAR CITY

THOMAS      JAMES CARL          LCPL Marine Corps            MORGANTOWN

Pattie Norman, Treasurer of Colonel Morgan Morgan Chapter, read the names of those West Virginia Vietnam Veterans who are still not accounted for and are counted among the Prisoners of War (POW) and/or Missing in Action (MIA).

They are as follows:

ALBRIGHT, JOHN SCOTT           Maj AIR FORCE                  MIA – PRESUMPTIVE

ALTIZER, ALBERT HAROLD     CPL ARMY   KILLED IN ACTION-BODY NOT RETURNED

AUSTIN, JOSEPH CLAIR             Col AIR FORCE                  MIA – PRESUMPTIVE

AUXIER, JERRY EDWARD         SSG ARMY   KILLED IN ACTION-BODY NOT RETURNED

CURRY, KEITH ROYAL WILSON         CDR NAVY KILLED IN ACTION-BODY NOT RETURNED

DUNCAN, JAMES EDWARD       SFC ARMY KILLED IN ACTION-BODY NOT RETURNED

HUNT, ROBERT WILLIAM          MSG ARMY MIA

LILLY, CARROLL BAXTER                    Lt Col AIR FORCE  MIA –

MARSHALL, DANNY GLEN        PFC MARINE CORPS        MIA

NORTON, MICHAEL ROBERT   SFC ARMY   MIA

PAULEY, MARSHALL IRVIN     CMSgt AIR FORCE             MIA

PENNINGTON, RONALD KEITH           LCpl MARINE CORPS       KILLED IN ACTION-BODY NOT RETURNED

PRINGLE, JOE HAROLD SGM ARMY  MIA  

SNIDER, HUGHIE FRANKLIN    SP4 ARMY    KILLED IN ACTION-BODY NOT

SPENCER, DEAN CALVIN           SP4 ARMY    KILLED IN ACTION-BODY NOT RETURNED

TAYLOR, JAMES LAWRENCE SGT ARMY   KILLED IN ACTION-BODY NOT RETURNED

WICKHAM, DAVID WALLACE LT NAVY      KILLED IN ACTION-BODY NOT RETURNED

We observed a moment of silence to remember those who were no longer with us.

At the special request of his brother, Maury Johnson, we recognized another Vietnam Veteran whose name also appears on the black granite wall.

JOHNSON, EVERETTE R.        SP4  Army    GREENVILLE, W.V.

Prior to the ceremony, Maury shared with this author that he remembers his brother had been in Vietnam for only three weeks and was killed in action. They buried him on Maury’s eighth birthday.

Two additional Morgantown, W.V.  Vietnam Veterans were remembered during this ceremony:

KINSLEY                 JOHN            PO3    Navy  passed away April 11, 2001

HARPER       LARRY CLAYTON           SP4     Army passed away January 17, 2000

Three Wreaths were presented during the ceremony. Wreaths were presented as follows:

Edith Harper, Woodburn Chapter NSDAR

Pattie Norman, Colonel Morgan Morgan Chapter NSDAR

Rudy Vincent, George Rogers Clark National Society Sons of the American Revolution

They wreaths were placed to remember those who could not be with us and to show appreciation to the Vietnam Veterans who were present.

On behalf of a grateful nation, this author thanked all Vietnam Veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service.  It was a great privilege to officially welcome them home. It was truly a blessing to be in the presence of so many heroes. 

Honorary Regent of Woodburn Chapter, Joan Gibson, read the names of the Vietnam Veterans who were present.

Woodburn Chaplin Edith Harper and this author presented each Vietnam Veteran with a Vietnam Veteran lapel pin, a lapel pin fact sheet and a certificate of gratitude from Woodburn Chapter NSDAR on behalf of a grateful nation.

The lapel pin and fact sheet were provided by The Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program. As a Commemorative Partner, Woodburn Chapter NSDAR hosts events in the local community to honor and thank Vietnam Veterans for their service and sacrifice.

The following Vietnam Veterans were honored at the ceremony: 

Lt. Colonel Carl Cannon, U.S. Army Retired

Lt. Colonel Carl Cannon, U.S. Army Retired and his wife, Dr. Mary Cannon, also a U.S. Army Veteran. Woodburn Chapter Regent, Cindie Harper

David Casselle, United States Army Security Agency with Woodburn Chapter Members: Cindie Harper, Edie Harper and Joan Gibson

Major George P. Davis III, U.S. Army Retired with Woodburn Chapter Members: Cindie Harper and Edie Harper

Major George P. Davis III, U.S. Army Retired with some of his wonderful family.

