Fox River Valley Chapter attends DAR National Convention in Washington, D.C.
More than 4,000 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently convened in the nation's capital for the 128th Continental Congress, the latest gathering of the long-standing service organization's annual meeting. The weeklong convention with business sessions, committee meetings, and social functions is topped off with formal evening ceremonies where national DAR award winners are honored. In attendance was Laurie Sutherland of the Fox River Valley Chapter, which is based in Algonquin, Illinois.
Laurie Sutherland, Regent, was awarded national second place in the Literature and Drama Category for her poem "Hand-Me-Down" in the 2019 DAR American Heritage Committee contest. Her winning poem was on display in the American Heritage contest exhibit during Continental Congress. Sutherland was also awarded first place in the North Central Division for her essay titled, "The Sharent Trap: Digital Footprints of Young Children," submitted for the DAR Women's Issues Committee Contest.
Catherine Carlton, Organizing Regent and National Vice Chairman for Commemorative Events: 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, launched DAR's yearlong celebration during Service to America Night. Her popular display featured "Votes for Women," honoring the 19th Amendment and also the pioneering work of suffragettes - many were DAR members in the 1910s and '20s - including Susan B. Anthony.
The Fox River Valley Chapter received 15 awards during Continental Congress, including attaining the 2016-2019 Summit Level Chapter. History was also made in 2019 with the chapter's record-setting accomplishment: four-peat grand prize winners of the Spread the American Spirit Contest. