Poage Chapter DAR Honors Veterans

Poage Chapter DAR Honors Veterans

Pamela Hall

The Ashland Beacon

The Poage Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted a Veterans Appreciation luncheon on Saturday, March 28 at the Ashland Transportation Center.

The luncheon was attended by about 60 veterans from Boyd, Carter, and Greenup Counties.

A welcome was given by Poage Chapter DAR Vice Regent Deb Price-Johnson who organized the event. The invocation was given by Poage Chapter Chaplain Ann Riffe, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Victor Wilson, a local Vietnam veteran, sang the National Anthem. Next was the recitation of the Preamble to the Constitution and the American’s Creed. Veteran Wilson then sang God Bless America.

Ashland Mayor Chuck Charles greeted the veterans and thanked them for their service.

“I am so proud of our veterans and honored to have been a part of helping to honor their service atthe DAR luncheon,” the Mayor stated following the event. “Veterans answered the call of service to our community, or state and our country. Thank you from all of Ashland and our entire community.”

One of the most emotional and moving presentations was The Missing Man Table and Honors Ceremony, presented by the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 0138. The ceremony consisted of an empty table with a place setting, drink glass inverted, chair draped with a POW-MIA drape, a candle and vase with a rose placed in the center of the table. The beautiful ceremony, which concluded with the playing of “Taps”, brought tears to the eyes of many.

Following the delicious meal prepared by Brenda Barnhill Catering, Keynote Speaker Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) US Army John M. (Mike) Firebaugh honored the veterans.

“I smile when I see veterans wearing their caps,” said Firebaugh in conclusion, “I smile when I hear the National Anthem, I smile when I see people salute the flag.”

Information was given by Roger Dyer concerning Honor Flights for the veterans. A spouse of a Vietnam veteran in attendance whose husband has gone on an Honor Flight, related to a person at their table how much the trip had meant to her husband. Dyer encouraged all veterans to take part in the Honor Flight.

An announcement was also made during the luncheon concerning a special Gold Star Family Ceremony to be held on May 30 at 10:30 a.m. at the Northeast Kentucky Veterans Cemetery. This event is in conjunction of the America 250 Commemoration.

Door prizes were plentiful with nearly every veteran winning something. One special donation that was given for a door prize was a beautiful handmade quilt made in part by Marsha Zachem, Registrar for the Poage Chapter DAR.

The Poage Chapter DAR is honored to host the Veterans Appreciation luncheon. It is fitting that we all say a heartfelt “thank you” in appreciation to those who have served our great country and to also remember those that sacrificed their lives. Let us never forget!