Our 86th Annual Division Convention was held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the Embassy Suites – Phoenix North. The service and hospitality we received were wonderful. We had 41 members in attendance, which is a record for our Division. Our Convention theme was “Healing.” The hostess Chapter was Dixie 1679.
The day started out with a Granddaughter Clubs meeting. Many members attended to find out how they can be a part of the clubs, and what the clubs are all about. It was nice to see such a good turnout. The Granddaughters Clubs assist the UDC in the fulfillment of their objectives.
The meeting was called to order by our Division President, Mrs. Norma Laitem, followed with the invocation by Mrs. Barbara Brai. Mrs. Lee Nelson from Johnny Reb led the Convention in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and then the National Anthem was sung in unison. Siri Johnson from Dixie 1679 led us in the Salute to the Confederate Flag and Dixie’s Land was sung in unison.
After introductions, protocol for the convention, the Division Officers gave their reports. Then the Directors of the General Committees gave their reports. This gave everyone an opportunity to hear what the Division has done as a whole this past year. Each report is a compilation of what all of the Chapters have done in each area of our objectives – historical, educational, benevolent, memorial, and patriotic. Unfinished and new business was then discussed.
We then took a break for a delicious lunch, which also gave us time to visit (and sometimes meet for the first time) with members from other Chapters within our Division. We have a great group of ladies, all interested in our heritage and preserving the memories of our Confederate ancestors.
After lunch, our guest speaker, Dr. John Bamberl, gave a wonderful speech on Battlefield Medicine. We enjoyed listening to the information he had to share with us. Thank you, Dr. Bamberl.
The presentation of awards was introduced by our President, Mrs. Norma Laitem. Ms. Gretchen Brittain presented two honorary metals for military service to her son, Kevin Brittain. One was the National Defense Medal for his service during the Gulf War; the other was the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal for Overseas Long Tour while in the United States Air Force.
Each Chapter President then reported on what their Chapter did over the past year to fulfill the objectives of UDC. All Chapters are very active in helping to honor our ancestors and helping others, including our brave soldiers.
Mrs. Barbara Brai, our Division Benevolent Chairman, presented a beautiful and very touching Memorial Service for our past and present soldiers who have fought for the freedom we have today.
Ms. Emilie Siarkiewicz, our Division Bylaws Chairman, presented the amendments of some of our Bylaws. The voting of these changes allowed many to hear the changes and agree (or disagree) that they be passed. The goal was to have the Bylaws better fit our structure and to make sure everything runs smoothly.
A silent auction was held to benefit our Division, and contributing Chapters. Most of the items donated were Confederate in nature and the silent auction was a success.
In addition, scrapbooks were brought to the convention. These were old scrapbooks dated back to the 50’s and earlier. Members enjoyed looking through them to see what UDC was like in years past.
Please click on the tab, Event Photos, to see the pictures of the Convention.
