UNDER THE FLAPS

Friday, August 14, 2026

2026 August 14, 2026~ Naturalization Ceremony

What a day to be remembered and celebrated! Today, August 14, 2026, in the United States District Court of Western Virginia in Roanoke, Virginia, 34 individuals from 20 countries took their OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. The Honorable C. Kailani Memmer, United States Magistrate Judge, presided. It was a HAPPY occasion, as the entire room was filled with laughter and tears of joy.

Special music (Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful) was performed by Carilion Clinic Hospice Choir.

Lee Brett, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Virginia, presented the 34 applicants, after which Elizabeth Cox, Jury Specialist, administered the Oath of Allegiance.

The courtroom was filled with friends, family, distinguished guests, teachers, and co-workers, cheering on the successful accomplishment of the applicants. For me personally, one of the many profound highlights of the ceremony was witnessing Judge Memmer present the certificates to the new citizens.

Flags, cards, pins, other certificates and forms were given to the new citizens, as well has smiles, handshakes, and hugs.

The General James Breckinridge Chapter, NSDAR has been an active part of the Naturalization Ceremony since 1979, including a reception following the ceremony. What an honor and privilege to be a part of this celebration.

Included in the following photos are the chapter members in attendance: Judy Thierry (past Regent), Patsy McDonald, Carole Foutz, and myself (with HODAR, who also attended for the first time.... that's husband of DAR member🥰)

Patsy was overjoyed to welcome a personal friend as a new citizen!

In addition to our chapter, DAR District VII Vice-Director, Cynthia "Ricki" McKinney joined us. She is also Recording Secretary for the Fort Lewis Chapter, NSDAR.

Ricki's daughter, US Army Iraq Veteran, Seyward McKinney, also a member of Fort Lewis Chapter, NSDAR, attended, accompanied by her service dog, Knight.

The ceremony concluded with Andrew Cox, PFC, Army National Guard, leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

A reception followed the ceremony.

"Remember that the more freedom you give to others, the more you will have for yourself. Remember that without law there can be no liberty. And remember, as well, the rich treasures you brought from whence you came, and let us share your pride in them. This is the way that we keep our independence as exciting as the day it was declared." Gerald Ford.

I am proud to be an American!

Friday, July 24, 2026

2026 June 24 ~Virginia 250 Passport Entries.

VIRGINIA 250 PASSPORT........ History Sites of Virginia.

Every stamp in the Virginia 250 Passport booklet feels like a tiny spark of discovery. From historic landmarks tucked into quiet towns to Revolutionary War stories waiting behind museum doors, each stop becomes its own chapter in a wonderfully unfolding journey. This passport book features dozens of museums and historic sites across the Commonwealth (70 in fact!). With admission to a passport site, there is an official stamp to document the visit.

1. April 18, 2026~ VA250 Mobile Museum~ A museum on wheels. Salem, VA

2. April 18, 2026~ Salem Museum - Home to over 300 years of history.

3. April 29, 2026~ Historical Society of Western Virginia. The Historical Society operates the Roanoke History and O. Winston Link Museums and is housed in Roanoke's historic N&W passenger station, remodeled by 20th century industrial designer Raymond Loewy.