Daughters of the American Revolution convene in Washington D.C.
The nation’s capital welcomed more than 3,500 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution during the last week of June. Members of the Col. David Hall Chapter, based in Lewes, were in attendance at the 122nd Continental Congress, the annual convention. The DAR Continental Congress is a time-honored tradition that has been held in Washington, D.C., as the annual national meeting of the membership since the organization’s founding 123 years ago. National, state and chapter leaders from around the world meet at DAR National Headquarters to report on the year’s work, honor outstanding award recipients, plan future initiatives and reconnect with friends.
Highlights of the convention included opening night guest speakers Leigh Keno of “Antiques Roadshow,” who received the DAR Historic Preservation Recognition Award, and Rich Little, comedian and voice-over actor, who received the DAR Americanism Award, given to a distinguished naturalized citizen.
On National Defense Night, an evening honoring the nation’s military, the keynote address was delivered by Vice Admiral Robin R. Braun, U.S. Navy, and Lt. Gen. Claude “Mick” Kicklighter, U.S. Army (Ret.), provided remarks as director of the DoD Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration. Additional awards that evening were presented to the Army Nurse of the Year and outstanding volunteers for veterans. On Saturday evening, Ambassador John Limbert was honored with the Medal of Honor at the Gala Awards Banquet. Actress Connie Stevens was presented with the Founders Medal for Patriotism, and the films "Honor Flight" and "Girl Rising" received DAR Media Awards. During the week, the DAR also honored the Outstanding Teacher of American History and the DAR American history essay contest winners.
"It's inspiring to see more than 3,500 members travel to Washington to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year to preserve the past, enhance the present and invest in the future," said President General Merry Ann T. Wright. "Attendees show great enthusiasm to participate in seminars and workshops during the conference to enhance their work of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism back in their communities. The reports given at our Continental Congress make it clear that the DAR is playing an important role in cities and towns across America."
Chapter delegates in attendance at the Congress were State Regent Marjorie Frampton of Lewes; Dorothy Barrett Wiker of Long Neck and Deborah Wiker Brody of Shamong, N.J. While at Congress, they attended a weeklong schedule of business sessions, committee meetings and social functions, as well as formal evening ceremonies at which national DAR award winners were honored.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, go to www.DAR.org or www.youtube.com/TodaysDAR.
