Pictured are members of the Jamestown Chapter National Society DAR, guests and members from Catherine Schuyler and Benjamin Prescott chapters who attended the recent Patriot's luncheon and program. Guest speaker Coordinator Reidy is in the top row, second from the left. Photograph by John Sipos

The Jamestown Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution held its annual Patriot’s Luncheon and program in Christ First United Methodist Church’s Darrah Hall recently on President’s Day Weekend and also on the birthday of Susan B. Anthony.

Chapter Regent Connie Pilato opened the luncheon with a welcome to all for attending and remarked that one of the goals of the society is to promote patriotic citizenship. The invocation was presented by Chaplain Martha Karapansto. The pledge to the American Flag and the American’s Creed, written by William Tyler, was said by all. The singing of the National Anthem was led by Regent Pilato.

Special guest District Director Meredith Chilson was introduced as were members of the Catherine Schuyler and the Benjamin Prescott Chapters. Members of the Chautauqua County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution were also introduced.

The guest speaker for the event was Cindy Reidy, project coordinator for the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran’s Peer Support Group. PFC Joseph P. Dwyer was an Iraq combat medic who returned from the war with post-traumatic disorder and a brain injury. As a result, the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Group was created to help veterans meet with other veterans in a secure, comfortable atmosphere to help each other cope with the effects of PTSD and TBI. Under the direction of coordinator Reidy,

Chautauqua County began a new Dwyer program in April 2017. Mrs. Reidy said her job is not just an eight-hour-a-day job but 24 hours a day and seven days a week. She presented a slide show of various group activities the veterans have taken part in.

Photographs of the luncheon event were taken by John Sipos, Stockton and Cassadaga historian. Sipos is the husband of DAR member Susan Fredrickson Washington Sipos.

The National Society DAR was founded on October 11, 1890, by four women and a group of patriotic citizens. One of the founding women was mary Smith Lockwood of Smith Mills in Hanover. The Jamestown chapter was formed 10 years later, and maintains the DAR chapter house on Prospect Street in Jamestown. This year marks the 120th anniversary of the Jamestown chapter.

Any woman 18 years and older who can prove lineage to a patriot who aided in the American Revolution is eligible for membership. For more information on becoming a member, call 595-3593.