THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 26, 2025 Page 9 Shining Lights of Everyday People “Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love.”—mother Teresa By Joanie Allbee J acalyn Bracewell – her friends call her Jacki – is a laid-back, generous, gifted and humble woman with an array of talents. Jacki, who has spent a lifetime teaching elementary students, gently slips into Teacher’s mode. She often instructs and educates those among her in the most informative way. She has studied genealogy and finds it interesting. Her hobby is an artistic Thread Painting challenge to keep herself learning. She has been a quilter since 1978, when she made her first quilt. She started sewing by age seven, and by her teens was making all her own clothes. Jacki holds the title of officer chaplain with Parson Roby Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She loves to assist and organize environmental projects. Jacki’s a natural leader, but humbly places her teaching skills first in line. She has volunteered serving in food pantries and volunteers for service clean ups and organizing events. She generously offered to organize a quilt making project for DAR. She contributed the use of her home along with quilt materials and sewing machines to make quilt covers while she does the quilting for a three quilts project for three veterans. In March of 2026, the three patriotic quilts will be HONOR VETERANS | FROM PAGE 8 ful and deeply emotional as veterans — some in wheelchairs, some walking proudly with service caps — made their way through the airport gates to thunderous applause, waving flags and heartfelt cheers. Many were visibly touched by the welcome, with tears in their eyes as children, teens and families expressed gratitude for their service and sacrifice. To make the morning even more special, C.A.R. members created colorful handmade signs and assembled “goodie bags” filled with snacks and treats for the veterans to enjoy on their flight. Each bag also included handwritten thank you cards from the children of C.A.R. — personal notes of appreciation that brought smiles, laughter and even a few tears from the veterans as they read the heartfelt messages. “It was really early, but we didn’t mind one bit,” said Caylee Cassarino, C.A.R. member and past Massachusetts State President. “We wanted to be here to say thank you, because these veterans gave up so much for us.” The partnership between C.A.R., DAR and SAR was on full display, with multiple generations of patriots working together to honor America’s heroes. From the youngest members holding handmade signs to the senior members helping organize and support, the event captured the spirit of unity and remembrance that defines these organizations. “Watching the veterans’ faces light up when they realized how much people still care — that’s something none of us will ever forget,” said Gail Cassarino, Regent of Parson Roby Chapter, NSDAR. Honor Flight New England continues to ensure that every veteran is properly honored and remembered. For C.A.R., DAR and SAR, supporting presented at the state meeting to three selected Veterans. Jacki’s work has won first place in District and third place in National in “wall hanging category” in contests. Jacki enjoys British History. She loves music. “I’m always hearing song cues and music in my head,“ Jacki said. The more flustered I become, the more likely I am to break out in a song right in your face, “ Jacki said. Jacki is patient and kind. Jacki’s father had a phrase that she grew up with, and now it’s her life’s motto: “There’s one thing I just won’t put up with and that’s intolerance.” Jacki is sketched holding her current new project of Thread Painting. this mission was not just an event, but a heartfelt promise to never forget the sacrifices made for freedom. The Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) is the nation’s oldest patriotic youth organization, founded in 1895 to help young people learn about American history, develop leadership skills and promote patriotism. Sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and closely connected with the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), C.A.R. gives members under the age of 22 the chance to participate in service projects, historic commemorations and community events that honor our nation’s past while inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. Both DAR and SAR are nonprofit, apolitical service organizations whose members are direct descendants of the patriots who fought or contributed to the cause of American independence. Through efforts like this, the Parson Roby Chapter continues its mission to preserve history, promote education and inspire patriotism in the heart of our community. For more information about the work of the C.A.R., the Parson Roby Chapter, NSDAR, or to inquire about membership, please contact: parsonroby.saugusdar@gmail.com. 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