A LEGACY OF VETERAN VICTORIES!

January 15, 2012 was a day of dual celebrations of legacies for Beta Eta Omega Chapter of our sorority in Dayton, Ohio. It was a celebration of the legacy of the founders of our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and also a celebration of the legacy of the veterans and active military members who continue to serve in the armed forces of our country. The legacies represented two “firsts” in Beta Eta Omega Chapter efforts: celebrating a public Founders’ Day by recognizing Community Achievers and the first chapter-sponsored event for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, “A Legacy of Veteran Victories.”

The recognition program honored over fifty veterans and active members of the armed forces who were nominated by local churches, community activists, and veteran organizations, held at Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church, 3:30pm January, 15, 2012. Thirty-two honorees were present to receive certificates of recognition for their service. They were taken back in history through the reflections of Beta Eta Omega’s “First Man,” Mr. Charles E. Harper who shared memories of World War II, Korean, Gulf, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and other contingencies. These men and women of valor represented all branches of the armed forces, including Buffalo soldiers (Mr. Nathaniel Scott), Tuskegee Airmen (Mr. Robert Harvey), and World War II (102 years old, Mr. Thomas Taylor). The gathering for refreshments in Flanigan Hall after the program provided golden opportunities to re-live, revive and share memories and great conversations.

This celebration came to fruition through the efforts of chairmen Rosalind R. Harper and Dora A. Carson more than twenty-five members, and our Emerging Young Leaders, in collaboration with local churches, civic and veteran organizations, Wright Patterson AFB, and the Meadowdale High School NJROTC Unit, under the direction of Colonel Victor Harris.