George is also an author of a book called SPUD 19: A Vietnam Army Aviator’s Battles with PTSD. You can purchase it here:  

 

George’s book is about his battle with PTSD, from the time he was in Vietnam until today. He was raised in rural West Virginia, eventually becoming part of an elite group of Army aviators flying an OV-1 Mohawk for several years. The Mohawk’s mission was unarmed reconnaissance and surveillance of enemy movement, with most being flown over enemy territory.  After several years, he lost the ability to be able to fly as his PTSD kept getting worse and worse. It really hit home after he retired and it has been a full-blown battle ever since, even up until today. His internal battles changed his life and only recently has he been able to begin to cope with them. Agent Orange has also wreaked havoc on his body and added to his struggle.

Wilbur England, U.S. Navy with Woodburn Chapter Members: Cindie Harper and Edie Harper

Clarence “Buck” Garlitz, U.S. Army with Edie Harper and Cindie Harper

Ron Lazenby, U.S. Army, Clarence “Buck” Garlitz, U.S. Army with the wonderful Garlitz family, Joan Gibson, Pattie Norman, Wilbur England, U.S. Navy and Edie Harper

Ron Lazenby, U.S. Army, Cindie Harper and Edie Harper

Dan Price, U.S. Navy, Cindie Harper and Edie Harper

On behalf of a grateful nation, we thanked all of our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service.  It was my privilege and honor to thank them and to officially welcome them home. It was truly a blessing to be in the presence of so many heroes. Every single Vietnam Veteran was thankful to be recognized. This ceremony was very emotional for all involved. Some of the Vietnam Veterans who were recognized and thanked said that it was the first time they had ever been thanked. When I noticed that several men’s eyes were filled with tears, it was difficult not to be overcome with emotion. The honor and thanks was 50 years overdue.

I do not want to lose the opportunity to thank as many Vietnam Veterans as I can.  I am looking forward to the day when I can properly pin the lapel pin myself, shake their hand or hug them, and thank them for their service and sacrifice. If you or a Vietnam Veteran you know, would like to be honored at a future ceremony, please send Cindie Harper a message or email: woodburnchapternsdar@gmail.com. We would love to honor as many Vietnam Veterans as we can. 

God Bless America!

Thank you to Bikers, Bros & Bo for your support of our event.

We honor and recognize Andrew “Bo” Harper

https://www.facebook.com/bikersbrosandbo817

Woodburn Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the NSDAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. NSDAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. NSDAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit http://www.dar.org.

If you are interested in joining the local Woodburn NSDAR Chapter please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/WoodburnChapter or contact us by email at: woodburnchapternsdar@gmail.com.

Women of Woodburn Chapter NSDAR Continue the Living Memorial Legacy of Mrs. Johnson, Founder of Johnson Chapel

Women of Woodburn Chapter NSDAR Continue the Living Memorial Legacy of Mrs. Johnson, Founder of Johnson Chapel 

By: Cindie Harper, Woodburn Chapter Regent

Johnson Chapel United Methodist Church in Morgantown was founded by a grieving mother whose son was killed while serving in the armed forces during World War II. Johnson Chapel was the first site in West Virginia to dedicate the Never Forget Garden Marker to commemorate the 100th anniversary of The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier.

The dedication ceremony was hosted by the Woodburn Chapter, NSDAR and led by Regent Cindie Harper. 

Photo Credit: Lori Blosser 

This author, Cindie Harper, Regent of Woodburn Chapter, knows that there are many who can never visit the grave of their loved ones who never came home from war. This Never Forget garden marker is a living memorial to serve as a reminder that we will never forget them. This author grew up in Johnson Chapel Church. It was founded by Mrs.Bessie Johnson.

She founded the church as a living memorial in honor of her son, Robert Ray Johnson, who was killed in 1944 while serving in the armed forces during World War II. This church was a perfect place for the Never Forget Marker.

Mrs. Johnson turned her heartache and grief into a way to help others through her faith in God. Mrs. Johnson wanted to ensure that her son was remembered. The founding of Johnson Chapel was intended to be a living memorial to her son. It was a way to cope with her grief while reminding all who knew her to have faith and to keep their faith despite any circumstances. 

