On October 12, 2024, Taneycomo Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, dedicated a Memorial Garden which is also a “Never Forget Garden” at GUMI Camp in Cedarcreek, MO. This garden was made possible thanks in part from a grant from the National Society in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the upcoming 250th birthday of the U.S. and due to extraordinary work done by Chapter Vice Regent and Conservation Committee Chair, Linda Oeser and her husband, Fritz.
GUMI USA, which stands for “Glad U Made It” is a special place with a program of healing to aid our veterans to gain a “hand up” and allow them to move forward. This “Never Forget Garden” started at the Tomb of the Memorial Soldier in Washington, D.C., and all citizens are encouraged to plant these gardens, so we never forget the sacrifices our veterans have made on our behalf.
Each year, on or around October 11, Daughters nationwide participate in a Day of Service to commemorate our Society’s founding on October 11, 1890. Taneycomo Chapter’s service this year was to dedicate this Memorial Garden and to plant bulbs and flowers so that next spring the garden will bloom in vibrant colors and emit wonderful scents for all who visit to experience comfort and solace. A “Never Forget Garden” has special requirements, including a bench to pause and reflect, a rose bush preferably white, and a memorial marker or stone on which to focus while remembering.
Tim Hadler, and Angela Hadaller, Director of GUMI, graciously accepted our invitation to take part in this dedication with Tim singing the National Anthem and other meaningful patriotic songs and Angela leading the Pledge of Allegiance and laying a white rose of remembrance on the memorial stone marker.
Daughters also received a flag from the National Flag of the US Committee that had flown over our National Society headquarters in D.C. This flag now flies proudly over GUMI Camp after its dedication.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.
If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, visit our chapter Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076001113062 or contact Leslie Wyman, Chapter Registrar at lswyman.dar@gmail.com.
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