Fox Valley DAR members attend annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
More than 4,000 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution convened on June 26-30 in the nation’s capital for the 133rd Continental Congress, the latest gathering of the long-standing service organization’s annual meeting.
The weeklong convention consisted of business sessions, committee meetings, and social functions, and was topped off with formal evening ceremonies at which national DAR award winners were honored.
In attendance were voting delegates Chapter Regent Jamie Herrmann, Hampshire, IL, and Organizing Chapter Regent and Parliamentarian Catherine Carlton, Woodstock, IL, members of the Fox River Valley Chapter located in Algonquin, IL.
At the opening night ceremony, Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, received the DAR History Award Medal.
The National Defense Night Ceremony, celebrating our nation’s military personnel and veterans, welcomed Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Other national awards were presented during the week to outstanding individuals celebrating excellence in historic preservation, education and patriotism. While at congress, members attended Sparkle in Service Night, Illinois Supper, Patriotism Luncheon, Virginia Luncheon, State Vice Regent Luncheon, and Celebration of DAR Philanthropy.
The chapter received Gold level for American Spirit subscriptions. Herrmann served as vice chair on the Corridor Hostess Committee and participated in the DAR All-American Chorus. Carlton served in Insignia Sales. “It’s always a blessing to come together in our ‘House Beautiful’ as a family to celebrate our many and varied achievements,” Herrmann said.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Continental Congress provides a way for members to come together and sparkle with each other, celebrating our country’s distinct history from the national level down to their individual communities,” said Pamela Rouse Wright, President General. “We are excited that 4,000 dedicated Daughters come together in our nation’s capital at DAR Headquarters to celebrate their service and accomplishments for the organization. While reflecting on the past year’s successes, Daughters also plan how DAR can continue as an even better patriotic service organization in the years to come.”
The DAR Continental Congress is a time-honored annual gathering that has been held in Washington, D.C. since the organization’s founding. National, state and chapter leaders as well as other members from across the country and around the world meet at the DAR National Headquarters to report on the year’s work, honor outstanding award recipients, plan future initiatives and reconnect with friends.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the Patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.
Learn about the Fox Valley DAR at facebook.com/FoxRiverValleyDAR/.