BUCKHANNON – During Thursday’s City Council meeting, the Elizabeth Zane Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized Councilor Mary Albaugh with the Women in American History award for her distinguished service to her country and community.

A veteran of the United States Navy, Albaugh served during the Vietnam era, achieving the rank of E4 Yeoman. Albaugh is an active member of the Frank B. Bartlett American Legion Post 7, where she served as post commander for two years and post adjutant for seven years. She served on the committee that created the requirement for the inclusion of Americanism and patriotism in West Virginia public high school curriculum. Albaugh also sponsors the American Legion Baseball team and coordinates the Oratorical Contest at Buckhannon-Upshur High School.

In addition to her military service, Albaugh serves on numerous organizations and boards in the Buckhannon community, including Buckhannon City Council, Buckhannon Water Board, Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau Board, and she chairs the Veterans Affairs Council. After the meeting, Albaugh said, “I was shocked, but so proud. They (the Elizabeth Zane DAR) do amazing work behind the scenes and I was honored to be recognized by them. I’m going to become a member, too. They helped me do research on my family genealogy and we found a connection to the American Revolution. So I am eligible to join. “

According to the Daughters of the American Revolution website, “The emphasis of “Women in American History” honor is to celebrate the role of women, past and present, in American history. Chapters are encouraged to select a notable woman from their state or community to honor.”

The DAR website describes the organization as, “a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children.”

For more information about the local Elizabeth Zane chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, contact chairperson Georgette Ward at elizabethzanedar@gmail.com.