The Villages Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution continues its recent trend of inviting historic characters to speak at their meetings. Betsy Ross will be speaking to the SAR membership at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10 at Captiva Recreation Center.
Elizabeth Griscom Ross Ashburn Claypoole (1752-1836) was a Philadelphia seamstress credited with sewing the first official American flag at the request of her friend, George Washington. She witnessed first-hand the birth of our nation, and she is the iconic symbol of women during the American Revolution. Today she is remembered simply as Betsy Ross.
Portraying Betsy Ross will be Tracy Suarez. She loves American history and genealogy. She enjoys bringing history to life by writing family histories and researching the role her ancestors played in the formation of our nation.
Suarez joined Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 2012, and has served in many leadership roles. Currently she serves as DAR State Name Badge Chair, State Chair of Constitution Week, and National Vice Chair of DAR School Scholarships. She is a member of the Ponce de Leon Chapter of DAR in Winter Haven
She lives in Haines City with her husband of 44 years, Bernardo Suarez. She met him in high school when he arrived as a foreign exchange student from Colombia. They have two grown daughters, and are the proud grandparents of four with a fifth on the way.
Visitors are welcome to attend Saturday’s presentation.