More people than expected attended the Lincoln Day Dinner, held Saturday, Feb. 6, by the Moniteau County Republican Club.
The unexpected influx of people was dealt with in an efficient manner, since the accommodations at the fellowship hall of the California U.C.C. facility allowed for more tables and chairs to be set up. Since caterer Sharon Silvey had made certain there was plenty of food, the event went well. The Republican of the Year Helen Heinen was presented a plaque by outgoing Republican Club President Larry Rohrbach. Winner of the drawing of the traveling George and Barbara Bush House Slippers was very young this year. Landon Leonard, St. Louis, grandson of Abe Rohrbach, is the proud caretaker of the rotating door prize for the next year.
Following the welcome, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Tom Edwards, Navy veteran of Vietnam, Halle Oliver provided violin background music as Matt Oerly recited a story of the origin of "Taps," which Oerly followed by playing it on a trumpet. Trisha Boyle then read the poem "Freedom isn't Free" after which the attendees were led in the singing of "God Bless America" by County Commissioner Tony Barry.
The entertainment was only just beginning. John Hancock, keynote speaker, sat down at the piano and gave a rousing rendition of "12th Street Rag," a well-known ragtime piece of music. Amidst the applause, Club President Larry Rohrbach shouted, "Republicans know how to party!", eliciting another round of applause, along with cheers and laughter.
Leaving the piano, Hancock went to the podium and said, "This is really the most important election in the history of the country. We would have never believed what has happened in the last seven years." He went on to list how poorly Missouri fares in the country, and how the country has come down in status in the world.
Going back in history, Hancock equated the future of the country to a particular time and place during the Civil War - July 2, 1863, at Little Round Top. He reported how a Maine College Professor, Col. Joshua Chamberlain, was given command of the 20th Maine and told to hold Little Round Top. Chamberlain was recovering from a serious illness and was in charge of about 260 soldiers transporting 120 deserters, who were being taken for trial. The location, considered unimportant, turned out to be a turning point, not just in the battle, but also in the war. The Confederates were repulsed several times, and eventually the prisoners joined the fight. After the Union troops were out of ammunition, they were ordered to fix bayonets and charge. They did and successfully routed the Confederates, who went on to lose at Gettysburg, and then later, the war.
Following this stirring account, Hancock said, "This year we have ground to hold - Moniteau County."
Completing his address, he again sat down at the piano. He then performed a lively ragtime piece he himself wrote in 1983. Ragtime music was in its greatest popularity from about 1895 to about 1918. Hancock is Chairman of the Missouri Republican Party and a former two term Missouri State Representative, and spoke following the dinner.
Rep. David Wood, who represents the southern half of the county, gave the prayer before the dinner.
This being a big election year, several office holders and candidates spoke briefly, including Rep. Vicky Hartzler, Sen. Mike Kehoe and Rep. David Wood. Speaking briefly were: John Webb - candidate for 4th District U.S. Congress; gubernatorial candidate Catherine Hanaway, Lt. Gov. candidate Mike Parsons; Secretary of State candidate and current Sen. Will Kraus. Several spoke for specific candidates, including Zoe Soto-Gilbert for gubernatorial candidate John Bruner: Matt Cain for gubernatorial candidate Peter Kinder; Katie Ashcroft for Secretary of State candidate Jay Ashcroft; Daniel Hartman (formerly of California) for Attorney General candidate Josh Hawley. A small book "Battlefield Verses" by John Bruner was presented to people as they were leaving.
Rep. Wood reported that Rep. Caleb Jones, who represents the northern half of the county, was with the family of a child who had just died. That child was the inspiration for legislation, of two years ago, to assist those in pain from illness.
Sen. Kehoe introduced two California people who have worked as part of his staff. Drew Dampf currently is an assistant. Jasmine Wells served as an intern last summer.
Other state and county officials, special guests and state employees were recognized. Thanks were given to all current and military veterans.
Before the auction, Matt Oerly and Halle Oliver returned to the stage to play the "Missouri Waltz" with Oerly on piano and Oliver on violin. The live auction was by auctioneer Don Fahrni.
The incoming Republican Club officers are: Sarah Jones, president; Larry Rohrbach, vice president; Trisha Boyle, secretary; and Ann Perry, treasurer.