admiral Francois Joseph Paul,
the comte de grasse memorial
The memorial honoring this French Admiral is located on Cape Henry in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is only because of Admiral de Grasse, commander of the French Fleet, who was sent to support the American cause, that the British were unable to relieve Lord Cornwallis in Yorktown. On September 5, 1781, the Battle of the Capes took place at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay just off the sandy shores of Cape Henry. The sea battle between the French and the British fleets was critical in securing America’s independence from England by assuring Cornwallis was trapped in Yorktown. It was the turning point of the American Revolution. The British fleet returned to New York, and Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown on October 19.
1961: Louise Brewer Shepard (left) was presented the NSDAR Good Citizenship Award by our regent. Mrs. Shepard’s husband, Rear Admiral Alan B. Shepard, was the first man in space and the first man to walk on the moon.
Jane volunteers with the Virginia Beach History Museum at the Adam Thoroughgood House. The Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach recently recognized Jane for her service there.
We hosted a Quilts of Valor ceremony at one of our meetings, awarding a handmade quilt to a veteran.
Dr. Edward Brash, Professor of Physics at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, discussed and performed Scottish and Irish music at a chapter meeting.
Attorney John Koehler from The Center for Teaching The Rule of Law at Roanoke College presented a fascinating program at one of our luncheon meetings. The Virginia Law Foundation/Virginia Bar Association Rule of Law Project brings together judges and lawyers to teach the rule of law to elementary, middle, and high school students.
Jennie Lou who served two 3-year terms as our chapter regent!
Chapter members helping to clean up at the Battle of Great Bridge Memorial Site in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Battle of Great Bridge Re-enactment
Fran holding a section of quilt she made. Other chapter members made additional sections. The finished quilt was raffled off to benefit the Vetshouse program for female veterans.
At a Virginia DAR Meeting, Carmen was recognized for her genealogy work with potential members, and Jane received recognition for service in Museum Outreach. Deborah accepted several awards given to the chapter.
At one of our luncheon meeting, Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA 2nd Congressional District) gave us a glimpse into the life of a freshman congresswoman. She also spoke about attending the United States Naval Academy and her 20-year career in the United States Navy.
Our Beautiful Lighthouse Pin
Lynne and Deborah at a grave marking ceremony honoring six Revolutionary War Patriots in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Joyce at the Yorktown Veterans Day Parade.
The Exploration of America Quilt
An 18th-century dress-up luncheon
Our chapter joined others in the Yorktown Day Parade followed by coffee in the Yorktown Custom House Garden.
Flag Day at the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia
Jordan and Lucinda preserving chapter archives with the help of a HODAR.
At one of our luncheon meetings Martha Washington spoke about life with George.
Dorothy’s husband commanded a United States naval vessel during the Cuban missile crisis. Her handmade quilt depicting the event is in the Smithsonian.
Ceremony at the Comte de Grasse Memorial
Unloading a delivery of Wreaths Across America
