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Monica Newbury from Oakland Cemetery receives Texas Patriot Award
By James Butler Bonham Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas
Apr 15, 2026
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Dallas, Texas -- On Saturday, April 11, at the Annual Oakland Cemetery Picnic fundraiser in Dallas, the James Butler Bonham Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas awarded Monica Newbury the 2026 Texas Patriot Award. Monica has worked tirelessly for over a decade to preserve the history in one of the most historic cemeteries in Dallas, Texas.



Fifteen years ago, the Alamo Missions Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas started the tradition of awarding those who have gone above and beyond in preserving Texas history with the Texas Patriot Award. The James Butler Bonham chapter, in their 95th year of existence, decided to start honoring Texans in North Texas with this prestigious award as well. 

“It is so important to perpetuate the memory of our ancestors and preserve the incredible history of our great state. When we first met Monica and saw her passion which drives the incredible work she is doing in preserving the history of Oakland Cemetery, we knew she had to be our first recipient. Monica is not just the Administrator; she is the heartbeat of this cemetery.” Ashley Schick, James Butler Bonham Chapter President said.


Oakland cemetery boasts a 47-acre beautiful park-like setting that was established in 1892. The reverent grounds are the final resting place to over 25,000 including many prominent and well-known Texans, community leaders and Veterans. Oakland cemetery received the Historic Texas Cemetery designation in 2022 and is an eco-system that holds over 1500 species of native plants and animals. On Saturday, after a brief rain shower, the sun broke through and many longtime supporters showed up to support, celebrate, honor and remember the legacy of so many. If you want to be buried in Dallas amongst the bluebonnets, there are still burial plots available at the cemetery and the staff can be reached through their website at FriendsofOaklandCemetery.org.  

Congratulations to Monica Newbury for receiving the Texas Patriot Award 2026 from the James Butler Bonham Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. 

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) is a nonprofit organization of over 7,000 women descended from citizens of the Republic of Texas - a sovereign nation from 1836 to 1846.  Organized in 1891, DRT continues to grow and through its committed volunteers and more than 90 chapters to perpetuate the spirit of Texas independence; encourage historical research; and aid in the preservation of documents and historically significant properties such as the Alamo Complex and French Legation.  For more about DRT, visit www.drtinfo.org.