Contributed Photo By Ann-Ji Craig-Wooten: Receiving commendation from DAR for extraordinary patriotic work throughout their lives and in this community are, from left, Margaret and John Ratje, and Gary and Linda Burnett.
Contributed Article By Bonnie Briscoe/DAR
SAFFORD – On the national level, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), is gearing up for the 250th birthday of our nation’s independence in the year 2026, established a special commendation to be given by chapters in recognition of non-member individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary efforts to not only honor the men and women who achieved American independence but also educate others about these early patriots and their service and sacrifice.
This past fall, the local DAR Gila Valley Chapter recognized the work of two highly patriotic men and their wives who have faithfully helped with the chapter’s Constitution Week programs.
The first recipient of this commendation was Gary Burnett. He not only has been devoted to the history and content of our country’s Constitution and affectionally called “Mr. Constitution” by DAR, but has researched extensively the history of our country, particularly the revolutionary era.
He has taught hundreds to thousands of Boy Scouts and others about citizenship, made numerous presentations to organizations and schools, shared stories about our Founding Fathers to many groups, written several books, and been in many parades as George Washington.
At the first 2014 DAR Constitution Week program presented in Safford, on a night when there were flood warnings out, he came as George Washington, sharing his life while being interviewed by “Benjamin Franklin”. And ever since then, he has been helping with these programs by putting on the white wig and heavy uniform of George Washington.
His wife, Linda, has diligently supported all of Gary’s activities. She is the one who serves as Gary’s feet, unloading and reloading the van wherever Gary is needed. She is always willing to help no matter what the temperature is outside or the distance she has to go. They are an exceptionally good team.
The local DAR chapter greatly appreciates how Gary and Linda have shared their love of our country. And like the patriots of the American Revolution, they have also committed to reaching out wherever they are to serve the community around them with their whole hearts.
In 2016 and the years following, John Ratje, for the Constitution Week programs dressed as John Hancock, prepared and presented PowerPoint presentations on the Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution, and several of the men John Hancock worked with closely. The audiences always thoroughly enjoyed the history he shared. Also, being tech savvy, he helped to bring stirring patriotic music into the programs.
Margaret, better known as “John’s wife”, tried to stay in the background with helpful suggestions as plans were made for the different programs through the years. One of many examples is when she helped to build proto-type lanterns out of orange juice containers and oatmeal boxes. Through the years, those lanterns, have been used to help set the stage for the Constitution Week programs. When refreshments from the revolutionary era started being used, Margaret made Shoofly Pie, in addition to providing copies of the different recipes for that pie.
Again, the chapter greatly expressed appreciation for how John and Margaret also share their love for this country, not only in helping with the DAR Constitution Week programs but the work they do through the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. And like the patriots of the American Revolution, they have also committed to reaching out wherever they are to serve the community around them with their whole hearts.
