Geneva Bertges and June Yahola were the hostesses for the Jan.23 meeting of the Okemah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at Pepino’s Restaurant in Okemah.

After Regent Velda Jo Bradley led the opening ritual, flag salute, and the National Anthem, member Theo Crawley presented the program, “Goodbye and Good Luck,” stories of nurses’ fear, exhaustion, and sacrifice during World War I, in their own words.
ww1 nurses
In her book, “North Dakota Nurses Over There 1917-1919,” Grace E. F. Holms shares the accounts of these woman, as collected by 52 American Legion Auxiliary units—when they enlisted, where they served and what their service meant to them. Their stories offer a glimpse into nurses’ varied experiences, whether fighting the deadly Spanish flu pandemic on the home front or caring for combat-wounded troops fresh off the battlefields of France. These courageous women worked round the clock, dodged bullets, comforted ill fated wounded soldiers, and many gave their own lives in their heroic efforts as war nurses. Their deeds are appreciated and memorialized in U. S. history. 

Highlights of the business meeting included the sad announcement of the passing of long time chapter member Martha “Pat” Miller of Okmulgee. Several members represented the chapter at her funeral. 
Members were urged to turn in their Service to America hours to national headquarters. The nominating committee will be presenting a new slate of officers at the next meeting.
On February 14, Velda Bradley will be representing the chapter at the Naturalization Ceremony at Sapulpa High School. New citizens will be honored with refreshments, an American Flag, and a copy of the Flag Codes. 

The next meeting will be Feb. 20 at Pepino’s Restaurant in Okemah. Hostesses will be Mary June Cashman and Velda Jo Bradley. The program, “I Do Solemnly Swear…Woman Take the Oath to Defend the USA,” will be given by Susan Barnett. Members are reminded to bring their gifts for veterans. All prospective members are invited to attend.