Arkansas Daughters Honor Patriots Past and Present

Arkansas State Regent Gretchen Magee is leading with a theme of “We Rise by Lifting Others,” and she and her Daughters certainly lifted my spirits over the weekend during my too-brief time in their state capital, Little Rock. My thoroughly enjoyable visit to her Board of Management Meeting included the best elements of an engaging DAR function: purpose, patriotism, history, friendship and a requisite amount of both laughter and tears thrown in for good measure. Perhaps the fact that my official visit here was postponed by the pandemic made it all the sweeter. One thing is very clear: Great things are happening here on behalf of our mission.

We began officially on Friday (in our RED to Remember Everyone Deployed) with an enjoyable tour and delicious private luncheon at Trapnall Hall. Constructed in 1843 in the Greek Revival style, the home was built by prominent local residents Frederic and Martha Trapnall. Though a succession of owners and uses followed, Julia Taylor purchased it in 1929 and donated it to the Junior League of Little Rock in order to rescue it from demolition. It became state property in 1976. Today, Trapnall Hall stands as the official receiving hall for the Arkansas governor and can be rented by the public for special events such as our delightful luncheon.

It was a privilege and truly a joy for me to take part in the ceremonies that added the newest addition to the Arkansas Room: a bright and shiny America 250! DAR Patriot Marker! As you may know, it is our goal to place at least one of these bronze plaques in each of the 50 states as we approach the 250^th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Although more than 25 have been approved and many installed, this was my very first one to see in person! Thank you, Arkansas Daughters, for making this dream a reality for me – I am grateful for your willingness to honor the men and women who achieved American independence in such a prominent and beautiful place.

And these ladies are doing many other great things to honor our Patriots, too! Their “First Veterans” project is encouraging members to research the stories of Revolutionary Patriots in order to find out more about them than simply names and dates. Thus far, the lives and contributions of more than 300 men and women have been featured through this innovative effort being driven by local chapters.