2007: This years' Lincoln Day Dinner celebration was held on Sunday, February 11^th at the Corvallis Country Club. Starting at 4:30 p.m., the Shroeder Quartet played through the social hour as guests enjoyed conversation, hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar while browsing and placing bids on beautiful theme baskets at the silent auction tables. Jeff Kubler served as emcee leading a prayer and announcing the Color Guard from Boy Scout Troop 3 for the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests then sang the National Anthem before dinner. The lovely buffet featured Pan Roast Salmon with Citrus Butter and Roast Pork Loin with Apples, Walnuts, Leeks and Raisin Compote as the main entrees. New this year, a choice of two desserts were served. Guest speakers, Ron and Lynne Saxton, gave tributes to President Abraham Lincoln. Ron encouraged all to stay involved and to work for common sense in Oregon’s government. Once again, Derrick Luksch served as auctioneer and did a fabulous job. The evening was a great success. A huge thank you to all who participated. We hope you had a wonderful time. A special thanks to all who contributed items for the auctions and door prizes and to all who offered their time and energy to make this evening a joy.

Armed Forces Day Tribute (Non-Political)

2007: The Armed Forces Day Celebration was held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19th at the Oregon National Guard Armory, 1100 NW Circle Blvd. in Corvallis, Oregon and the tribute was organized by Support Our Troops, chaired by Kay Hunnemuller. The Master of Ceremonies was Lt. Colonel Lauren J. Garren, Administrative Officer for Joint Force Headquarters of the Army National Guard. The Presentation of Colors was performed by the Color Guard from Oregon State University's Army ROTC Unit. Following a sing-along of our National Anthem and the Pledge of Alegiance, Ed Cohn, Chaplain of the Corvallis Elks Lodge No. 1413, offered a prayer for the U.S. Armed Forces. Tribute was paid to the men and women who are serving, or who have served, in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. Additional recognition was given to "Women of War"; the members of the Army and Air Force Oregon National Guard and; to the family members of all who serve in the U.S. Military. A beautiful vocal solo of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was performed by Ellen Demarest with accompaniment by Tom Demarest. Lt. Col. Warren James "Jim" Purtzer, U.S. Army (Ret.) a survivor of the famous Battle of the Bulge during World War II compared conditions for soldiers in former conflicts with those of modern warriors. Had the soldiers of WWII had today's body armor he estimated that the lives of 200,000 GI's would have been saved. Dale Clark, Oregon Chapter President of Operation Homefront explained the organization's commitment to the families of deployed troops, to returning wounded soldiers and those who need morale support (see our Troop Support page for contact information). He announced that Operation Homefront will host a "Freedom Walk" on September 11th in Albany, Oregon. Stella Guenther led a sing-a-long as the songs of each service were played. Maj. Michael J. Daniels, U.S. Army professor of Military Science at Oregon State University spoke on the U.S. military campaign in Iraq and 2nd Lt. Michael Palmer of the 141 Support Battalion, 41st Brigade Combat Team of the Oregon Army National Guard informed attendees about the National Guard's peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. On display throughout the program was a collection of historic military uniforms courtesy of the Greater Salem Area Veterans Organization. Andrew Skaar, sophomore from Philomath High School and David Bierek, Star Scout of Boy Scout Troop 161 from Philomath played Taps. The Linn and Benton County Republican Women provided refreshments as a public service project. David and Carol Conklin of the BC Democrats provided punch. Attendees brought comfort items for gift boxes for the troops. Many thanks to all who made this day so very special and thank you most of all the all the members of the United States Armed Forces, past and present.

Benton County Republican 4th of July Pancake Breakfast and Yard Sale

2007: BCRW Members assisted again this year at the third annual fundraising breakfast for the Benton County Republican Central Committee. A yard sale was added this year for extra fun. The format for this event is casual and family-friendly with patriotic music, door prizes and fun for all. The menu includes pancakes with strawberries, blueberries and whipped topping or syrup, eggs, ham, orange juice and beverages. State Senator, Frank Morse joined the breakfast crew preparing and serving pancakes. Representative Andy Olson also attended and chatted with guests. Each year the attendance has increased significantly making this breakfast a very popular event for county Republicans and locals. It is lots of fun and a great way to kick-off Independence Day celebrations.

