The Louisiana State Visit

What a pleasure to visit with the Louisiana Daughters in the Pelican State, and I was especially grateful to arrive by car instead of plane! It was a wonderful few days in Baton Rouge visiting with longtime friends and making new ones. Special highlights included presenting Frances Henderson with her life membership pin and spending time with her son, Michael Henderson; and sharing a special honor with Librarian General Cynthia McNamara by The Order of the Granaderos. Warmest thanks to State Regent Cheryl Gott and my dear friend Chick Gaze, President General’s Project Co Chair, who provided my transportation and to my personal page Christie Webre for her assistance. 

- Pamela Wright, President General

At the Donor Breakfast, Mrs. Wright shared the many ways our contributions are supporting the National Society’s goals, including the restoration of Memorial Continental Hall.

The highlight of the day was a morning symposium, hosted by the La Luisiana Chapter of The Order of the Granaderos y Damas de Galvez. This included a wreath-laying ceremony honoring those who fought with Galvez, followed by Dr. Bradford Waters’ and Stephen Estopinal’s presentations on his journey to Baton Rouge and the battle itself. A long line of attendees recognized the names of their militia patriots.

The Commemoration Day concluded with the Galvez Victory Dinner in the glimmering Heidelberg Ballroom just a stone’s throw from where the Battle of Baton Rouge took place. Governor Galvez and his wife Marie Felicite were given military escort into the ballroom.  Mrs. Wright reflected on the friendships and service that define DAR membership in her keynote speech. Many chapter regents were presented the President General’s 100% Participation Certificate. A solemn ceremony honored Mrs. Wright and Mrs. McNamara with investiture in The Order of the Granaderos by Governor General John Espinosa. The evening ended with stirring music and enthusiastic cheers from the audience as an original tribute to Mrs. Wright and Galvez was performed by State Chaplain Brenda Lowry.

The Louisiana Daughters thank President General Wright for making this commemoration of the legacy of Bernardo de Galvez truly unforgettable. Viva Galvez and our ancestor patriots!