Minutes of Chapter Regular Dinner Meeting

 Tuesday, January 20, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 5:45 P.M. by President Reeves, at Brown’s Country Buffet, 12510 M.L. King Hwy , Alachua , FL.  Also present were Vice President Davis, Secretary Cromer, Second Vice President Thrasher, Regional Vice President Greenwood and 9 other Regular members. There was 1 Associate member present. Associate member Roger Cox has submitted his application and now is a “pending” member.

President Reeves led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the Constitution. The Pledge to the Sons of the American Revolution was led by Jim Craig. Chaplain Rinek delivered the Invocation.

President Reeves extended a welcome to members and guests.

Dinner was served at 6:00 P.M..

After dinner was completed, the meeting re-convened.  President Reeves introduced the guest speaker, Compatriot Bill Piper, Lake-Sumter Chapter.

Mr. Piper reviewed the historical acts of Benedict Arnold which led to his treason during the Revolutionary War. Piper reported that Arnold had served during two French and Indian campaigns and had deserted twice. Arnold and General Daniel Morgan led the unsuccessful attack on Quebec on December 24, 1775. After promotion, Arnold led the battle of Saratoga, but was not credited with his leadership. He was subsequently “passed over”, while several junior officers were promoted.

Arnold was suspected of “misuse of supplies and material”. These charges; his disappointment at not being credited with leadership; his failure to be promoted; all led to his acts of treason. He had been wounded in the leg at Saratoga and these later events seemed to “wound his heart”.

Gen. George Washington appointed Arnold command of West Point, then a fort on the Hudson . Arnold solicited the British for money and a British Officer’s appointment if he assisted them. He was offered $10, 000 and BrigGen rank. British army Major John Andre was the go-between. Andre was captured with plans of Fort West Point on him. He was subsequently hanged as a spy. His remains are in a crypt at Westminster Abbey. Arnold escaped to England where he was held in disrespect as a traitor. However, he is buried in honor with stained glass windows showing service to both England and the U.S.

Mr. Piper’s comments were enjoyed by all. President Reeves presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Piper.

The business meeting received a report from the 2009 Officers nominating committee. VP Davis presented the committee’s recommendations as follows:

    President:           Bob Reeves
    1stVice Pres:      Gordon Greenwood
    2ndVicePres:      Ray Davis
    Secretary:           David Cromer
    Treasurer:          David Cromer

The President called for nominations from the floor. There being none, a motion was made and carried that the nominees be elected as presented. This motion carried. New officers will be installed at the next meeting by State President Ron Troops.

Bob Reeves presented “A Look Back in History”. This date is Presidential Inauguration Day. Some historical background was provided concerning the oath taken, the date itself, and the fact that George Washington is credited with adding the words “so help me God” to the oath outlined in the Constitution.

The fifty-fifty drawing was won by DAR Regent Roz Miller who will donate the proceeds to the DAR Scholarship Fund.

A door prize drawing was won by a member.

The next meeting is a dinner meeting on February 17 at Brown’s County Buffet .

The meeting was concluded with the American’s Creed, a Benediction, and the SAR Recessional. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P. M.  

Respectfully submitted   D. W. Cromer