George Washington Birthday Luncheon Committee receives gift

The George Washington Birthday luncheon committee, comprised of colonial heritage societies’ members, held its initial planning meeting for the 15th annual George Washington Birthday Luncheon to be held Feb. 22, 2019, at Hot Springs Country Club.

The committee selected Angela Boswell, professor of History at Henderson State University, to be the speaker. Boswell conducts original historic research on Southern women’s history, women’s history, Southern U.S. history, and Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction era history. Her presentation will feature Martha Washington.

During the meeting, the committee accepted the print “Reviewing the Troops” from Villagers Robert and Carol Porter. It will be displayed, along with other George Washington prints, at the annual luncheons. The print, by Jack E. Dawson, is described the following way: “You see George Washington saluting the troops of past and present wars. Every man and woman who has served our country to preserve freedom is to be honored. A few are pictured to represent them all. From left to right the soldiers represent a Vietnam Veteran, a Korean War Nurse, a soldier in Iraq/Afghanistan, a Persian Gulf Veteran, a living Vietnam Veteran, a Continental soldier, a Union Civil War soldier, a World War I Veteran, a Confederate Civil War soldier, a Vietnamese woman and baby, a World War II Veteran. As a court would review the evidence and reach a verdict, these troops are being honored for their service to our country.”

The colonial era heritage societies group is comprised of hereditary societies such as the Colonial Dames of America, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames 17th Century, Daughters of the American Colonists, New England Women, Jamestowne Society, Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, Mayflower Society and other lineage groups representing the American time period of 1607-1776.

Call Chairman Peggy Vandenberg at 501-262-5422 for information regarding the annual luncheons.

Submitted photo GIFT: George Washington Birthday Luncheon Committee members display the print “Reviewing the Troops.” Committee members are seated, from left, Carol Smith, Carol Sue Williams, Peggy Vandenberg, Susan Veal, Linda Jester and Pat McLemore, and standing, from left, Charles McLemore, Cindy Smith, Frankie Ochsner, Paulette and Jimmie Weber, Peggy Cara and Sheila Beatty.