On Saturday November 4th in Mason Ohio we held our annual Veterans Day luncheon.
Flyer for the Cincinnati SAR Veterans Day Luncheon
The Manor House in Mason was a perfect venue for our event.
The Nolan Carson Color Guard posted the colors to start the event.
Cincinnati SAR President George Stewart addresses and welcomes the participants to this event
Members of the SAR, DAR and CAR were present. Cincinnati SAR President George Stewart acknowledged the multiple DAR Chapters who participated.
Frank Wetenkamp, World War II Navy Veteran speaks to our combined SAR & DAR participants
There were three DAR chapters in attendance. Of significance was the induction of three Daughters of the American Revolution which happened to be the two daughters and wife of Cincinnati Chapter Treasurer Mike Blum. This was a special family moment.
Susan McLaughlin (far right) of John Reily DAR Chapter induct (l to r) LeeAnn Blum, Carrie Blum and Emmie Blum into their DAR organization
Former State of Ohio and Cincinnati President Jack Bredenfoerder sang the National Anthem after brief opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
The State of Ohio SAR President Don Miller also participated in the event.
Ohio SAR President Don Miller presents Frank Wetenkamp a special citizenship award
During the event, we recognized Military Veterans who are current or past members of the Sons of the American Revolution:
Lee Wilkerson leads our Missing In Action (MIA) memorial presentation to our participants
List of existing or past SAR members who are military veterans
Our keynote speaker was World War II Veteran Frank Wetenkamp. Frank shared his life and military experiences and told us of his life experiences as Gunnery Specialist aboard the USS Lindewald – LSD 6.
See the video below of George presenting Frank with an award.
This man is a wonder. His story and the experiences he shared brought a sense of me a tremendous respect and pride for our country and the freedoms we enjoy and often take for granted.
Frank tells the audience about his life and military experiences
He drove himself to the event and was energetic, playful and charismatic. Truly a national treasure!
Frank’s military service to our country started when he enrolled in the military in 1943 at the adult age of 17. Frank gained early respect as fighter and leader. “Give it to Frank, he can get it done” was his calling card. After hostilities ceased at the end of the war, he continued to serve in the Philippines to decommission a military installation. His ability to tell a story with sincere appreciation for all the opportunities in his life was inspiring.
To this day, this 96 year old man is full of energy and passion for helping others as evidenced by his at least once a week visit to the area Veterans Hospitals to visit and support America’s military is inspiring.
During his presentation, he referenced his appreciation for the Sons of the American Revolution (including the Daughters and Children of the American Revolution). He admitted that when approached by CCSAR President George Stewart to present to our group, he was not familiar with SAR/DAR/CAR, however took it upon his self to learn all he could about the American Revolution. He did his homework and caught up on history!
Special Message from Frank:
Frank acknowledged that his generation is commonly referred to as the “Greatest Generation” due to the timing of World War I, II and Korea. He admitted that after learning more about the American Revolution, the patriots who signed “death warrants” for their pursuit of rebellion and independence from the most powerful British military were truly the “Greatest Generation”.
To put this in perspective, our patriot ancestors and their leaders were fighting for a then unknown way of life where the “People Ruled” vs a dictator and or royalty. These patriots had no guarantees if their sacrifices were to be rewarded with individual freedoms or death. Frank admitted that all wars after the fight for American independence were fought to preserve freedoms that Americas founders and patriots earned via bloodshed.
We were honored to have Frank W. Wetenkamp speak to us.
At the conclusion of Mr. Wetenkamp’s presentation, there were a host of awards and recognition presented to Frank.
Clough Valley DAR representatives Cindy Abbott (L) and Jeanna Osborne (R) present Frank Wetenkamp with a special citizenship award
Cincinnati Chapter of the DAR Regent Monica Mohlenkamp presents Frank Wetenkamp a special Citizenship Award
John Reily DAR Chapter President Susan McLaughlin presents Frank a special Award which Frank is obviously delighted!
Lee Wilkerson of the Cincinnati SAR Chapter presents a “thank you” engraved silver serving tray for his service to our country
Background on Mr. Wetenkamp:
Frank enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 when he was 17 years young. His mother had to give her permission for him to join. By 1945 he was rated as a Seaman 1st Class Gunners Mate, aboard the USS Lindenwald (LSD-6).
If you would like more information on the ship Mr. Wetenkamp served on, please click on the link below:
USS Lindenwald – LSD6 – History of Ship and Service
Note that the USS Lindenwald received five battle stars for World War II Service.
Special Award
The DAR John Reily Chapter presented Cincinnati SAR President George Stewart a special award for his and our chapters efforts for fostering improved cooperation between the SAR & DAR chapters.
During the SAR Veterans Day Luncheon, George Stewart was awarded the DAR Hannah White Annette Medal from the John Reily Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. George and others in the Cincinnati SAR has worked tirelessly for many years to work together and extend opportunities for fellowship.
Susan McLaughlin of the John Reily DAR Chapter presents Cincinnati SAR President a special award for efforts to bring the SAR and DAR Chapters together.
The “Hannah White Arnett Medal” is one of DAR’s newest recognition awards. It may be awarded to a member in good standing of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) or Sons of the Revolution (S.R.) for unselfish devotion, tireless efforts, and assistance to the DAR; and who has dedicated his time, energy, talents, and/or resources to the organization in support and furtherance of the DAR mission of historic preservation, education and patriotism. This award was well deserved.
Overall, this event was one of the most rewarding and inspiring presentations I have heard.
Simply awesome!
Proud to be an American!!
