Priscilla Bruce Roberts, a seventh generation Texan, is the daughter of Olan Hanford Bruce and Jeanne Marie Lusk Bruce. She was married to the late Major General James Milnor Roberts. Mrs. Roberts’ ancestors arrived in the 1600s and settled at various places from New England to Virginia. Mrs. Roberts currently resides in Arlington, Virginia.
Priscilla B. Roberts has unusually diverse interests: business, cultural, political, military and defense, philanthropic, and spiritual. Not a by-stander, she is a person of action who thinks creatively and successfully motivates others toward team success.
Memberships
Colonial Dames of America (Chapter III First Vice President)
Daughters of Cincinnati
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (former State Regent, District of Columbia; John Alexander Chapter, Alexandria, Virginia)
National Society Americans of Royal Descent
One Hundred Living Descendants of Blood Royal
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the United States of America
Order of Three Crusades 1096-1192
Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia,
Order of Americans of Armorial Ancestry
Society of Descendants of Knights of the Garter (UK; Descendant Member)
Order of the Descendants of the Justiciars (Chaplain General)
Order of Descendants of Colonial Cavaliers (Historian General)
National Society of Daughters of the American Colonists-State Librarian
National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims (Virginia Branch)
Daughters of the Republic of Texas (Founding President of the Elizabeth Nay Chapter of Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia)
Order of the Merovingian Dynasty (Advisor)
Society of Daughters of Holland Dames
Society of the Daughters of Holland Dames
United Daughters of the Confederacy (Mary Custis Lee 17th Virginia Regiment Chapter, Virginia)
National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century
Military Order of the Crusades
Baronial Order of Magna Charta
Dutch Colonial Society
Magna Charta Dames and Barons
Most Noble Order of the Garter
Sovereign Colonial Society of Americans of Royal Descent
Plantagenet Society
Order of the Norman Conquest
Order Descendants of Lady Godiva
Honors
Among a lifetime of achievements, awards, and honors, Priscilla B. Roberts cites the following as most satisfying:
USS LST 325One of Priscilla B. Roberts’ greatest achievements was bringing home to the United States from Greece the USS LST 325, a ship from D Day, June 6, 1944, which was remembered by her late husband, Major General J. Milnor Roberts from the beaches of Normandy. While serving on the staff of Texas Congressman Ralph Hall, Mrs. Roberts worked tenaciously over a period of several years to achieve this victory in the Defense Authorization Act of 2000. It was her assignment alone and she coordinated outreach to an extensive range of offices including the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Embassy of Greece. Just one of her accomplishments in the entire project was interfacing with the British Petroleum Company, with the result that BP agreed to donate all the fuel needed for the ship to sail from Greece back to the United States. The USS LST Ship Memorial designated Mrs. Roberts as an Honorary Crewmember in gratitude for her “exceptional help and services performed on behalf of The USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc.” In view of the success of the project, Mrs. Roberts accepted an invitation in 2004 and spoke on the subject to an audience of several hundred in Portsmouth, England.
Washington, D.C. Memorial Day ParadeIn conjunction with the 2004 dedication of the National World War II Memorial, Priscilla B. Roberts was co-founder, along with her late husband Major General J. Milnor Roberts, of the Washington, D.C. Memorial Day Parade. As reported by The Washington Post, the theme for the 2004 parade was “Parade Salute to World War II Veterans,” with 200 organizations participating and 40 bands marching. Mayor Anthony Williams was so moved by the parade that he supported its being an annual event in our Nation’s capital. The parade has continued to be held each Memorial Day. The parade is broadcast worldwide on the Military Channel, the Pentagon Channel, and on the Armed Forces Network
The Southern Heritage BallWhen living in Texas, Priscilla B. Roberts co-founded the Confederate Ball of Houston, since re-named The Southern Heritage Ball. The Ball celebrates General Robert E. Lee’s birthday with a Debutante Ball. The overall purpose of the Ball is to raise money for projects that preserve southern history and heritage. The Ball makes donations to an array of scholarships and gives substantial funds for the repair and upkeep of various museums and cemeteries. The annual formal event, still going strong for almost 50 years, is attended by more than 300 ladies and gentlemen. The Debutantes are presented at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston with full regalia, including horses and carriages.
Registry Cotillion DancersIn celebration of the Bicentennial of the United States, Priscilla B. Roberts organized and led a performing company of teenagers (sons and daughters of members of historic lineal societies) who performed dances popular in America through the 1860s. Priscilla Roberts led the group as it toured the South all the way from Houston, Texas…to Natchez, Mississippi…to Saint Augustine, Florida. The dance group received the “American Heritage” award from the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.
Radio PersonalityProducer and Co-Host (along with her late husband, Major General J. Milnor Roberts) of three radio interview shows: “The Greatest Generation,” “Front and Center,” and “Generally Speaking” (all broadcast from Washington, DC). Mrs. Roberts retains possession of the recording tapes of five years of interviews with members of the Greatest Generation. Mrs. Roberts conducted research, booked the guests, and participated in the interviews.
PhilanthropistDonor to the Congressional Cemetery (Washington, DC) of marble benches and five large trees in the Elbridge Gerry Grove in memory and honor of her late husband, Major General J. Milnor Roberts, and in honor of the National Society of Sons of the American Revolution and the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.
Donor to National Defense University’s Special Collections (Washington, D.C.) of plans for the Allied Invasion of Normandy which had been given to her late husband, Major General J. Milnor Roberts, when he served on D Day during World War II. Mrs. Roberts receives annual recognition for this magnificent gift.
Donor to the Hereditary Society Community of the Major General James Milnor Roberts and Priscilla Bruce Roberts Scholarship Fund.
Donor to Gettysburg College of the Major General J. Milnor Roberts Outstanding ROTC Award.
Donor to National Defense University of the Major General J. Milnor Roberts Outstanding Student Award.
Chivalric
Commandeur, The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, Grand Priory of the United States of America; Member, Priory of Saint King Charles the Martyr.
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