Bob and Pat Smiley were both awarded the 2015-2016 National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award at the DAR Flag House Chapter’s Tri-annual luncheon on May 21st.
The award was given to the couple for their continued efforts towards caring for the Frankford community. “The other papers didn’t cover Frankford,” said Patricia Coyne, Flag House Chapter regent, as she presented the award to Bob, “they didn’t understand Frankford or our strength but Bob Smiley did.”
Patricia Smiley, awarded for her dedication to her group Keep the Faith in Frankford, said she had no idea she was being awarded as well. Surrounded by family the two laughed and regaled the group with stories. “For the love of Frankford,” Patricia said, “We are all sons and daughters of Frankford.”
The award comes from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Flag House Chapter was founded by 13 descendants of Betsy Ross in 1903 in Frankford.
The luncheon also saw the swearing in of the chapter’s officers who will serve three year terms.
Regent – Patricia Coyne
Vice Regent – Colleen Kolakowski
Chaplain – Betty Bedford
Recording Secretary – Kathleen Zielinski
Corresponding Secretary – Colleen Kolakowski
Treasurer – Christie Link
Registrar – Colleen Kolakowski
Historian – Nancy Popielarski (not present)
Librarian – Kathleen Zielinski
DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to securing the independence of the United States of America. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join.
If you are interested in exploring membership, more information is available at their website at: http://www.flaghousensdar.org/
Photos courtesy of Emma Hohenstein and Colleen Conner Kolakowski