My paternal grandmother and paternal great grandmother were founding members of the church when it began as a barn. Here is a picture of them with another founding member, Mary Coulter, who wrote a book about Johnson Chapel called “A Project of Faith.”

Johnson Chapel started out as a barn.

Johnson Chapel over the years

Present Day Johnson Chapel United Methodist Church

This author’s childhood years were spent attending Johnson Chapel. Johnson Chapel is part of this author’s family history. Mrs. Johnson had a very profound impact on who I am today. Johnson Chapel helped to shape the life of my family and the paths that we chose in life. My parents were married at Johnson Chapel. My daughter Kyleigh Blanchard (who is also a Woodburn NSDAR member) was born in Hawaii while my ex-husband was stationed there. We flew all the way back to West Virginia so our daughter could be baptized at Johnson Chapel. My mother, Edie Harper, is still an active member of Johnson Chapel and a member of our Woodburn NSDAR Chapter. My father, Larry Harper, a Vietnam Veteran who passed away in 2000, dedicated his life to God in this church and eventually became a United Methodist Minister. There are many families like mine who were influenced positively by the unwavering faith and strength of Mrs. Johnson. I think Mrs. Johnson would be proud to know that her legacy lives on. Now anyone who visits Johnson Chapel will walk past this marker and will be reminded of those who gave their all in service to our country. 

  “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Never Forget Garden”

“This Garden is a living tribute to all of America’s Veterans and their families. In Silence and Respect, this is a place to remember why millions of Americans have fought and died for our liberty and our freedom.Here we renew our promise to fulfill America’s Sacred duty to NEVER FORGET. Here we renew our mutual pledge to support them with “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

According to SGM Gavin McIlvenna, US Army Retired, Hood River, President of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) this is the first Never Forget Garden Marker Dedication to occur in West Virginia. McIlvenna is quoted as saying that, “It can be our generations’“electric cord” that connects us to every patriot’s grave.” 

The three images on the marker can also be found on the East side of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. They represent Peace, Victory and Valor.

The Colors were presented and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scoutmaster Steve Blosser and Dan Porter and Boy Scouts of America Chase Blosser and Evan Porter of Troop 120 with Fleming Memorial Church in Fairmont. 

Photo Credit: Lori Blosser 

The unveiling and the dedication of the Never Forget Garden Marker

Edie Harper & Kyleigh Blanchard unveiling the marker

Photo Credit: Lori Blosser

Dedicating of the Never Forget Marker

Photo credit: Lori Blosser

The Boy Scouts of America Troop 120 with Fleming Memorial Church in Fairmont.

Chase Blosser, Evan Porter, Dan Porter and Scoutmaster Steve Blosser

Photo Credit: Lori Blosser

Wreaths were placed by Woodburn Chapter, NSDAR, Colonel Morgan Morgan Chapter, NSDAR, George Rogers Clark, NSSAR and The Harper Family. 

Wreath placed by Joan Gibson, Woodburn Chapter NSDAR

Photo Credit: Lori Blosser

Wreath placed by Pattie Norman, Colonel Morgan Morgan Chapter NSDAR

Photo Credit: Lori Blosser

Wreath being placed by Rudy Vincent, George Rogers Clark NSSAR

Photo Credit: Lori Blosser

Wreath placed by The Harper Family: Edie Harper & Kyleigh Blanchard

Photo Credit: Lori Blosser

The Never Forget Garden project is in partnership with the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is a nationwide effort to encourage Americans to plant Never Forget Gardens in honor of the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

For our small garden, we chose the following flowers:

Red Rose: courage and love

White Rose: Purity and Innocence

Yellow Rose: Friendship. Yellow is also chosen to honor those who fought in the Viet Nam War.

Pink Rose: Gratitude and grace

Orange Rose:Enthusiasm and passion

Photo Credit: Lori Blosser

Photo credit to Lori Blosser

Left to Right: Allen Sheldon, Dr. Rev. Lisa Crone Sheldon, Chase Blosser, Evan Porter, Kyleigh Blanchard, Anne Smittle, Edie Harper, Cindie Harper, Rudy Vincent, Pattie Norman, Joan Gibson, Dan Porter and Steve Blosser

For more information on the Woodburn NSDAR Chapter please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/WoodburnChapter

Email: woodburnchapternsdar@gmail.com.

