Vegas Voice 7-18

July 12, 1849
By: John Beilun / Time Traveler
The 46 year old beauty picked up her spyglass
and looked in every direction. She had been
doing so for nine hours.
A rider appeared, bearing bad news. Bladensburg had fallen, and
4,000 redcoats now headed her way. She must leave at once, or risk
capture - or worse.
Only a carriage and wagon were available. All other transportation
had disappeared along with the 8,000 residents of Washington City.
Rather than immediately depart, the woman ordered the messenger
and her only remaining servant to help load the vehicles with as much
as they could bear. Eschewing personal possessions, they collected all
the national treasures they could find - including the Declaration of
Independence and the Constitution.
When the wagon was a-brim, the lady sent it off. Only one beloved
item remained: Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait of George Washington.
Because it was bolted to a wall, the woman ordered the frame be broken
and the canvas removed. She quickly carried it to the carriage and fled.
Shortly thereafter, the British entered the city and torched every
public building - the White House included.
The daring, courageous and patriotic lady was Dolly Madison,
the wife of the President. Along with her many qualities, she had the
foresight to realize the importance of symbols to her nascent country.
In May 1794, she met James Madison through Aaron Burr, a mutual
friend. Although a life-long bachelor and seventeen years her senior,
James was smitten. They married
just four months thereafter.
In 1808, America elected her
husband as President and Dolly
as First Lady. And, by golly, no one
ever took Washington by storm
like Dolly!
Knowing the importance
of image, Dolly decorated an
indecorous White House. Then,
unlike her predecessors, she
commenced holding constant
soirees and teas. Both political
friend and foe alike were invited.
She served such exotic dishes as ice cream and particularly wooed
the wives by asking for recipes and advice. Her charm was also not lost
on the husbands. Although all politicians are inherently contentious,
Dolly’s easy manner magically made them less so.
In fact, her simple presence and natural affability held together a
country that was on the verge of coming apart.
On July 12, 1849, Dolly died – 32 years after having left the White
House. However, her beloved country still remembered and revered her.
Dolly’s passing was honored with the largest funeral procession
theretofore held in our country. As much as George Washington was the
father of our country, Dolly Madison was the mother of our Republic.
And, by gosh, she sure made good ice cream!
Sun City MacDonald Ranch Color Guard
By: Marilyn Sirna / Activities Director
I
’m proud to announce the formation of the Sun City MacDonald
Ranch Color Guard. Our Color Guard consists of our residentsveterans.
I do not know of any other HOA in the Valley that has their
own Color Guard. It truly is a testament to this great community and
our residents.
32
July 2018
Our Color Guard consists of six veterans: Jerry Cooper (Navy); Jack
Whitehead (Vietnam-five purple hearts), Nick Fiore (Vietnam era)
and George Barnett, (WWII, Army Air Corps) from the Army; and
representing the Marines - Bob Fiacco and Ron Hansrote.
These are the finest of men that served this country with honor
and many years later, once again, answering that call to duty. I am
humbled in their presence and cannot begin to express what a pleasure
it has been to work with this group.
I salute you fantastic veterans and thank you for your call to duty. We
are a grateful nation.