Sons of the American Revolution teaches history, honors veterans

In February, Western Home Communities was recognized by the Sons of the American Revolution with a certificate of “Exemplary Patriotism in the display of The Flag of the United States of America.” The certificate was presented to COO Jerry Harris by Dave Nation, a resident of Prairie Wind and a member of the organization’s Iowa chapter. 

“I have enjoyed the view of the flag at Windridge from the fitness center whenever I work out,” Dave said, “and I understand many of the other Western Home buildings display the flag as well.” So Dave requested the certification and made the presentation in his authentic Revolutionary War uniform.  

After researching and proving that his fourth great-grandfather was a patriot of the American Revolution, Dave joined the Sons of the American Revolution in June 2020, just before moving back to Iowa from Maryland. 

Since then, Dave has participated in several events. His first was in May 2021 for the dedication of a restored monument to Nathan Brown in Springfield, Iowa; Brown is one of 43 recognized Revolutionary War veterans buried in Iowa. Dave owns a Betsy Ross flag and was invited to join the color guard.   

The Sons of the American Revolution encouraged Dave to continue participating in the color guard so he needed his own uniform. The shirt, pants and vest are made of cotton instead of linen so they can be laundered easily, but the knapsack and coat are traditional wool. All that’s left to complete his uniform are shoes, which need special attention from a saddle shop.    

Part of the organization’s goal of preserving American history includes marking graves of all veterans. In March, Dave confirmed that the gravesite of Nancy Harris, who was a nurse and uniform maker for the Mexican War, is located in Fairview Cemetery. She died in a poorhouse in 1909 at the age of 102 and has no gravestone. The Iowa chapter will request one from the Veterans Administration, as it has done for about 100 veterans throughout Iowa.

If others would like to research their family history, Dave suggests visiting the Sons of the American Revolution database online at sar.org.