For those that want more information on the Never Forget Garden and how you can participate in your community, contact SHGTUS Public Affairs at publicaffiairs@tombguard.org or 

 www.tombguard.org

List of media coverage:

Stay Happening – posted by SHGTUS

https://stayhappening.com/e/dedication-of-the-never-forget-garden-in-morgantown-wv-E2ISTNP3MPI

Morgantown Forum

https://www.facebook.com/groups/889685477745606/permalink/4120153438032111/

Morgantown WV Upcoming Events Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MorgantownEvents/permalink/4347261295298524/

Woodburn Chapter Facebook Events:

https://fb.me/e/CPB52N6s

Shared by Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

https://www.facebook.com/societyofthehonorguard

https://www.facebook.com/events/498732657840449/?ref=newsfeed

WBOY:

First marker in West Virginia to honor Tomb of the Unknown Solider placed

WOWK:

First marker in West Virginia to honor Tomb of the Unknown Solider placed

https://snewsi.com coverage:

https://snewsi.com/tag/State?t=1622415600&xt=1622419200

WBOY Facebook page:

https://m.facebook.com/wboy12news/posts/10158956002715660

EINNEWS:

https://icrc.einnews.com/news/z-westvirginia/.onboarding-carousel

https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:vCbSB0zXAZcJ:https://icrc.einnews.com/news/z-westvirginia/.onboarding-carousel+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Cindie Harper, Regent of Woodburn Chapter NSDAR participates in the 10th Annual Gene Vance Jr. Day Ceremony

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The sacrifice made 19 years ago by a West Virginia National Guardsman will be commemorated this weekend.

Several years after his death, Vance’s brother-in-law, Michael Minc founded the Gene Vance Jr. Foundation aimed at improving the quality of life for wounded veterans. Minc and the foundation have also worked hard to keep Vance’s memory alive. Over the years, military, local and federal organizations have named buildings, bridges, roads and trails, all over the world, in Vance’s honor:

• The Vance Barracks at the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey, in California
• Camp Vance in Bagram, Afghanistan
• The Vance-Nolan Building at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX
• The Vance Mile along Deckers Creek Rail Trail in Morgantown, WV
• The SSG Gene Arden Vance Jr. Memorial Bridge in Oceana, WV
• Gene Arden Vance Jr. Memorial Drive in Morgantown, WV
• The SSG Gene Arden Vance Jr.& SG Deforest Lee Talbert Hall of Honor at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, WV
• The Gene Vance Biometrics Experimentation Center at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, WV
• The SGT Gene A. Vance Jr. Fitness Center in Afghanistan
• His name is also inscribed of the National Security Agency’s Cryptologic Memorial Wall
• Vance has also been featured in the books: “Hunting al Qaeda,” by an anonymous author and “Behind the Lines,” by Andrew Carroll.

10th annual Gene Vance Jr. Day ceremony goes virtual Saturday

United in Spirit 2021 American Tribute 10th Anniversary Gene Vance Jr. Day

In case you missed this American Tribute to our Armed Forces and in honor of the 10th Annual Gene Vance Jr. Day, you can watch it at the link below. NSDAR President General Denise Doring Van Buren appears at the 28:39 mark and Cindie Harper, Regent of Woodburn Chapter, appears at the 19:24 mark. Thank you to our ARMED FORCES and their families for your sacrifices and service!

#wvu #wvumedicine #wvdar #nsdar

https://www.genevancejr.org/2021

Governor Justice Signed Armed Forces Day 2021 Proclamation

Governor Justice Signed Armed Forces Day 2021 Proclamation
West Virginia – Cindie Harper, Regent of Woodburn Chapter, NSDAR asked Governor Jim Justice to sign the Proclamation recognizing the annual Armed Forces Day in West Virginia. Governor Justice signed the Proclamation showing his dedication to supporting the U.S. Armed Forces.
In the most recent data available from 2018, 7.98% of West Virginians are veterans, ranking the state seventh among the 50 states.
The first Armed Forces day was proclaimed by Presidential Proclamation 2873, but not observed until May that year. President Truman declared, “Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, which marked the first combined demonstration by America’s defense under the National Security Act.” It is the first formal procession of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.
It is observed the third Saturday in May and pays tribute to the men and women who serve in the United States military. Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to thank our military men and women and their families for the selfless sacrifices in defense of the priceless freedoms and liberties that our Nation holds dear. It is a joint celebration of all six branches of the U.S. military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and the newly created Space Force. It also includes the National Guard and Reserve components. Unlike Veterans Day, which honors those who served, and unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died serving, Armed Forces Day is a day to honor all of the men and women currently serving as well as those who have served, both active and former military.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the NSDAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. NSDAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. NSDAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit http://www.dar.org.

