Outgoing state President Kay Tatum was presented the Spirit of 1812 Medal at the United States Daughters of 1812 107th virtual state council recently.
The Spirit of 1812 Medal is awarded to an individual or to an organization with a distinguished record of study, promotion and dedication to the preservation of the history of people, places and events of the War of 1812, a news release said. The purpose of the award is to recognize and thank those who are "keeping the history of the War of 1812 alive. It is the highest award given by the National Society U.S.D. 1812," it said.
Nominated by state Chairman Mary-Reid Warner, "all agreed Tatum has gone far and beyond her duties as State President. As State President serving while also Pine Bluff Chapter President, it was noted her achievements included exceptional support of Veterans. During her term, the Arkansas Society donated over $95,000 worth of items for Veterans. Volunteer hours pre-COVID were 8,700 hours during 2018-2019. Tatum is also a VA Volunteer and assisted in the No Veterans Dies Alone program implementation at the Central Arkansas VA Healthcare centers," the release said.
During her three-year administration, she instituted the Arkansas Society Patriot Award and awarded the first one to Mikel Brooks founder of "We Are The 22" a veteran volunteer suicide prevention group, it said.
One of her "most significant" accomplishments was the addition of 634 names of War of 1812 patriots to the state Capitol War of 1812 Memorial Fountain. "This was during a time when monuments were being attacked and a sensitive issue. Working with vendors and the Secretary of State Commission she produced a professional application, exacting in detail, that satisfied the commission," the release said.
Warner estimated Tatum has traveled, on behalf of the society, nearly 6,000 miles attending "countless events."
This award has only been given to four other Arkansans.