Wreaths Across America Attended Event by Commissioner Charles Gause Chapter US Daughters of 1812 for 2025

 Front row: Judy Caison, Rebecca DeSilva, Carole Weiss, Paula De Silva, and Caron Myers.

Back row: Carol Jutte, Rebecca Chipman, Pam Gordon, Phyllis Wilson and Keidre Koenig

1812 members posing for a photo at the Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Ceremony

The two gentlemen in the photo below are very important to the smooth operation of the Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying each year. This year, there was a problem with the wreaths being delivered in a truck that was too large to enter the Wilmington National Cemetery. Luckily, thanks to TV advertising and outreach to the sponsorship groups, there was enough manpower and trucks to move the wreaths to the proper locations at the cemetery in time for distribution, a little after 12:30, when the program was over. 

Jerry Ford is the Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator for the Wilmington National Cemetery. He is responsible for planning and coordinating all the activities associated with the ceremony at the Wilmington National Cemetery. Ed Valleau is a member of Civil Air Patrol and a senior member of the Cape Fear Composite Squadron. He oversees one of the wreath distribution areas: wreath arrival, unpacking boxes, and assisting in the distribution for laying of the wreaths.

Lt. Col. Patty Kelley, USAF (ret)

Caron Myers, secretary with keynote speaker.

This is the truck that brought all of the wreaths to Wilmington National Cemetery. Unfortunately, the large truck could not enter the cemetery.  So extra trucks and men were needed to help load them and bring all the wreaths to the cemetery by 12:30, so the wreath-laying ceremony would still be on time.

               

The substantial size of these graves reflects the gravity of their sacrifice.

People are just beginning to lay the wreaths on the graves.

Carol Jutte at Wreaths Across America before everyone started to lay all the wreaths. Fortunately, all 5,172 wreaths were placed on the graves of Veterans, unless a Star of David is on the tombstone.

 This is a photo of Carol Jutte in 2017 at Wreaths Across America. Look how beautiful the cemetery is with all the wreaths placed on the graves.

               Phyllis Wilson, WAA manager of four sponsorship groups. The Brunswick Town DAR Chapter, The US Daughters of 1812, The Lord Craven Colonial Dames Chapter, and The Daughters of Colonial America

Thank you, Alan P. Curtner, Webmaster & Road Captain CMA Knights of the Light, Wilmington, NC, for sharing some photos for our blog. Thank you, Caron Myers, Rebecca Chapman, and Keidra Koenig, for your photos. Other photos taken by blog manager Phyllis Wilson.

Photos from the Cape Fear Scottish Immigration Memorial Dedication at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson in Winnabow on November 14, 2025

 

The Cape Fear Scots Memorial held a dedication ceremony on November 14th at 2:00 pm. If you attended the October 4th meeting or read the minutes, you will know that our chapter is donating $ 2,000.00 for a 12 x 18 engraved brick, which may be ready in time for the dedication. 

Why is this cairn here?

​Brunswick Town was the “First Footing” for many early Highland Scottish Immigrants, with more than 20,000 stepping foot on American soil less than 100 yards from this spot. The Cape Fear area and the Scots who came here were fundamental in establishing the cultural and political foundations of North Carolina. It is the beginning of the North Carolina Scottish Immigration Trek, representing the journey of many of the first settlers. The stones around the base are actual ballast stones from Scotland.

A cairn is a human-made pile or stack of stones, often used as a memorial. Cairns have been used throughout history in many cultures and can be found in various locations around the world. They serve a practical purpose, like guiding travelers or marking a significant spot, but can also have a symbolic or ceremonial meaning. They are common in areas where there aren't obvious paths to help people find their way.

When did they come?

The major migration of Scots from Scotland to North Carolina occurred between the 1730s and the early 1800s. The first wave began in 1739 with the Argyle Colony, granted land and support by Royal Governor Gabriel Johnston. Thousands arrived in the 1760s and early 1770s, often settling in communities where other Gaelic speakers already lived. Scottish immigration slowed after the American Revolutionary War, partly due to changing British emigration policies.

Why North Carolina?

​North Carolina, particularly the Cape Fear River Valley, offered cheap land, community, cultural freedom, and opportunity, all supported by a colonial government eager to welcome them. Highland Scots, many of whom were poor tenant farmers in Scotland, were attracted by the chance to own and farm their own land. Early settlers sent letters back to Scotland, encouraging others to join them. This created a chain migration effect, where families followed relatives or clan members. North Carolina became the most concentrated Highland Scottish settlement in colonial America.

                                         

Former 1812 President Carol Jutte presented a $2000 check to Bob McLeod, president of the Scottish Immigration Memorial Fund, for the purchase of a paver with the chapter's name on it.

A cairn is a human-made pile or stack of stones, often used as a memorial. Cairns have been used throughout history in many cultures and can be found in various locations around the world. They serve a practical purpose, like guiding travelers or marking a significant spot, but can also have a symbolic or ceremonial meaning. They are common in areas where there aren't obvious paths to help people find their way.

