Spirit of America

The Palo Verde Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution; Chandler Elks Lodge 2429; the Charles Trumbull Hayden, Cactus Wren, and Gila Butte Chapters, Daughters of the American Revolution; the East Valley Tribune Newspapers, and the Chandler Connection have united to promote The Spirit of America in Chandler.

On April 19, 1775 Massachusetts Minute Men fired the "shot heard 'round the world", this marks the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. On April 19, 1783, General Washington's General Order ending the Revolutionary War was read to all troops. The reading of the General Order was followed by the Chaplains rendering thanks to almighty God for all his mercies, this marks the official ending of the American Revolutionary War.

The Revolutionary War gave birth to our American Spirit. This Spirit was bequeathed to all Americans by our Patriot ancestors. Our first endeavor in continuing this American Tradition is to honor our Patriot ancestors on April 19, 2003.

We believe education is the bedrock for opportunity in America.

To acknowledge the many contributions our Chandler Educators make to improve the quality of our life in Chandler, we have established the Spirit of America, Chandler, AZ-USA Outstanding Educator Award. This award will be presented to a Chandler educator who is performing educational duties at a Public, Religious, Charter or Private school within the Chandler City limits. The educator must demonstrate individual initiative and a commitment to The Spirit of America—as exemplified by achievements accomplished through honesty, hard work, self-reliance, and perseverance. For the purpose of this award the Spirit of America is defined as contributions that improve the quality of life in Chandler. The award is an 18 inch bronze statue of a Minuteman.

All Chandler residents are encouraged to nominate any Chandler Educator for the Spirit of America, Chandler, AZ-USA Outstanding Educator Award.

Nominations must be submitted to "Spirit of America, Chandler, AZ-USA", 12 North Bullmoose Circle, Chandler, AZ 85224, no later than February 14, 2003. Entries received after that date will not be accepted. Only applications that include a self addressed, stamped envelope will be acknowledged.

Nomination instructions:

The nomination must include the following.

On the first page:

1. The nominees name.
2. The name, location, and telephone number of the school where the educational duties are performed.
3. The name and telephone number of the nominee's supervisor.

On page 2, a narrative, not to exceed one type written page, describing the Spirit of America activities, attributed to the nominee, that make the quality of life better for Chandler. Characterize the effectiveness of the Educators efforts. Nominations exceeding one type written page will be rejected.

EXAMPLE: John/Jane Doe encourages students to participate in community activities, i.e. attending city council meetings, municipal court trials, school board meetings, political candidate forums, spending time teaching young children how to read, visiting the elderly in care centers or nursing homes etc. Summarize the effectiveness of the nominees actions. i.e. This year more than 50% of nominees students participated in community activities as a result of nominees efforts.

All nominations will be judged by a panel of 9 Judges, 3 members each from the Elks, DAR, and SAR. The winner will be announced March 19, and will be presented an 18 inch bronze Minuteman statue at the evening banquet honoring our Patriot ancestors on April 19. All nominees will be presented with a certificate of recognition.

In the afternoon, at our open house, we will have displays depicting the following.

Our flag and its history. A fire engine and a police unit static display. A representative from the Medical community to spell out the importance of wellness and physical fitness. An authority on genealogy [DAR and SAR members dressed in Revolutionary War era attire] who will help identify Revolutionary War ancestors and explain how to trace your ancestors. Agencies to explain how they help make the quality of our life better. Tax credit for contributions to education. Role of newspapers in education. Tax credit for contributions to education Volunteer efforts that improve the quality of life: Red Cross, Salvation Army, Sheriff Posse who render help in time of need or disaster. Volunteer efforts that improve the quality of life in Chandler. Importance of wellness and physical fitness. Importance of participating in America: Voting

In the evening we are having a festive dinner (an inexpensive evening about $10 per person dinner and dancing) that will honor our American Patriot Ancestors. Our menu will be a typical menu served at a Patriot family reunion type meal circa 19 April 1775. We will present The Spirit of America, Chandler, AZ-USA Outstanding Educator Award. The evening event is hosted by the Elks at their Lodge.

The evening events will begin with the Palo Verde Color Guard, complete with their fife and drum playing Yankee Doodle, posting the colors. Individual members of the SAR, DAR and Elks will join the color guard and post their individual ensign.

A DAR member, dressed in Revolutionary War era attire, will tell about events leading up to the Revolutionary War.

This will be followed by SAR members in Revolutionary War era attire leading a discussion on our "Bill of Rights".

In closing the Elks Americanism Committee will talk about the "Red Skelton" version of our pledge of allegiance. He will then lead the audience in the pledge of allegiance.