The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution-Enoch Crosby Chapter recently celebrated the 125th anniversary of the DAR Hospital Corps by recognizing nurses, both retired and active, for their devotion and commitment.
Members Melissa Cardel and Carol Bailey were present at the celebration to receive Certificates of Recognition for Excellence in Nursing, and members Deborah Malanchuk, Vivian Mausler and Susan Handelman, as well as Christine Babon, Dori Venezia, Brenna Law, Lauren Markoe Lotocky and Lori Farrell were acknowledged for their dedicated service to the community in their vocation.
Chaplain Adrienne Davies expressed the chapter’s appreciation by reciting a Nurse’s Prayer: “Let me be a source of strength for my patients and their families. Let me be a constant help to the providers and the other nurses with whom I work. Lord, fill me with the energy to open each day with a smile regardless of how tired I am. May I be a true sign of your love to every person under my care.”
In 1898, the DAR Hospital Corps was founded at the onset of the Spanish-American War. The surgeon general authorized the DAR to act as an application review board in the selection of graduate nurses for military nursing services under the direction of Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee, vice president of the NSDAR.
McGee wrote the section of the Army Reorganization Act pertaining to nursing, and became known as the founder of the Army Nurse Corps.
The DAR Hospital Corps certified 1,081 nurses for service during the Spanish-American War, and later funded pensions for many of these nurses who did not qualify for government pensions.
If you think you might be direct descendent of a patriot who contributed to the cause of the American Revolution and would like to explore joining this society, contact Registrar Libby Baker at libbybaker@aol.com. Any woman 18 years of age or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership.