CHAPTER ACTIVITIES
The local chapter strives to fulfill the goals of the National Society at the community level. Our projects and activities focus on enhancing citizenship education, preserving Oconee County and Georgia heritage, and promoting patriotism. Activities are extensions of national and state initiatives, while others derive from recognition of local needs. We work with public and private schools within Oconee County, Georgia. We support state and national projects with both service and monetary contributions.
American Indians:
Our Native American Indians have helped shape our nation through their hardships of survival, religious ceremonies, social, and political contributions. Native American Heritage Recognition Month was established by Congress in 1990 and is celebrated in November. The Reverend John Andrew Chapter, NSDAR, has a proclamation signed and read by community leaders recognizing the contributions of the Native Americans.
Conservation:
Constitution Week: Constitution Week included proclamations from the mayor of Watkinsville and the Oconee County Board of Commissioners Chairman. The Junior American Citizens (JAC) were present and the presentation included an old fashion main street bell ringing and cannon firing. Constitution displays were also assembled for the library and local classroom.
DAR Schools: The chapter supports DAR Schools. Support is given by box top collections, coke reward points, sleeping bag fund donations, and more.
DAR Good Citizens Awards: Awards are presented to distinguished seniors at Oconee County High schools for outstanding citizenship activities.
DAR Service for Veterans:
The committee has also reached out to the Student Veterans Resource Center at the University of Georgia. Trays of homemade snacks and cards of thanks were placed in the Student Veterans lounge on the morning of Veterans Day. Chapter members purchased pre-paid gas cards so students in need during the holiday season could travel home.
Oconee Veterans Memorial Foundation (OVMF) and the committee worked in partnership on several projects. Chapter members assisted with Honor Our Patriots, July 4th, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day celebrations. The chapter is also helping the OVMF with fund raising for construction of the Memorial's Phase II - Wall of Honor.
Genealogical Research: The DAR Patriot Index (3 volume set) was donated to Oconee County Library and Oglethorpe County Library. A transcription of the Eagle Tavern journal of 1819 was copied and also donated. The chapter assembles library displays for Constitution Week and Veterans Day.
Historic Preservation:
Remembering those buried in cemeteries is another way the DAR helps preserve our
local history. The Watkinsville City Cemetery is in need of an update on
the gravestone marker index. This index is a list of who is buried here,
and an update has to be done with careful research and tremendous care.
The DAR, with its knowledge of cemetery preservation, can work with local families to make sure the gravestones, as well as the cemetery itself, are properly preserved for future generations. The DAR helps mark veterans' graves sites with American flags for the Memorial Day, 4th of July and Veterans Day holidays.
The DAR would appreciate any personal knowledge of veterans buried in this cemetery. If you would like to volunteer, please Contact Us.
Junior American Citizens (JAC): By reaching out to students across the United States in grades K-12, this program fosters the idea that the rights and responsibilities of citizenship can and should be taught from an early age. Through clubs and contests, the JAC program teaches America's children good citizenship, and appreciation of
the American heritage and history. JAC clubs are available
to all children. The clubs are sponsored by a DAR chapter
and meeting frequency varies by club. Members participate
in community service and patriotic activities while learning
history and love for America. National Defense:
National defense minutes are reported each meeting, including programs on Homeland Security issues. Good Citizenship metals are awarded to 5th through 8th grade students.
The Flag of the United States:
Awards are presented to Oconee businesses that fly the American flag at their business sites. Flags are placed on
veterans graves on customary holidays. The Junior American Citizens and the community celebrated the history of Flag Day with a "Stars & Stripes Birthday Party." The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a chapter member dressed as Betsy Ross shared stories about the history of the American Flag. The pledge is recited at all DAR meetings and JAC meetings. Flag retirement ceremonies are conducted with the Boys and Girl Scouts.
Commemorative Events:
Community Service Awards:
Local citizens are nominated for recognition of outstanding service to the county or state.
Memorial Day celebrations were hosted for families of U.S. service men, women,
and
veterans. The chapter assists with July 4th and Veterans Day celebrations.
Photos courtesy of chapter members.
If you are interested in visiting our chapter, please
click here
to email our Registrar.
Last updated on October 30, 2023
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