If you are interested in joining the local Woodburn NSDAR Chapter please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/WoodburnChapter or contact us by email at: woodburnchapternsdar@gmail.com.

An American Tribute X: United in Spirit 2021 virtual event will be held on the 10th Annual Gene Vance Jr. Day and Armed Forces Day on May 15, 2021

Morgantown, WV

May 12, 2021                                                                                                                         

Woodburnchapternsdar@gmail.com

                                                                                                                              ​

An American Tribute X: United in Spirit 2021 virtual event will be held on the 10^th Annual Gene Vance Jr. Day and Armed Forces Day on May 15, 2021

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.

Woodburn Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Regent Cindie Harper, 46^th United States President Joe Biden, Governor Jim Justice, WVU President E. Gordon Gee, Senator Joe Manchin III and Senator Shelley Moore Capito and many other leaders across the country will be participating in the virtual event “An American Tribute X: United in Spirit 2021”

This year is a special year because it marks the tenth anniversary of Gene Vance Jr. Day, the twentieth anniversary of 9/11 and the centennial of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington. In addition to the many leaders providing messages of hope, different musicians will also perform. The goal of the event is meant to celebrate and honor soldiers of the U.S. Armed Forces who have risked their lives to protect others and to honor the memory of the 500,000+ COVID-19 Victims.

Here is a link to the leaders providing messages to broadcast hope, inspiration and gratitude to our Armed Forces and their families: https://www.genevancejr.org/messages

A moment of silence for a lifetime of freedom will also be observed.

Additional details about this event can be found here: https://www.genevancejr.org/2021

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the NSDAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. NSDAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. NSDAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit http://www.dar.org.

If you are interested in joining the local Woodburn NSDAR Chapter please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/WoodburnChapter or contact us by email at: woodburnchapternsdar@gmail.com.

NSDAR’s Woodburn Chapter Celebrates National Service Initiative Passing One Million Mask & PPE Donations Mark

NSDAR’s  Woodburn Chapter Celebrates National Service Initiative Passing One Million Mask & PPE Donations Mark

Morgantown, WV – The Woodburn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) celebrates the national effort of creating and donating one million masks and other PPE to protect essential workers and people in need in just under a year.

As of April 13, 2021, the Woodburn Chapter has hand-sewn and donated over 2400 masks donated to local nursing homes, law enforcement officers, WVUMedicine and Mon Healthcare frontline healthcare workers, and community service organizations. Member Edith Harper made nearly 1400 of those masks. Other members donated supplies and also made multiple masks and delivered them to tha agencies. 

“As a country we have been fighting to keep our fellow citizens healthy and get through this pandemic, and the DAR members in our chapter wanted to do our part to give back to those working hard to keep our community healthy and safe,” said Regent Cindie Harper of the Woodburn Chapter. “We know this has been a difficult year for everyone and we wanted to do whatever we could to help take care of our community.”

Nationwide, more than 1,400 DAR chapters from all 50 states and 5 overseas have participated in the organization’s Service to America From Home initiative with more than one million PPE donated, as of April 10, 2021. As of today, DAR members have made and donated 1,049,532 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to those in need. 

For DAR membership inquiries and other questions about the Woodburn Chapter, contact Woodburnchapternsdar@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/WoodburnChapter/

To learn more about DAR visit www.dar.org

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with close to 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.

March is designated as Women’s History Month to honor women’s contributions in American history.

Every year March is designated as Women’s History Month by Presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.
Women’s History Month is a dedicated month to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to United States history. It is also Social Work Month which is often an overlooked profession and has a predominantly female workforce. The profession was founded by Jane Addams who was a member of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Jane was also the first American Woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 
There is a yearly theme for Women’s History Month. The 2021 theme is a continuation of 2020’s: “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.” This theme recognizes  the battle for women’s suffrage, which was gained with the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920. 
I would like to share a few women who are or were NSDAR members who made significant contributions to society or history. Frances Willard, Academic, Suffragist and Reformer

Frances Willard (1839 – 1898)
Fort Dearborn Chapter, Illinois

Francis Willard is remembered as an academic, suffragist, and temperance reformer.  Today her statue stands in the U.S. Capitol, the first woman to be included in National Statuary Hall Collection.  Her statue serves as a lasting tribute to her efforts as a social reformer. 

