Patriotism makes a difference
People may often think of patriotism as a national phenomenon, but it’s truly local.
National heroes come from particular towns. Documents are stored at local libraries. Veterans are buried in local graves.
To honor this heritage requires local patriotism like that shown by the Daughters of the American Revolution’s (DAR) Captain James Kell Chapter.
On Thursday, March 12, the group celebrated American history by offering a series of awards to student essay writers and adults who have worked to preserve history.
The contest “helps young people develop a deeper understanding of our nation’s history and founding principles,” DAR regent Danette Ozment said.
The process teaches students appreciation for the freedoms they enjoy, she added.
Four Gilmer students won the DAR’s American History Essay Contest.
These students included fifth grader Ella Bramlett, sixth grader Rosalie Greenberg, 12th grader Lillian Seay and fifth grader Nora Todd.
Seay also won the group’s Good Citizen Scholarship.
The following seven adults won the DAR Historic Preservation Medal at the event.
Dr. Gregory Withrow was awarded the medal for his work on his book, “Detroit Mission: Only the Best Die First,” which tells the history of American glider troops who took part in D-Day. Helen Moran was awarded the medal for donating family clothing from the 1930s and 1940s to the University of Missouri. Richard Holt won the medal for his work in restoring the graves of soldiers in Gilmer County. Rebecca Holt Amerson got the medal for her work in creating a location coordinate system for every veteran buried in the Ellijay City Cemetery as well as other grave restoration work and research.
Beverly Hill was awarded the medal for her work in grave restoration efforts. Amber Brook Davis received the medal for her work curating historical photos of Gilmer County ancestors and restoring a cemetery in Cherry Log.
Jennifer Anderson won an award for restoring an African American cemetery in Gilmer County.
All these achievements helped bring history forward for the next generation.
“Because of the dedication of individuals like those we recognize today, we are reminded that preserving the past is a gift we give to the future,” Ozment said.