By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

It was a chilly Veterans Day afternoon on Friday, Nov. 11. Nevertheless, a crowd of people gathered at the Veterans Memorial Park in Mesquite to attend the dedication ceremony of a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Plaque awarded to the Virgin Valley Chapter by the national DAR organization in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War.

The National DAR Chapter in Washington D.C. has chosen to place a plaque in each state. The Virgin Valley Chapter was chosen to receive the honor in Nevada due to the persistence of Kitty Smith persistence who lobbied heavily for it. The Plaque represents all the DAR Chapters in the State of Nevada.

Approximately seventy people attended the ceremony. The Veterans center Honor Guard presented the colors and Mesquite Mayor Al Litman gave a short speech informing the audience of the history DAR.

Kitty Smith was master of ceremonies at the event. She presented an America 250 commendation to Robert Nehilla Jr. for the Veterans assistance with making the ceremony possible. Nehilla received a certificate and Ribbon Pin.

Ruth Dickis, DAR Virgin Valley Chapter Chaplain, led a prayer. Cindy Bell, Nevada State Regent gave the benediction at the closing.

Many members from the Las Vegas Chapter were present. All the ladies were excited to receive this plaque. It has been placed on the side of the Veterans Memorial Statue in the park.

The Sun City Sounds sang many great songs including a medley of Armed Services Anthems. The group included a trumpeter that also played “Taps.”

A team of youth baseball players came to watch the ceremony. Their team shirts were very patriotic. Some thought they were going to be part of the ceremony, but after a awhile they were called over to the field next to the park to play.

“I want to thank Mayor Litman for the great speech he made,” Smith said. “It was so nice of him. And thanks to Nicholas Montoya for the city’s help with chairs and props. Also, we thank the Sun City Sounds for the wonderful job they did.”

The local Virgin Valley Chapter has 18 members and welcomes more. Vicki Clift is the local Regent. To be a member one must show any direct line of ancestry to a patriot of the American Revolution: male or female. Those wishing more information may call Amy at 503-318-6523.