05/23/2026
The May Libertad Chapter meeting was filled with several special moments: 1) a first-ever scholarship was presented, 2) installation of the 2026-2028 slate of officers, and 3) a unique program!
~Mr. Ed Seymour presented the first-ever Pat Seymour Memorial Scholarship in memory of his dear wife Pat, who was a Libertad member. [**See separate post for more**].
~The 2026-2028 slate of Libertad DAR officers was installed; the incoming leadership raised their hands, assuming their new roles in the Chapter. One member was unable to be present but called in during the installation and participated over the phone! The new slate of officers is:
Regent: Ann Daniel Rogers
Vice Regent: Dani Daniel Brister
Secretary: Catherine Rogers Kuchan
Treasurer: Susan Daniel
Registrar: Myrna Finch (on the phone)
~And, finally, the Program (images are of the video):
"KNOWN BUT TO GOD", are the words carved into the marble of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Regent Ann Rogers enlightened members by combining a video documentary with her own research into the topic, adding unique trivia into the intense discipline, secrets, and strict daily routines required to guard this sacred site at Arlington National Cemetery.
Here are a few of the special points covered:
*The Power of 21: Every movement revolves around the number 21, *mirroring the 21-gun salute*, the highest military honor. A Sentinel takes exactly 21 steps down the black mat, stops and faces east for 21 seconds, faces north for 21 seconds, and takes 21 steps back.
*Humility in Service: Sentinels wear no rank insignia on their dress uniforms while on the plaza. This ensures they *never outrank the unidentified fallen heroes they protect*.
*The Shield Concept: Sentinels always carry their rifle on the shoulder furthest from the Tomb. As they execute a turn, they crisp-shift the weapon to the outside shoulder, *symbolizing that the guard always stands as a physical shield* between the public and the Tomb.
*Extreme Preparation: It takes an *average of 8 hours of preparation* just to get a single uniform ready for a shift. Honor guard instructors use rulers, calipers, and gauges during strict, zero-defect uniform inspections. Every detail, from the crease in the trousers to the alignment of brass, must be mathematically precise (*some to 1/64th of an inch*) or the guard risks disqualification for the event.
*Highest Standard: The Honor Guard Medal is a distinction reserved for those who maintain the highest standards of conduct. It stands as the *only decoration subject to immediate revocation* if a current or former guard fails to uphold the behavioral expectations of the unit.
*Uncompromising Vigilance: Rain, sleet, or historic blizzards—the watch never stops. Sentinels have stood continuous, unbroken guard over the Tomb *every second of every day since 1937*.
~Thank you to hostesses Ann Rogers and Nan Headrick for the spread of appropriately colorful, patriotic refreshments. Our next meeting will be the annual Constitution Day Luncheon in September.
~PLEASE contact us if you are interested in the Daughters of the American Revolution!
