On Feb. 16, the Effingham County Hussars Chapter 2285 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Georgia Division, presented a Georgia Day program to 105 fifth graders and teachers at Springfield Elementary School.

Lisa Hartman, instructional supervisor, coordinated the program with the local chapter of the UDC. Rev. Greg Hartzog, minister of music from First Baptist Church of Rincon, sang “Georgia on My Mind.” Alecia Evans, president of the chapter, gave a brief explanation of what the UDC is and explained the objectives of the organization.

Cheryl Mason-Mercer gave an impersonation of Clara Barton. She was dressed in a beautiful period dress and hat and brought with her an authentic wooden medical kit.

She told about the life of Clara Barton and how she became a nurse during the War Between the States and later went to Europe and became aware of the International Red Cross. She returned to the U.S. and is credited with beginning the American Red Cross.

A Georgia Day booklet containing facts about Georgia as well as symbols and flags was provided for each fifth grader.