Long-time DAR member receives recognition during Jan. 13 reception

Contributed Photo Elizabeth Waddell, center, was recognized during a special reception as a 50 year member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Comfort Wood Chapter, DAR. Pictured with her are Comfort Wood Regent Hazel Foltyn, left, and State Regent Lynn Forney Young.

Elizabeth Derigo Waddell was the honoree at a reception celebrating 50 years of service to the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Comfort Wood Chapter, DAR. The reception was held Sunday, Jan. 13 at the River Oaks Health Care Center in Columbus.

The pineapple bell was rung and Comfort Wood Regent Hazel Foltyn welcomed family and friends. Foltyn explained how the regent's pin she wears was also worn by Waddell from 1972-74 and Waddell's mother, Mrs. A. J. Derigo, from 1959-61. The pin belongs to the chapter and is passed down to the next regent.

Chaplain Betty Hill led the group in prayer. Sue Carmichael led the pledge to the US flag.

Foltyn then introduced State Regent Lynn Forney Young of Houston. Young told about DAR and praised Waddell for her dedication and love of God, home and country. Together, Foltyn and Young presented Waddell with a certificate for her 50 years of membership signed by President General Linda Calvin Gist, Young and Foltyn. Young pinned Waddell with a miniature insignia pin, a gift from her family for the occasion.

Pat Blair, registrar, told the history of Comfort Wood Chapter.

Friends and family told stories about Waddell, who remembered being Martha Washington as a child at a DAR meeting. Waddell was also privileged to present her mother and aunt at the same meeting their 50-year membership certificate.

Special guests were son Davis and wife Janie of Eagle Lake, granddaughter Leslie of El Campo, daughter-in-law Karen Waddell of Houston, sister Dolores Reed and nieces Mary Ann Kainer and Liz Graves, all of El Campo and cousin Charles Davis of Eagle Lake. Along with members of Comfort Wood the Columbus Chapter was well represented.

Idanel Sellars also gave a program on Robert Heft, who designed the 50 star American flag. Heft did this as a class project when he was 17 years old. He spent 12 1.2 hours one weekend designing and sewing. For his hard work he received a B-. His teacher told him if his flag was accepted he would change his grade to an A.

The flag was accepted and he received the promised grade. He is now Mayor Robert Heft and makes public appearances approximately 150 times a year. His flag has flown over every state capitol building and over 88 US embassies. It is the only flag in America's history to have flown over the White House under five administrations.

He has turned down $350,000 for his flag and has designed a flag with 51 stars.

50 YEARS OF SERVICE

Elizabeth Derigo Waddell served as regent of Comfort

Wood Chapter, DAR, from

1972-74. She was honored

during a reception as a 50 year member of the National

Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Comfort Wood Chapter, DAR.