Fox River Valley Chapter sponsors DAR Pathway of the Patriots tree
As part of the preparation for the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States of America securing independence, the Fox River Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is joining the Illinois State Organization DAR in sponsoring one of the 250 trees that will be part of the DAR Pathway of the Patriots along the Schuylkill River Trail.
On Nov. 16, 2018, the official nationwide planning began with the inaugural meeting of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Lynn Forney Young, Honorary DAR President General, represented the Daughters of the American Revolution at the meeting.
Young is one of only 16 private citizens who were appointed by bipartisan members of Congress to serve as commissioners alongside eight members of Congress and nine federal government officials.
The United States Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress in July 2016, assumes the task of facilitating nationwide plans to observe the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Leading up to the commemoration, this body will play a central role in shaping the anniversary narrative on a national level.
Members of the group will solicit ideas about how to mark the anniversary, meet to develop a plan, submit recommendations for the consideration of the President and Congress, and assist with the execution of the approved itinerary.
While in Philadelphia, Commissioner Young participated in a tree planting ceremony to introduce the DAR Pathway of the Patriots along the Schuylkill River Trail.
The Pathway, a partnership between DAR, USA250, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, is a gift to the nation on behalf of the DAR, which will result in 250 new trees planted along the trail in memory of Revolutionary War patriots.
Each of the 250 trees honoring individual patriots will be featured in a companion online resource in order to raise awareness of those who helped achieve American Independence.
The project in Illinois is led by Catherine Carlton, the Illinois DAR State Organizing Secretary and Organizing Regent of the Fox River Valley Chapter.
According to Carlton, "The generosity of Illinois members has been outstanding in supporting this project to honor our patriot ancestors and celebrate our nation's semiquincentennial anniversary."
Illinois' tree on the DAR Pathway of the Patriots will be named in honor of Illinois' Revolutionary War Patriot Father Pierre Gibault, "the Patriot Priest."
To learn more about DAR membership and upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/FoxRiverValleyDAR/.
For information on joining the DAR and assistance with the application process, contact Chapter Registrar Joan Longmire at geniejoan@comcast.net or (847) 961-6381.
Other questions may be directed to Chapter Regent Laurie Sutherland at frvdar@gmail.com.
For more information on DAR's involvement with preparations for America's 250th Anniversary, visit www.dar.org/America250.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence.
For more than 125 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America's freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots.
The nonprofit, nonpolitical women's service organization has more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide.
Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism.
To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.dar.org.