By Carrie Lewis McGaha
MC-PC DAR Treasurer
As part of a service project organized by the Arkansas Society Daughters of the American Revolution (ASDAR), the Mine Creek – Paraclifta Chapter asked teachers from the Nashville School District and the ABC Preschool to have their students write “thank you” notes to put in cards for Veterans to read during a recent Honor Flight.
Approximately 335 students from Nashville schools participated, crafting heartfelt notes for veterans to read on their journey to visit national memorials in Washington, DC, dedicated to their service.
Honor Flights transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifices. During the flight, veterans experience a “Mail Call,” reminiscent of the mail deliveries they received during their military service. This surprise mail delivery includes letters and cards from family, friends and supporters, offering gratitude and appreciation.
The students’ contributions were part of this special Mail Call, providing veterans with messages of thanks and recognition. The ASDAR members were thrilled to collect cards and letters from all over the state at their recent State Convention to be included in the veterans’ mail, highlighting the impact of students’ efforts in honoring the Veteran’s service. Perhaps one day, there can be a flight out of an Arkansas.
Chapter Regent Elizabeth Wilson Overton read many of the cards and was touched by how sweet and thoughtful many of them were. Some of them will be read at the upcoming Memorial Day ceremony at the Howard County Courthouse and hopefully shared in upcoming news articles as ongoing America250 celebrations are planned in the region.
The chapter hopes to encourage all six of the public school districts in Howard, Sevier and Pike counties to participate in creating notes for future Honor Flights.
This Honor Flight flew out of San Diego, as part of “Honor Flight San Diego” (HFSD), a non-profit branch of the nationwide Honor Flight Network (www.honorflight.org) which consists of over 130 independent “hubs” across America. They escort veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials using monies donated by individuals, foundations, associations, business owners and corporations who wish to recognize our veterans’ contributions and thank them for their service and sacrifice to the United States and its citizens.
The next Honor Flight out of San Diego is in September of 2025. For information, visit www.honorflightsandiego.org.
The closest hub to Arkansas is the “Honor Flight of the Ozarks” in Springfield, Mo. Their first flight of 2025 will be May 28, followed by flights on Aug. 13, and on Oct. 29. Their website is www.honorflightoftheozarks.org.
Top priority for trips is given to the most senior veterans (WWII and Korea) and to veterans who have terminal illnesses. In Fall 2022, they opened the flight to include Vietnam Veterans. The flight is now open to all Veterans who served at any time between 1941-1975, and veterans from any era who have terminal illnesses.
Korean War Veterans were called to serve just five short years after our WWII veterans in what is called “The Forgotten War.” The time for honoring these men and women is growing short as well.
The DAR is commemorating the 75th anniversary of their service with ongoing programs and ceremonies. The war began in 1950 and ended in 1953, with well over 36,000 casualties. There is a Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, which Honor Flight Veterans visit. Vietnam War Veterans are also included.
Memorial Day is May 26, and this year the Mine Creek – Paraclifta Chapter DAR is participating by highlighting the service and sacrifice of our nation’s Veterans by promoting the Missing Man Table. One will be set up at the Memorial Day service in Nashville. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Chairs and water will be available, weather permitting.
