On June 10, the Chattanooga Regents’ Council and John Sevier Sons of the American Revolution hosted Flag Day at the Brainerd Mission Cemetery.

Attendees included: Daughters of the American Revolution; Sons of the American Revolution; Susan Thomas, Tennessee Society DAR honorary state regent; Nannette Feeback, Tennessee Society DAR state first vice regent; Carla Riley, Tennessee Society DAR state second vice regent; Meegan Burton, Tennessee Society DAR state treasurer; Natalie Davis, Cherokee District secretary; and Brian Frye, president of the John Sevier Chapter; as well as members of the community.

The five Daughters of the American Revolution chapters and the John Sevier Chapter, owners of the cemetery, commemorate Brainerd Mission’s history and annually posts new United States and Cherokee Nation flags.

Cliff Kent, Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution, color guard commander, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Patty Parks, member of the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR, and chair of the Brainerd Mission Cemetery Committee brought opening remarks on behalf of the Brainerd Mission Cemetery Committee. Nannette Feeback, TSDAR state first vice regent, brought greetings on behalf of the State Society DAR. Brian Frye, president of the John Sevier Chapter, SAR, brought greetings as well.

W. Jeff Bishop, director of the Funk Heritage Center and Bennett History Museum at Reinhardt, delivered a thought-provoking address in which he challenged all Americans, as the 250th anniversary approaches, to have a full memory of the Revolutionary War, especially the part the Cherokees played in it. Mr. Bishop asserted that a complete understanding of history can energize the country to move to a higher standard, which is the most patriotic outcome possible.

The Chattanooga Regents’ Council consists of Chair Jennifer Harvey (Chief John Ross Chapter), Vice Chair Candace Burton (regent, Chief John Ross), Secretary Cindy Dearing (regent Chickamauga Chapter) Treasurer Samantha Green (regent Judge David Campbell Chapter), Chaplain Cynthia Anchondo (regent, Nancy Ward Chapter), and Publicity Chair Carolyn Caulkins (regent Moccasin Bend Chapter). The Judge David Campbell, Nancy Ward, Chickamauga, Chief John Ross, and Moccasin Bend Daughters of the American Revolution chapters are all based in Chattanooga.