The newest Missouri chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the First Ladies Chapter, was formally established on Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. The organizing meeting took place at the Marshfield Assembly of God, with members and state leaders in attendance.
Dr. Lisa Parks, State Regent, presided over the meeting, and Jeanette Alcorn, Organizing Regent, offered a welcome. The program included musical selections: Stan Whitehurst sang the National Anthem, and Rev. Nicholas W. Inman and Linda Dickinson performed “God Bless America.” Rev. Wanda Heidemann gave the invocation and benediction.
The ceremonial aspects of the program featured:
Pledge of Allegiance led by Susan Hauf, State Organizing Secretary.
The American’s Creed led by Sally Napier Bueno, Honorary State Regent and Past Corresponding Secretary General.
Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Missouri led by Lemira Parks, Honorary State Regent and Past Vice President General.
Presentation of the Colors by the Ozark Mountain Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard of Springfield (Steve Perkins, Dan Pidelow, Jeff Hicks, and Don Higgerson).
DAR Preamble led by Linda Sehrt, State Chaplain.
The reciting of the poem “Heroes Remembered,” written by organizing member Sue Ikerd.
The chapter's first officers were officially sworn in during the ceremony:
Regent: Jeanette Alcorn
Vice Regent: Angie Williams Shubel
Secretary: Sarah Inman
Treasurer: Jen Basnett Moore
Chaplain: Wanda Heidemann
Organizing members present at the meeting included: Jeanette Alcorn, Brenda Anderson Basnett, Jen Basnett Moore, Mary Bradley-Carlson, Helen Cheek, Judy Dedinas DeLeon, Michele Day, Linda Rost Dickinson, Denise Gibson Vesely, Wanda Heidemann, Rebecca Criger Hyder, Sarah Inman, Joyce Inman, Donna Lawrence, Ruthie Davis Letterman, Tammie Masterson Robison, Darla Noble, Connie Perryman, Jennifer Quinn, Ashley Perryman Smith, Darlene Sorensen, Carmelita Tieskotter, Michelle Underwood, Leanne Uchtman, Angie Williams Shubel, and Kacinda Woodworth.
Members unable to attend were Lisa Carlon, Leola Dreiling, Sue Ikerd, Reagan Inman, Angie Labbee, Cathy Latona, Regetta Long, Kay Marchand, and Leah Savage.
Following the organizing meeting, a reception was held with refreshments prepared and arranged by Janet Sing and Helen Cheek.
Significance of the Name and Location
The First Ladies Chapter name reflects Marshfield’s strong ties to America’s First Ladies and a dedication to honoring their legacies. Missouri is the birthplace of two First Ladies, Julia Dent Grant and Bess Truman, both of whom were DAR members.
The name also acknowledges the partnership with the National First Ladies Day Commission, which was founded in 2021 to promote national recognition of the First Ladies' contributions through an annual day of service and education observed on the last Saturday in April. Since Marshfield is the birthplace of National First Ladies Day, establishing the new chapter there is particularly fitting. The chapter was formed following a suggestion by Rev. Nicholas W. Inman, founder of National First Ladies Day and Chairman of the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival, who approached his mother, Jeanette Alcorn (a current DAR member), about organizing a Marshfield chapter to partner with the festival and help host patriotic and educational programs.
The organization of the new chapter, the only DAR chapter currently in Webster County, occurs during the nation’s 250th anniversary era, further adding to its significance.
Upcoming Events
The First Ladies Chapter is collaborating with the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival to host two events:
Inaugural Julia Dent Grant DAR Luncheon:
Date/Time: National First Ladies Day, Saturday, April 25 at noon.
Location: Marshfield Assembly of God.
Purpose: To honor DAR President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage and other DAR members.
Keynote Speaker: Ulysses Grant Dietz, great-great-grandson of Julia Dent Grant, who will speak about her life and legacy during her bicentennial year.
2nd Annual First Ladies Walk:
Date/Time: Friday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: The yard of the historic Dickey House.
Details: First Lady reenactors will speak at various stops about the First Lady they are portraying. This is a free Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival event.