Susan B. Anthony, Suffragist and Reformer

Susan B. Anthony (1820 – 1906)

Irondequoit Chapter, New York

A staunch supporter of women’s suffrage, Susan B. Anthony worked tirelessly throughout her life to secure women the right to vote.  

Alice Stokes Paul, Suffragist

Alice Stokes Paul (1885-1977)
Mary Washington Chapter, Washington, DC

Women’s rights activist Alice Paul was born in New Jersey. In 1917 Paul participated in what may have been the first political protest to picket in front of the White House.  She was arrested along with other participants and sent to prison.  Paul proceeded to organize a hunger strike and endured force-feedings, beatings, and other torture including sleep deprivation.  A physician at Occoquan said of her:  “[She has] a spirit like Joan of Arc, and it is useless to try to change it.  She will die but she will never give up.”  It was Alice who nicknamed the Nineteenth Amendment “The Anthony Amendment” after women’s rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony. 

Jane Addams, Activist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize

Jane Addams (1860-1935)
Topeka Chapter, Kansas

Jane Addams dedicated her life to social work. In 1889, she co-founded Hull-House in Chicago, one of the first settlement houses in the United States. Hull-House offered a wide variety of activities and services to local immigrants and the urban poor. In the years leading up to World War I, Addams became a committed pacifist and helped to found the Woman’s Peace Party. As a result of her work, Addams received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. She was the first American woman to be awarded this honor. 

Our local Woodburn Chapter, NSDAR’s name was inspired by WVU’s Woodburn Hall? 

The name “Woodburn” was chosen by two of Morgantown’s earliest advocates for education, Reverend John R. Moore, principal of the Monongalia Academy for boys, and Elizabeth Moore, principal of the Woodburn Female Seminary for girls. 

After a fire destroyed the original Woodburn Female Seminary, the building that would become Woodburn Hall was completed in its place in 1876 for $41,500. It was named New Hall, then University Hall, before finally being named Woodburn Hall in 1902, to honor the former Seminary. The first women were admitted to the University in 1899, after a fire burned the Morgantown Female Seminary, which Elizabeth Moore opened after the Woodburn Seminary was sold to the state. It was a controversial move, as some argued women did not belong in a land-grant institution that focused on agriculture and technology. Female students formed a Women’s League to advocate for their interests and share intellectual ideas. 

The first two photos are from the WV archives and the last and most recent photo was taken by me in 2020. 

Happy Women in History Month and Happy Social Work Month! 

The  NSDAR, was founded  by women in 1890. It is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children. Any woman 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background-who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership. 

If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, visit https://www.facebook.com/WoodburnChapter or contact us by email at: woodburnchapternsdar@gmail.com.

Woodburn Chapter NSDAR Seeks Dead People: Genealogists at Work

March 12, 2021

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.

Woodburn Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Members are celebrating National Genealogy Day.

Genealogy is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. DAR has teams of volunteers who can assist you if you need help with your research. Feel free to contact woodburnchapter@gmail.com and we will be happy to help you get started. We will help you find a DAR chapter near you if you aren’t near us. We will help you through an overview of our online genealogical resources.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit http://www.dar.org.

If you are interested in learning more about genealogy or DAR membership, visit https://www.facebook.com/WoodburnChapter or contact us by email at: woodburnchapter@gmail.com.

WVUMedicine Social Worker and Woodburn Chapter NSDAR Regent leads effort for gubernatorial proclamation and county commission proclamation in West Virginia

Social Work Month highlights how the profession benefits our society

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.  

Woodburn Chapter NSDAR Members are celebrating this year’s Social Work Month in March with the theme “Social Workers are Essential” to highlight the invaluable contributions social workers make in our society, especially as this nation addresses the Coronavirus pandemic. The Social Work profession was founded by Jane Addams, who was also a NSDAR member, and the first American Women to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Social Work Month raises awareness about how social workers meet people where they are and are essential to community well-being. As practitioners, social workers are trained to help people address personal and systemic barriers to optimal living. You will find social workers protecting children and vulnerable populations from abuse and neglect, providing mental health and substance use disorder treatment, working in healthcare and medical organizations, assisting active-duty military, veterans and their families, in schools, helping corporations better serve their communities, and in community organizations as well as in local, state and government.

Since the vast majority of social workers are female, this also highlights the contributions that women have made throughout history during Women in History Month. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. There are about 700,000 professional social workers in the U.S. and that number is expected to rise to more than 800,000 by 2029.

