The SAR MAGAZINE is the official quarterly publication of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution published quarterly.
Issue link: http://sar.epubxp.com/i/132097
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Celebrating 54 Years of The George Washington Ball By Compatriot Robert G. Hess President Attakapas Chapter LASSAR T he 54th annual George Washington Ball, sponsored by the Galvez Chapter of the DAR and the Attakapas Chapter of the SAR, was held March 9 at The Petroleum Club of Lafayette, La. The gala event was attended by 225 people, who saw nine debutantes and five patriots presented to society. This year's theme was anticipating the building of the Mount Vernon Library, and the tables were elegantly dressed amid carnations and camellias. To be presented, participants must have a patriot ancestor who provided service during the Revolutionary period and the sponsor must be a member of DAR or SAR. However, this is not limited to a local chapter, as members from outside of Louisiana have sponsored children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews from out of state. This year's ball had the distinction of being attended by LASSAR President Tony L. Vets, Southern District Vice President Gen. John R. Taylor Jr. and past LASSAR President Edward O. Cailleteau, who is also a former vice president general of the Southern District and Minuteman Award recipient. As the bugler trumpeted the call to colors, the participants processed carrying the U.S. flag, Louisiana flag, DAR flag, SAR flag and the Spanish flag of the Louisiana Infantry Regiment. Blair Elizabeth Brandt filled the air with a our National Anthem. Master of Ceremonies, former Mayor Dudley Lastrapes, introduced the officers of the Attakapas Chapter SAR, the Galvez Chapter DAR and the George Washington Ball Committee, who plan and prepare for the ball a year in advance. The young patriots bowed to the audience, and then exited. The debutantes, cloistered off the main ballroom, were individually escorted by Robert Hess Jr., who brought them to the center of the room, where they curtsied and were introduced to the audience. They then processed through a center aisle to the back of the room, where they were formally introduced to their escorts. The couples then promenaded around the perimeter of the room, stopping at the front. After all the debutantes were introduced, the audience applauded. The couples danced the traditional first waltz, followed by the customary cutting of the George Washington birthday cake. Festivities were suspended for dining at a sumptuous buffet, after which all returned to the ballroom for an evening of dancing. Paul Revere is best remembered for his midnight ride, but he also was an accomplished silversmith. To commemorate the occasion, each honoree received a silver Paul Revere Bowl engraved "54th Annual George Washington Ball 2013." The five young patriots honored were: Eric Anderson Alford, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Anderson Alford, a student at Frisco High school in Frisco, Texas. He was sponsored by his grandmother, Ms. Jeannie Rush. His revolutionary ancestor is Vincent Barras of the Attakapas Militia. Michael Patrick Beverung, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Steven Beverung, a student at St. Louis Catholic High School in Lake Charles, La. He was sponsored by his grandmother, Mrs. Yvonne Carter. His patriot ancestor is Firman Breaux of the Galvez Expedition. William Joseph Schneider, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Schneider, a student at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, La. He was sponsored by his aunt, Ms. Beth Busbice. His patriot ancestor is James Roddy of North Carolina. Adam Michael Chauvin, son of Mr. and