AWARDEES: From the left are Irene Godwin, Aileen McNair, Vernice Brown, and Ann Glass.

Members of the Moultrie-McNeill UDC Chapter # 661 met for the closing meeting for the summer on May 4.

Chapter president, Ann Glass, brought the meeting to order with a welcome then led with the UDC ritual, pledge and salute to their flags.

Business included the reading of their April minutes and a report of the treasury balance.

The meeting was then turned over to the chapter’s recorder of crosses, Irene Godwin, who then formally presented a W.W.II Posthumous Cross of Military Service Medal to Vernice Brown to honor her father, John Rastus Burdette who served with the United States Navy. His Confederate ancestor was Sam Isaac Burdette.

Godwin next presented chapter member, Aileen McNair a W.W.II Posthumous Cross of Military Service Medal on behalf of her father, John F. McNair’s service with the United States Navy. His Confederate ancestor was Abner Hern.

Chapter vice president, Beth Ottens, presented three end-of-the-year appreciation awards: Nan Newton was recognized for donating the most coupons for this years’ project, Coupons for our Military Families; Margaret Rowe was recognized for being the top sales person of the chapter’s 100th Anniversary Commemorative Christmas ornaments of the Confederate Monument, 1909-2009; and chapter president, Ann Glass, was recognized for her years of devotion and service as out-going president.

Guest, Norma McKellar, was introduced by Aileen McNair for the installation of the new slate of officers for the upcoming term of two years. McKellar creatively used the stars of the universe to assign each office position with a challenge to each officer to live up to the star’s history and brightness they were assigned. She also related a war time story of a young wife who gained strength during her many sorrows and trials alone knowing that her husband was looking upon the same stars during their time apart. On his safe return home after the war, they discovered that they both had been starting their days apart with a prayer upon the morning star. She then read an inspiring poem and presented each new officer with a star related gift.

The meeting was adjourned for social time at a reception in the front lobby of the museum. The serving table had a red and white centerpiece and a white lace table cloth over white complete with finger foods and punch.

The new chapter officers are president, Francine Rossman; vice president, Merle Griswold; second vice president, Beth Ottens; recording secretary, Bobbie Bridwell; treasurer, Janice Barry; historian, Faye Bridwell; registrar, Irene Godwin; recorder of crosses, Susan Newton; and chaplain, Ann Glass.