State regent visits Chief Senachwine NSDAR chapter

HENRY — Sharla Wilson Luken, state regent of the 104 Illinois chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, visited the April meeting of the Chief Senachwine Chapter NSDAR. Luken’s program topic was “Serving Those Who Have Served Us,” concerning our military veterans and ways to assist veterans personally and at Illinois veterans’ homes and hospitals.

Veterans’ sites encourage public assistance by helping to fund dogs trained for use by vets, especially those with PTSD; volunteering to help vets with collecting their mail, working in their yards and doing similar activities; driving vets to doctors’ appointments; and helping vets to find jobs. Recently, “green lighting” as a project has developed. To “green light for vets” refers to buying a green light bulb to place in an outside lighting fixture or a front-window lamp. The green light exhibits visible appreciation for our military personnel.

Another guest for the day was Kathy Hughes, District II director, who had also visited the chapter in October 2019.

A report during the meeting covered the process on how one is honored by the U.S. and made an honorary citizen. Seven individuals have been so honored. Among them are three from the Revolutionary War, including Gen. Casimir Pulaski, the father of the American cavalry, and honored in Illinois via Pulaski Day. Other honorees are Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa, William Penn and Raul Wallenberg (who aided Jewish people during World War II).

A Literacy Promotion report and one on International Women’s Day, which commemorates the cultural, political and socioeconomic achievements of women, were given. A report was also given on the March 27 District II virtual meeting, chaired by District Director Kathy Hughes.

June 3 was announced as the date of the District II mini-tour meeting. Details will be forthcoming.

The next meeting of the Chief Senachwine Chapter will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 7. Chairmen and officer reports will be given, and the officers for 2021-23 will be installed.