WAYNE — As part of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, the nation’s 50th-anniversary tribute, and in honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, the Jeptha Abbott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) paid tribute to Vietnam veterans at their monthly meeting today. Those recognized were: Robert Fischer, Colonel, US Air Force, Doylestown (father-in-law of chapter Regent Teri Fischer); Michael Freeland, Lieutenant US Naval Reserve, Wynnewood (husband of chapter member Lynne Freeland); Walter B. Hawley, Interior Communications Electrician, 2nd Class, United States Navy, Broomall (brother of chapter member Linda Hawley); Carl C. Hoyler, MD, Captain, US Army Medical Corps, Malvern (husband of chapter member Carolyn Hoyler); Richard Rolfes, Corporal, First Battalion, Fifth Marine Corp, Gladwyne; and James Talone, Lieutenant, Third Marine Division, Haverford, PA (speaker).
Recipients were presented with: a DAR Certificate of Appreciation, a beautiful quilt made by chapter member Lynne Freeland (with help from other members), the book “There It Is,” (written and signed by speaker and fellow veteran James Talone), along with the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin. The lapel pin symbolizes the DAR’s eagerness and our country’s desire to thank and honor our Vietnam War Veterans. Any living veteran who served in active duty in the US Armed Forces from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, is eligible to receive one from a United States of America Vietnam War commemorative partner.
The eagle on the pin represents courage, honor, and dedicated service to our nation. The blue circle matches the canton of the American flag and signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The circular shape and blue color also match the official seal of the commemoration. The laurel wreath is a time-honored symbol representing victory, integrity, and strength. The stripes behind the eagle represent the American flag. The six stars represent the six allies who served, sacrificed, and fought alongside one another. The message on the back closest to the heart is: “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.”
In 2008, the National Defense Authorization Act enabled the Secretary of Defense to conduct this program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The program’s objectives are:
1. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
2. To highlight the service of the armed forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with or supported the armed forces.
3. To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
4. To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
5. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.
Since the launch of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration, the DAR has been a committed commemorative partner, vowing to meet the primary objective to “Thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, with distinct recognition of former prisoners of war and families of those still listed as missing in action.” As a result, DAR is one of the Commemoration’s largest and most significant commemorative partners, with chapters joining nearly every month. Since 2013, DAR has reported conducting more than 5,120 events and recognizing about 300,500 veterans.
Being a Vietnam Veteran Commemorative Partner is one of the many tangible ways the DAR acknowledges veterans for their service, sacrifice, and commitment to our country. The NSDAR was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Its members descend from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. DAR members are committed to volunteer service, having served more than 12.5 million hours in communities worldwide during the past three years. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit DAR.org or connect with DAR on social media at facebook.com/TodaysDAR, twitter.com/TodaysDAR, and youtube.com/TodaysDAR.
Named after Jeptha Abbott, a Revolutionary War soldier, the Jeptha Abbott DAR chapter was founded on November 18, 1929, by Elizabeth Abigail Ransley. Now, more than 200 Jeptha Abbott members continue the tradition of helping to educate children, preserve the nation’s history, and champion patriotism. In addition, the Jeptha Abbott chapter has supported many national and local charities, including donating two stained glass windows to the National Patriots Bell Tower at Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge National Historical Park, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The Bell Tower, housing one of the largest and finest carillons in the world, was built with funds from the NSDAR. To learn more about the Jeptha Abbott DAR chapter and how to join, visit jacdar.org.
