DAR’s Samuel Bryan Chapter and Hornet Park Community Center Recognizes Local Veterans

The Samuel Bryan Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, along with Hornet Park Community Center in Beech Grove held its third annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Saturday afternoon. This free luncheon for all local veterans began at 11am with Chapter Regent Patricia Moy welcoming all in attendance, reminding them that this event was to celebrate their courage, sacrifices, and to sincerely thank them for their service.

Starting the military appreciation activities was the Beech Grove High School Color Guard in full uniform. The Cadets displayed their flags and rifles in true military honors with a perfect presentation for all standing with their hands and hats over their hearts. Veterans proudly saluted Old Glory as she entered the room. 

After prayer was given, a soup and sandwich luncheon started the afternoon with food donations from the Hornet Park Community Center, Panera Bread, chapter members, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion. 

After all were fed, a special proclamation by Beech Grove Mayor Jim Coffman, to 100-year-old WWII veteran Jack Coombs, naming his birthday of May 15th as Jack Coombs Day in the City of Beech Grove. Several family members from Indiana and Tennessee were present at this surprise event for Beech Grove resident, Jack Coombs. After his proclamation was claimed, Mr. Coombs was warmed by the room full of veterans and guests singing him a round of Happy Birthday.

A huge group photo of all veterans in attendance was organized by photographer Jen Eisberg. She also took group photos of each branch of service. 

After the birthday festivities, another patriotic presentation was made to another special veteran in attendance. Mr. Wayne Moenius, US Army Veteran, E-4, 1967-1969 was presented the first Quilt of Valor for the afternoon.

A Quilt of Valor is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand-quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.” To use the term Quilt of Valor, the quilt must be a specific size, must have a label with required information, it must be awarded (it is not a gift) and it must be recorded. Mr. Moenius was nominated by the Samuel Bryan Chapter, NSDAR and Donita Roberts to receive the quilt on this day.

The second Quilt of Valor was presented to Mr. Jack Coombs, also touched by war, on this special day in Beech Grove.

After the presentations, the Samuel Bryan Chapter members distributed door prizes to multiple veterans in the audience. The veterans were also recognized by several vendors providing services such as:

• • Clear Captions
  • USO
  • Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs
  • County Veterans Service Organization
  • American Legion Post 276 Ladies Auxiliary
  • Gideon Bibles for Military

Personnel were distributed, along with materials from:

• Beech Grove Drug Free Coalition
• Daughters of the American Revolution provided gifts of shadow boxes for pins and medals for each
  veteran attending.
• Displays for the Military Banner Program for Main Street Beech Grove and
• Wreaths Across America were visited by interested families and veterans.
• Hand flags, along with flag codes were free for the taking. Many guests brought flags needing to be retired that were being collected by the DAR.
• A table was visited multiple times for having guests sign a card for older veterans who will be participating on the next Indy Honor Flight, thanking them for their service. Indy Honor Flight’s mission is to transport America’s Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. Top priority is given to the oldest veterans in order to get the most senior veterans to visit the memorials before it is too late.

A special thank you to all chapter members and Hornet Park employees who made this event the memorable day it was for the veterans and their families.