Lawton Chapter participated in a

Wreaths Across America click here

Lawton Chapter participated in a tree planting ceremony at the VA Center located in Lawton, OK on Veterans Day, 11 November, 2006. The chapter intends to perpetuate the plantings next year. Participating in this year's ceremony from left to right are: Linda Mann, Great Plains District Director, Elizabeth Morris, past Great Plains District Director and pas chapter Regent, Alicia Abbot, Past Chapter Regent, Juanita Boyce, Past Chapter Regent, Janet Morris, Conservation Chairman, Jenny Breeden, current Chapter Regent, and Betty Manuel, past Chapter Treasurer and current Citizenship Chair.


		Lawton Chapter was well represented in the National Wreath Honoring ceremony. Sharel Sue McAdoo participated on the Ft. Sill Post and place one of the wreaths. DAR members Jenny Breeden, Juanita Boyce, Marilyn Janosko, Linda Mann, and Liz Morris conducted the wreath laying at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin. Lawton Chapter (via Liz Morris) invited representatives of the DAV to come to the national cemetery and a few other veterans were there. Marilyn Janosko is a veteran. Regent Jenny Breeden organized this event for our chapter, purchased the wreaths (we didn't find out the needed information early enough to get the free wreaths), modified and read the service (Great Plains District Director & Chapter Registrar, Linda Mann helped a little when Jenny took her turn to lay her wreath). Marilyn laid the Army wreath (veteran), Linda laid the Navy wreath (father-in-law was career Navy CPO), Liz laid the Marie wreath, Jenny laid the Air Force wreath, and Juanita laid the Coast Guard wreath. The POW/Mia wreath was laid by Ed Bethune a veteran and employee of the cemetery. The program was very moving. The cemetery administration was very appreciative of the chapter's service and requested us to give this program again next year.

Honoring Our Veterans Lawton Chapter continues planting Shumarde Oaks to establish a grove at Elmer Thomas Park’s Vietnam Memorial. Each year one to three trees are planted in the fall. The purpose of the grove is to offer shade during the summer to those who come to visit the memorial and add natural beauty to the memorial.		Lawton Chapter annually takes the lead in the Wreaths Across America program at Ft. Sill National Cemetery. This program honors all veterans who have given their lives for our county. The ceremony takes place every year at noon (EST) across the nation in December on the second Saturday. The first year six members of Lawton Chapter and four community members attended. By 2009 over 80 people were in attendance and both newspaper and television covered the event. Cemetery personnel always help set up and attend the ceremony. This event is also an outreach to other organizations in the community. The OK SAR, the Civil Air Patrol, Vietnam Veterans, and other veteran groups are always invited to attend & some members of each group attend each year. Col. Ted and Mrs. Marilyn Janosko (former Army Captain) Lawton Chapter member laying the Army Wreath.

John Holcomb’s sister, Linda Mann, Sharel Sue McAdoo, Lana Jameson, John Holcomb (center front) Chris Hutchings, Jo Ann Sterling, Sue Huseman (daughter of John, member La Purisima Chapter, CA). In 2010 Lawton Chapter had the honor of participating in a 90^th birthday party for a WWII veteran who resided at the Lawton Veteran’s Center. His daughter a CA DAR member contacted the Lawton Regent and requested chapter participation. The chapter presented a certificate of appreciation to this veteran who was a POW from the Battle of the Bulge to the end of the war. Sadly, he passed away a few weeks after his birthday.		Constitution Week Constitution Week is a big annual event for our chapter. Not only does the chapter place displays in the library, get a proclamation from the mayor, and place coverage in the newspaper, the chapter also has partnered with Cameron University over the past several years to present a Constitution Day Event at the college. Individual members go to schools and give programs on the Constitution, take information for teacher and student use, and supply DC’s with program ideas, lesson plans, student worksheets, and stories.

ROTC , JAC and Nellie Bonard Blackwell Scholarship Lawton Chapter participates in ROTC by awarding medals and certificates to outstanding members of program at Lawton, Eisenhower, and MacArthur High Schools and Cameron University. The Junior American Achievement contests are designed to increase Patriotism and Historical knowledge in K-12 students. Winning entries from these students are rewarded at chapter, state, regional, and national levels. Lawton chapter has been blessed to have several applicants reach national level throughout the years of the contests. The Nellie Bonard Blackwell Scholarship is presented to an outstanding high school student from Lawton. The $1000 Scholarship is funded by Ret. Maj. Leland Blackwell in memory of his wife and is given to a high school senior with high academics and moral character. The scholarship is also based on need and must be used for expenses at an Oklahoma college or university. The scholarship is paid directly to the school in the fall after enrollment.		Cyril Schools celebrated Constitution Day late this year. A misprint listed Geo. Washington as an Ancestor in error.

Colonial Awards Tea Each year at the February meeting the chapter honors students and community members for their achievements. These awards are for community service, church service, student contests, and the recipient of the Lawton Chapter Nellie Bondard Blackwell Scholarship.		Memorial Day The chapter also participates yearly in the Memorial Day services at Ft. Sill National Cemetery.

Naturalization Ceremonies It has been the privilege of Lawton Chapter to participate in the Lawton naturalization ceremonies. These take place yearly in September during the International Festival. Lawton Chapter provides a small United States flag to each new citizen and welcomes them as a member of our nation. The chapter has been participating in these activities for more than 20 years. Participants being honored: Liz Morris & Linda Mann (DAR), base commander, Lawton Mayor		DAR attendees: front ? Sandy Baker, Margot Chelette, Betty Manuel, Janet McGee, Back: Linda Mann, Liz Morris