November 11 was designated Veterans Day to remember the signing of the Armistice to end WWI. Originally called Armistice Day, the name was changed to give honor to all who have given military service. Today I had the honor to spend Veterans Day with the Chattanooga Regent’s Council for their virtual luncheon.
Traditionally held in November, this luncheon has featured remembrances of the service of not just our patriot ancestors but our own members that have served in the military. Along with wonderful food and beautiful décor, the event always features a fabulous speaker. (See the end of the post for photos from last years event.) The Honorable Tom Greenholtz, Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge, spoke on the Mayflower Compact. According to the Old Style Calendar, the compact was signed on November 11, 1620 making this the perfect topic for today as we celebrated the 400th Anniversary.
While the official written Mayflower Compact doesn’t exist today, through oral history we know what was agreed to by the 41 male passengers on the ship. The main provision at only 118 words provided the following: Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith, and the honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another; covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony: unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. Judge Greenholtz did a wonderful job surmising the compact and its legacy, a promise of a community together for these individuals. If you would like to learn more about the Mayflower, there will be an opportunity this Monday, Nov. 16 at 8pm Eastern/ 7pm Central when the Sequoyah District daughters will be hosting a virtual meeting. Visit here to register.
During the virtual luncheon we also took a minute to reflect on the attendee and Cherokee District daughters’ patriot ancestors that served. How wonderful to see the names of our patriots set to music and to know that each of them gave of themselves to give us this amazing free country. Notable anniversaries of the daughters of each chapter were also remembered during the program as were the chapter descendants of the Mayflower.
I hope that each of you will take a few minutes today to remember the sacrifices that our military make daily to keep us free and safe. If you will be in the Chattanooga Area this week the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center has exhibits that will bring a greater meaning to the service that has been rendered to our country. And as an added bonus, the center will be waiving ticket costs for all veterans through Sunday Nov. 15, 2020. Visit the site here for more information. Finally to our Tennessee Daughters that have served — thank you for your service. We are grateful.
In Service, Cecile
