The Botetourt County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Fincastle Library. The guest speaker for the meeting was Bill Price, who, with his wife Cindy, co-founded the organization Sirens and Salutes. Price shared with the group several of the ways the organization has honored and supported veterans and first responders in the region.
In appreciation of the service provided by Sirens and Salutes, the chapter’s America 250 Committee presented Price with the Ellen Hardin Walworth Medal for Patriotism. This National Society Daughters of the American Revolution award recognizes citizens who display exemplary patriotism in promoting the American ideals of God, Home, and Country through meritorious service to their community, state, or nation. The chapter noted that the Prices’ work rises above and beyond that of the average patriotic citizen. The medal, established in 1995, honors individuals who give unselfishly to the nation and their communities.
America 250 Chair Trish Morris introduced the medal and shared that Price’s nomination was supported by written recommendations from individuals including Del. Terry Austin and Charles Alphin. After receiving the medal, Price addressed the chapter and spoke about the mission and work of Sirens and Salutes. He described the Fallen Hero Tree at Hotel Roanoke, which displays color-coded stars for firefighters, police officers, and service members who died in the line of duty that year. Originating from the loss of Price’s father, the tree offers comfort to families facing their first holiday season without a loved one and has inspired similar projects, including one planned at a police training school in New York.
Price outlined the organization’s extensive work with local veterans, especially residents of Carrington Place, which has one of the largest veteran populations in the state. Sirens and Salutes provides Thanksgiving meals, fulfills individualized Christmas wish lists, and brings Mr. and Mrs. Claus to the facility each December. Support has included meaningful gifts— such as a guitar for a resident learning to play or a requested steak dinner for a veteran— as well as arranging virtual reunions for individuals with distant family. Throughout the year, the group supplies essential toiletries that many residents lack, and Price distributes handmade cards at the Salem VA Medical Center to ensure veterans receive them personally.
Photos by Matt de Simone
Additional efforts include offering free, donation-optional Santa photos for local families, supplying firewood to veterans in need, obtaining protective vests for police K-9 units, and assisting with wreath placements and cemetery upkeep during the winter months. Although a small board supports the organization, most of the work is carried out by Price and his wife, who ensure donations are used quickly to benefit those in need.
During the meeting, members also elected Past Chapter Regent JoElla John to the position of Honorary Chapter Regent, recognizing her dedicated service to the chapter and to DAR. John led the chapter through the challenges of the Covid crisis and currently serves as chapter registrar. In further service to the community, members brought donations for the Botetourt Food Pantry, delivering food items and supplies that morning. The Food Pantry serves numerous families each week and is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the lower level of the St. Mark’s Ministry Center at the corner of Roanoke and Herndon Streets in Fincastle.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members trace their lineage to individuals who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. DAR members across the nation and world provide millions of hours of volunteer service annually. Chapters participate in projects promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Individuals interested in joining the Botetourt County Chapter may contact Membership Chair Emily Talbot-Guillote at eptg1019@gmail.com or Registrar JoElla John at jjohnregistrar@gmail.com.
To learn more about Sirens and Salutes, pvisit sirensandsalutes.org or by visiting the organization’s Facebook page.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
