MANSFIELD — Watching the Jared Mansfield Chapter of The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recite the pledge of allegiance is something to behold.
Hands on their hearts and eyes on the flag, each member pronounced the words clearly, proudly proclaiming their loyalty to the United State of America.
Patriotism matters to these women, chapter regent (leader) Joyce Vanatter explained Friday afternoon.
“Our relatives were the ones who came to America, established it, and we want to honor and respect what they’ve done,” Vanatter said. “We don’t want them to be forgotten for all that they fought for and all that they’ve done for us to be here today.”
She and the other DAR members had gathered to celebrate the organization’s 100th anniversary. They recognized the occasion with lunch at the Westbrook Country Club. They read their chapter’s history, wore clothing styled like their chapter’s founders might have worn and invited the Sons of the American Revolution to present the colors prior to the celebration.
The Jared Mansfield Chapter of DAR was founded by Agnes K. Long Creveling on March 8, 1919 as the 68th chapter of the Ohio Society of The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. It was named for Colonel Jared Mansfield, the first surveyor general of the United States and Mansfield’s namesake.
Since then, the chapter has been led by 47 regents and has had 465 members in its 100-year history.
“We support patriotism, historical preservation and education,” said Vanatter, who joined five years ago.
She can trace her lineage back to a soldier in the Revolutionary War. This connection to someone who aided the Patriots cause is required for DAR membership.
“After the first year as a member, I knew I really believed in this and I wanted to be a larger part of this organization,” Vanatter said. “I love to say the pledge of allegiance, and I think, it’s something I really believe in, being supportive of our country.”
The local chapter of the DAR also compiled a book of all its current and former members for the occasion.
