WESTFIELD – The Benjamin Prescott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met recently.

The opening ritual was led by Regent Myra Johnston and Chaplain Deborah Cenni. The President General’s Report was summarized by Johnston. The President General stated that the cherry blossoms were beautiful in Washington now. Spring is the perfect time to get involved with historic preservation, education and patriotism. The 250th anniversaries of the battles of Lexington and Concord, known as the “shot heard around the world,” were commemorated in Boston on April 14-15. A new exhibit, “Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence,” will be on display at the DAR Museum through Dec. 31. From May 5-7, the DAR Genealogical Research Institute will hold classes at headquarters. The President General ended her report by welcoming members to the 134th Continental Congress. Johnston asked members if they were planning on going to Continental Congress to let her know.

The National Defender’s Report was read by Linda Kuzara. Entitled “Dr Mary Walker: First Female Medal of Honor Recipient,” it spoke of the accomplishments of Dr. Mary Walker. She was born in Oswego, N.Y. and graduated from Syracuse Medical College. Because she was a woman, many people of her day did not take her medical practice seriously. When the Civil War broke out, Walker tended to the wounded at field hospitals. It wasn’t until 1863 that her medical credentials were finally accepted, and she was able to work as a War Department surgeon. At one point, Walker was arrested for being a spy. While in prison, she refused to wear the traditional feminine clothing, preferring the attire of trousers and shirts. After four months in prison, Walker was released. For the remainder of the Civil War, Walker worked at a Women’s Prison Hospital and at an orphan asylum. During her lifetime, Walker was an advocate for women’s rights. In her later years, Walker opened her home to women who were harassed for not conforming to the traditional ideas of what a woman should be. Walker died on Feb. 21, 1919 and was buried in Oswego. To this day, Walker is the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor.

Treasurer Bonnie Larkin gave the treasurer’s report and Barbara Pietro, Registrar, presented two sets of completed applications for signatures to send to Washington, D.C. Pietro reported she is working with three prospective members.

Johnston spoke about the upcoming visit of New York State Regent Pamela Barrack to the area. The luncheon in her honor will be on Saturday, May 3, at noon at the Jamestown Chapter House.

Discussion then followed concerning Benjamin Prescott Chapter’s Real Daughters. Real daughters are actual daughters of Revolutionary War soldiers. Johnston presented a list of the real daughters with dates and known burial sites. Historian Elizabeth Sedlmayer then read some excerpts concerning these real daughters.

Vice-Regent Brenda Johnson gave an update on the Lafayette tea to be held on Sunday, June 1, at the Fredonia Grange. Chapter members should buy their tickets soon, as reservations are already coming in.

A July field trip will be taken to Letchworth State Park and include a visit the Mary Jemison statue.

In August, the chapter plans to lay wreaths at the graves of real daughter grave markings in Forest Hill Cemetery in Fredonia and have a picnic lunch in the cemetery. Afterwards, an ice cream social is planned at the home of Registrar Barbara Pietro.

Carol Abell presented the Patriot Minute about her grandfather, Clifford Fairbanks. He taught school before and after he served in France during World War 1. He kept journals about his experiences.

The next chapter meeting will be May 1 at Demetri’s on the Lake in Dunkirk at 5 p.m. Sign up with Regent Johnston.

Those who are over 18 years of age and had an ancestor who fought or gave aid to the brave soldiers that fought and won the American Revolutionary War are eligible to join. For more information call Barbara Pietro at 716-392-1166 or email her at jbpietro@gmail.com.