Fleischmann was introduced by Dave Whaley, the chapter’s second vice president.
The congressman said it was important to teach the country’s history to the younger generation.
Fleischmann reflected on his trips as a child and an adult to historic places, and his experiences at places such as Independence Hall; Valley Forge; Washington’s Delaware crossing site; the Liberty Bell and seeing the actual Declaration of Independence in person.
He also noted the history included in the paintings of the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. The paintings include Pocahontas, the two Battles of Saratoga Springs, the Battle of Yorktown and one of all the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Fleischmann said if you look close at the signers you will see Thomas Jefferson stepping on the foot of John Adams, his rival. While Jefferson and Adams were rivals in politics, they were good friends who wrote each other regularly.
One question they frequently asked in the letters was “Who is going to die first?” Interestingly, they both died on the same day — July 4, 1826 — the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration.
James Stone, SAR chapter president, recognized past president Tommy McLain, who was able to attend the meeting for the first time since his medical problems.
A moment was given to remember two members who recently passed away — John Johnson and Ralph “Pat” Diddle.
Four new members were inducted during the meeting by Stan Evans. The new members were L. Robert Beene, Robert L. Butler, Robert H. May Jr. and Eddie J. Moreland. Four junior members, who live out of state, were sworn-in “in absentia.” They were Ethan G. Evans, Robert E. Evans Jr., Tyrus M. Evans and Will M. Evans.
Stone explained the history of the Society rosette to them and, on behalf of the chapter, gave each new member a rosette.
Evans said member recruiting had been very active, notably with the assistance of Jim May. He said Lynn Freeman, chapter registrar, had sent two applications off the day before and received necessary documents at this meeting to send off another the next day. He has a couple more prospective memberships ready to mail.
Evans recognized the hard work of Dave Hicks, who reduced nonpayment of dues list from 33 to nine.
Claude Hardison, East Tennessee vice president for the state SAR, gave updates on several issues coming out of the recent state Board of Governors meeting in Nashville.
Hardison noted the new Kilgore Chapter, which will be chartered in March in Robertson County, is the state’s 21st chapter. The state society has been redistricted into six districts and changes made in state officer selection for office. The state society treasury is also in the black due to sales of new medals and cufflink sets.
The state convention will be held March 16-17 at the Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin.
The invocation and benediction were both led by Eddie Cartwright. Stone led the pledge to the U.S. flag, Hardison the pledge to the state flag and Evans to the SAR flag.
The recessional was led by Hicks.
Visitors attending the meeting included Tony Alonzo, Ann Gay, Shirley May, Frank Pickles and Bob White. Prospective members present were Bill Brown, Dan Crook and Dwight Reagan.
The chapter meets at the Elks Club, 235 Second St.