Each year BCRW Members decorate the Benton County Republican Central Committees' float entry for for the annual Philomath Frolic Parade. The 2007 parade was held on Saturday, July 14th and Oregon State Representative, Andy Olson, walked with the float passing out candy to children and shaking hands with constituents. It is always a pleasure to participate in this event and we thank Philomath parade watchers for the enthusiastic reception they always give the Benton County Republicans.

Constitution Day Celebration (Non-Political)

The Benton County Republican Women received terrific feedback after organizing, supplying materials for and participating in their first Constitution Day Celebration assembly in 2006. As a traveling trunk-show, this exciting program is offered to schools and other venues to educate and celebrate the September 17, 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution. The thirty-nine signers were brave men who changed the course of history. Now Constitution Day is a time for us to continue their legacy and develop habits of citizenship in a new generation of Americans.

2006: On Tuesday, September 19th, The BCRW helped put on a 2006 Constitution Day Program in the library at Philomath Middle School. The program started at 8:00am and was repeated at 12:15pm. A video tribute, hosted by Colin Powell was incorporated into the program and was played in classrooms. See the video at ConstitutionDay.com. During lunch period the students had the opportunity to participate in, “I Signed the Constitution," and their document will be officially archived in the National Constitution Center.

Students entered the library to music from a drum and fife playing songs from the era of the Constitution. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited as well as the Preamble of the Constitution. Mayor Nusbaum read the Philomath, Oregon Proclamation declaring this day Constitution Day in the city. Mr. Sleeman, Principal, performed a Roll Call of the States as the leadership council placed the states on the map board in order of their statehood. Students performed from a script of narration and period dialogue (photo). Mrs. Goslow led a sing-along of This Land is Your Land and Superintendent Tuana told about the ringing of the bells in 1776, then timed the striking of the bell to simulate the peals which celebrated the original signing of the Constitution. Stella Guenther gave some closing remarks urging appreciation for what the founders deliberations produced for all of us. BCRW Members were invited to celebrate this special day with the students and staff and it was a memorable experience. Stella Guenther chaired this event.

Veteran's Day Remembrance (Non-Political)

The Benton County Republican Women plan and decorate the Benton County Republican Party's float annually. The decor is based primarily on WWI and WWII posters which were commissioned in their day to inspire patriotism and appreciation for the difficult tasks and sacrifice which the American Soldier faced to secure our freedom and that of our allies from Nazism and Fascism. More contemporary posters have been added to the collection in recognition of successive generations to the present.

• 2007: The theme for Albany's 2007 Veteran's Day Parade is "Veterans Give Us Freedom" - The parade will be held Saturday, November 10th. With around 200 entries, and as many as 40,000 spectators, Albany hosts the largest Veterans Day parade west of the Mississippi.
  
  Veterans Give Us Freedom

  

• 2006: The theme for the Albany, Oregon 2006 Veteran's Day Parade was “Uncommon Valor still a Common Virtue.” Again, BCRW Members volunteered to decorate the float and help with this event to show their great appreciation for all who have given their lives in the service of our great Country and; for all who have served, and are now serving, in all branches of the United States Military. It was an honor to have Mike Germanari, a Pearl Harbor Survivor, riding the Benton and Linn County Republican float. Our Republican friend, Reid Giesy, suggested passing out "Land of the Free Because of the Brave" buttons along the parade route. Gayna Flake supplied button making materials and machine and BCRW and LCRW volunteers got to work making the buttons. Those who walked with the float passed out buttons to Veterans and children.

• 2005: BCRW Members decorated the Benton and Linn County Republican float entry for the 2005 Albany, Oregon Veteran's Day Parade. The theme was "Courage and Strength, Tried and True."

Benton/Linn GOP Float for the 2005 Albany Veteran's Day Parade