A Morning of Gratitude: DAR Honors Local Veterans at Annual Breakfast
Attendees joined together in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance as part of the DAR Veterans Breakfast ceremony honoring Butler County’s heroes. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Story and pictures by Beverly Bonilla
On, November 8th, at 9:00am, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted a heartfelt Veterans breakfast at the Butler County High School Library to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Before the delicious meal was served for the veterans and their families there was time for fellowship and conversation among those in attendance.
Jane Smith of the Butler County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution visits with Don and Ann Givens during the annual Veterans Breakfast held at the Butler County High School Library. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Lynda O’Driscoll warmly welcomed everyone to the event. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Deborah Worley, followed by an opening prayer from Linda Wood.
Lynda O’Driscoll, Regent of the Butler County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, welcomes veterans and guests during the annual Veterans Breakfast held at the Butler County High School Library. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
The highlight of the morning was the BCDAR Veteran of the Year Presentation, conducted by Jane Smith, honoring James E. Givens and Deanna L. Embry as this year’s recipients. Ann Bartholomew then recognized all the veterans in attendance, each receiving well-deserved appreciation.
Linda Wood, Ann Bartholomew, Jerry Bartholomew, and Paul Wood enjoy fellowship and conversation during the annual Veterans Breakfast hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution at the Butler County High School Library. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Closing remarks were delivered by Lynda O’Driscoll, bringing the ceremony to a meaningful close.
With over 50 veterans and family members gathered, it was a beautiful day to celebrate the heroes of Butler County and our great nation.
Veterans and guests stood proudly for the Pledge of Allegiance during the annual Veterans Breakfast hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution at the Butler County High School Library. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
The Butler County Banner/Green River Republican would like to personally thank all those who have served.
Veteran of the Year
1985–2025
1985 – Lewis Orange
1986 – Walter Dunn
1987 – Onva White
1988 – Sharone Nash
1989 – Austin H. Vance
1990 – John T. Abbott
1991 – Harold Moore
1992 – Don Jenkins
1993 – Walter Chyle, Jr.
1994 – Omar Bratton
1995 – Jesse Martin
1996 – Carlton Drake
1997 – Verner Cook
1998 – Boyd Fuller
1999 – Glendel R. Coleman
1999 – W. David Coleman
2000 – Exel Clark
2001 – Troy G. Abbott
2002 – Randy Dale McKinney
2003 – Howard W. Vaughn
2004 – Joe Bunch
2005 – Mary F. Eberman Gall
2005 – Henry Threlkel
2006 – Dewey Lee Smith
2007 – Charles B. Gary
2007 – Fred Schaser
2007 – Ray Schultz
2007 – Mirko Radovich
2008 – Kendall Hatcher
2008 – Wilbur Drake
2008 – Hugh Hunt
2009 – Bill Lewis Green
2009 – Gary Phelps
2010 – All Veterans
2011 – Edward Lee Odle
2012 – Bubby Porter
2013 – Presley McCoy
2013 – Bill Cook
2014 – Denver Bellies
2015 – Don McKenney
2016 – James B. Cartwright
2017 – J. Horace Chapman
2018 – Tommy Wood
2019 – George Willis Givens
2019 – Donald R. Givens
2020 – Lincoln “Elmo” Martin
2020 – Marshall Anderson
2020 – Bill Kitchens
2021 – Boyce T. Kitchens
2021 – Royce B. Kitchens
2021 – Dean Bartholomew
2021 – Josh O’Driscoll
2022 – Roger Worley
2023 – Bobby Escue
2024 – Stevie Joe Pharris
2024 – Steven Staples
2025 – James E. “Jim” Givens
2025 – Deanna L. Embry
