Barefoot Beach DAR: Remember Flag Day, and fly it high

Today is Flag Day, and I hope you have remembered to commemorate it by flying "Old Glory" on high. Think about the history and heritage it represents.

Recently, I stumbled across a wonderful DVD while in the Bonita Springs Public Library called "United States Flag Videos," presented by the National Flag Foundation. On the jacket it's described as "for children of all ages..... the history of the U.S.

flag, flag etiquette, the Pledge of Allegiance, etc." It seems to indicate there are more such videos and a website (www.TrueBlueAmerican.com) is given. I haven't checked that out yet but would assume there is a wealth of information should you wish to investigate.

As you are probably aware, the Barefoot Beach Chapter DAR and all of the National Society DAR has a special interest in patriotic education, which includes the history and protocol of the United States flag, as well as donating flags to schools.

It seems the word "history" pops up frequently as I write, but when you stop to think about it, that's what much of life is based on. When all is said and done, it's what was written down that lasts. The historian of any organization has the job of preserving even the most ordinary event, usually in a scrapbook, for the archives. The Barefoot Beach Chapter has been blessed with 11 years of dedicated historians. Outgoing historian, Fran Osterhoudt, did a superb job over the past two years. She brought the scrapbook in to the May 10 meeting. Those who reviewed it were amazed at the details and creativity that went into it. Fran included page after page of photos of every meeting and every event the Chapter participated in throughout her tenure. Thank you, Fran.

Now we're busy planning and scheduling interesting programs for the upcoming season. The first event is Constitution Week luncheon, Saturday, Sept. 16. The Barefoot Beach Chapter is hosting all other Chapters of the Southwest Regents' Council, and the Sons of the American Revolution. Details will be forthcoming as the time approaches. In the meantime, mark and save the date on your calendar.