At the request of Cindie Harper, who is the Regent of Woodburn Chapter NSDAR and WVU School of Social Work Alumni, Governor Jim Justice issued a proclamation on March 3 recognizing March 2021 as Social Work Month. A presentation ceremony was not held due to COVID restrictions. Harper also received a proclamation from the Monongalia County Commission recognizing March as Social Work Month during the meeting on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. The meeting was recorded and Harper reads the Proclamation beginning around the 4:05 mark in the video at the following link:

 “It was important to me to obtain the proclamations so that the Mountain State can show the world that we are aware of the essential services social workers provide and to share information about this often overlooked profession,” Harper said. “We are an integral part of the community, helping people to access resources and services to improve their quality of life here in West Virginia.”

Monongalia County Commissioners Tom Bloom, Shawn Sikora, WVUMedicine Social Worker Cindie Harper and Commissioner Jeff Arnett

To quote Jane Addams, the mother of Social Work, “The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life. True peace is not merely the absence of war, it is the presence of justice.”

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact the Woodburn Chapter at woodburnchapter@gmail.com.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.

If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, visit https://www.facebook.com/WoodburnChapter or contact us by email at: woodburnchapter@gmail.com.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.

Media Coverage:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/wvu-medicine-social-worker-leads-effort-for-gubernatorial-proclamation/article_6e1d0b7b-df6e-5a48-b3f2-69023e4d7198.html

https://www.wvnews.com/social-work-month/image_5c69a5a9-37f8-5783-ab7e-eca4d10dc8e1.html

https://health.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=social-work-month-highlights-how-profession-benefits-society

https://ar-ar.facebook.com/SocialWorkWVU/posts/at-the-request-of-cindie-harper-the-regent-of-woodburn-chapter-nsdar-and-alumni-/2145354052287625/

https://www.dailyadvent.com/news/d4d4af6eff274a1bea226f49e555a284-WVU-Medicine-social-worker-leads-effort-for-gubernatorial-proclamation

9th Annual Gene Vance Jr. Day,

Morgantown’s 9^th Gene Vance Jr. Day, 

We certainly realize these are trying times during the 2020 COVID19 Pandemic and humbly ask that you kindly post/broadcast this entire video tribute across all your broadcast and social media channels. Due to the Pandemic, this event is online.

Thanks for joining them together on your end!

Woodburn Chapter Regent Cindie Harper appears on Part 2 at the 3:50 mark. Harper says she “was honored to participate in this amazing tribute.”

Part 1     https://youtu.be/skTvB2Bwby4

Part 2     https://youtu.be/sjIfBwIKVMY

Part 3     https://youtu.be/2gWoaWFzmGg

Part 4     https://youtu.be/ZSL9qRzW5zg

Part 5     https://youtu.be/925y-46O4OM

The video links above include our distinguished State leaders Senator Joe Manchin III and Senator Shelley Moore Capito, together with Governor Jim C. Justice II, the Adjutant General of West Virginia, Major General James A. Hoyer, Command Sergeant Major James D. Jones,  Mayor of Morgantown Bill Kawecki, President E. Gordon Gee, J.D. Ed.D. of  West Virginia University, President David Goldberg of Mon Health System and Mirta M. Martin, PhD, President, Fairmont State University.

Popular WV musicians, the Davisson Brothers have embraced this dedication to our defenders with a special rendition of their song “Fighter”. 

Musician Cody Clayton Eagle (‘American Idol’) is launching a new song  “This One’s On Me” specially dedicated to our military and all those on our frontlines of this battle. 

Morgantown’s own Vox Principalis Choral Association, singer songwriter Eric Lewis and Rick Martin have also provided inspirational performances. 

A special thanks to the U.S. Army 344th Military Intelligence Battalion at Good Fellow Air Force base in Texas for holding a “Moment of Silence” at this very moment in front of the Vance Nolan building. 

It is truly inspirational for all in West Virginia and beyond who care about our military families and those on the new frontline of the Coronavirus battle.

This Armed Forces Day 2020 and the 9^th Gene Vance Jr Day  on SATURDAY MAY 16, 2020  is undoubtedly an unprecedented day in global history.

Cindie Harper, Regent of Woodburn Chapter appears at the :42 -:50 second mark.

Media Coverage

https://www.wdtv.com/content/news/Gene-Vance-Jr-Day-celebrated-virtually-570550201.html