Information provided by the Brunswick Town website.

This photo shows some 1812 and Lord Craven members who attended the November 14, 2025, Cape Fear Scottish Immigration Memorial Dedication at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson in Winnabow, NC.

Wilmington National Cemetery Will Receive 5,172 Wreaths for the Wreaths Across America Event on Saturday December 13th at 12:00

 

Thank you for your support in ordering wreaths for Wreaths Across America. We have reached our quota of 5,172 wreaths, so that a wreath will be placed on the grave of every Veteran. Be sure to come to the Wreath Laying Event on December 13, which starts at 12:00. At 12:30, all the participants will be able to take wreaths and lay them on the graves. The address for the Wilmington National Cemetery is: 2011 Market Street, Wilmington, NC. The church on Market Street in Wilmington, NC, that permits free parking for Wreaths Across America attendees is Temple Baptist Church. It is located at 1801 Market Street, two blocks from the cemetery. If you have any questions, contact Phyllis Wilson at par4wilson@gmail.com. Phyllis assists four sponsorship groups for Wreaths Across America: The Brunswick Town Daughters of the American Revolution, the Comm. Charles Gause Chapter US Daughters of 1812, the Lord Craven 17th Century Colonial Dames, and the Daughters of the American Colonists.

Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025

                                                  ST. JAMES VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

The Richard H. Stewart, Jr. American Legion Post 543 will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Homer E. Wright Event Center on Route 211 in St. James. The ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m.

The program will include the presentation of colors, patriotic music, and recognition of veterans by branch of service. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Keith Castille, who served more than 28 years in the United States Air Force, rising to the highest enlisted grade of Chief Master Sergeant. His final active-duty assignment was as Senior Enlisted Leader, Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, at the Pentagon. Following retirement, Dr. Castille settled in Richmond, Virginia, where he is co-owner of C2H, LLC and serves as an independent consultant specializing in force development, policy implementation, and business solutions.

This event is open to the public, and all veterans and community members are warmly invited to attend as we come together to honor those who have served our nation in uniform.

"Birthday in a Bag" Presented to the Fort Bragg Army Base by President Michele Russell

 

On October 17, 2025,  President Michele Russell delivered 24 "Birthday in a Bag" donations to the YMCA Food Pantry at the Fort Bragg Army Base. Each "Birthday in a Bag" included 1 box of cake mix, 1 container of frosting, 1 package of birthday candles, 1 package of birthday-themed paper plates, and 1 happy birthday banner. 2 YMCA staff members are pictured accepting the donation. Included in the donation were 20 toothbrushes donated to our chapter. The toothbrushes will be added to "Care Bags" put together by the food pantry and given to active duty members.

Commissioner Charles Gause No.433 Chapter of the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 Held Their State Meeting in August 2, 2025025

 

L to R:  Yvonne Brown, Jane Johnson, Cindy Sellers, Pat Gooding, Suzanne Palmer, Carol Jutte, Carole Weiss, Susan Woodwardand her daughter Kathleen Benidict. Missing from photo, but in attendance Michele Russell.

The 1812 State Meeting was held on August 2nd at the NC State University Club in Raleigh.This was taken right after lunch.

Commissioner Charles Gause No.433 Chapter of the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 Held their October Meeting on the 4th

                                                                  Birthday in a Bag...

The Daughters of 1812 Commissioner Charles Gause chapter put together dozens of bags filled with everything soldiers would need for a birthday party. We believe families of our active military appreciate any help they can get, so this is how we celebrated our military families. All the Birthday Bags were taken to Fort Bragg.

President Michele Russell presented the National Society United States Daughters of 1812 award to Phyllis Wilson, Commissioner Charles Gause Chapter, NC, a certificate for her outstanding contributions to Veterans.

Phyllis has managed the 1812 blog since 2011 and has worked with Wreaths Across America since 2010, attempting to put a wreath on all 5,126 veterans' graves at Wilmington National Cemetery.

Treasurer Cindy Sellers and Recording/Corresponding Secretary Caron Myers are busily working during the 1812 meeting.

Below are photos of 1812 members writing cards to servicemen. The cards will be distributed to “Adopt a Soldier” or “Hugs for Soldiers.” Members took about an hour to create the bags and write cards, which were then gathered up and ready to be taken to Fayetteville. 

L to R. Jackie LaMar and Registrar Suzanne Palmer writing notes to servicemen.

Pam Proctor and Bettie Lettieri wrote notes to servicement during the 1812 meeting. Also, Congratulations, Bettie on your 90th birthday. You look fantastic.

1812 members are busily writing cards for servicemen.

Pat Tucker on the left and in front, Ruth Rice and in the back new 1812 member Keidre Koenig wrote cards to servicement.

Carol Hart, Yvonne Brown and Linda Lashley busily wrote cards to service during the 1812 meeting.