Annual Flag Day luncheon helps fulfill DAR’s mission

DAR Flag Day luncheon, June 14, 2025, Louisiana, Mo. Front row, from left, Caren Whitehead, Northeast District director; Dr. Lisa Parks, state regent; and Sandy Orf, Pike County chapter regent. Back row, Kay Ellis, Hannibal Heritage Chapter regent; Ann Carter, Vandalia; Kay Sealock, Pike County, Ill., Nila Catron, Ewing; and Millie Powell, Bowling Green. Photo contributed by Sarah Whitaker.

MARY LOU  MONTGOMERY

Representatives of the Hannibal Heritage Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, gathered with their contemporaries for a Flag Day Luncheon in Louisiana, Mo., on Saturday, June 14.

The gathering of five chapters for a patriotic luncheon and program is a long-standing tradition. This year’s entertainment was provided by Judy Schmidt, who played the hammered dulcimer.

“This year in Louisiana, the Pike County chapter was hostess,” said Kay Ellis, of the Hannibal Heritage Chapter. The event took place at “Gatherings at 601,” on Georgia Street, a historic Louisiana building that has been renovated into an event venue.

“Some years we meet at Curryville,” Ellis said, “in one of the little churches there. Last year we met at Quincy, Ill. That was very nice.”

Ellis explained that there are three major concepts behind the DAR: Education, historic preservation and patriotism.

Under the category of education, the Hannibal chapter annually names a student as DAR Good Citizen. This year’s winner is Mobina Behniay, daughter of Dr. Hassan Behniay, an internist affiliated with Hannibal Regional Hospital.

As for historic preservation, members participate in saving historic buildings and marking historic sights.

“Patriotism, we’re all for flying the flag, wearing patriotic pens, and supporting veterans, nationally, locally and statewide,” she said.

The Hannibal chapter supports the veterans home at Mexico, and others in the state. They also donate to “Fisher Houses,” associated with the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospitals, which provide respite for military and veteran families.

One member with ties to Hannibal, Norma Beedle, recently attended the 134th Continental Congress in Washington, D.C., with her daughter.

The Hannibal Heritage Chapter was organized in June 1974. Mrs. Nicholas Hill was the Organizing Regent.

Kay Ellis, current Hannibal Heritage Chapter Regent, was among the founding members.

Activities sponsored by the local chapter include:

Constitution Week is recognized by providing posters and DAR bookmarks to local libraries and schools, printed with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble.

The DAR supports Honor Flights and participates in the Naturalization Ceremony for new United States citizens. “Every Christmas, we pack boxes with food, personal care items, and books, which are sent to our deployed troops,” Ellis said.

Those wishing more information about the local DAR chapter can reach Kay Ellis at (573) 795 2722.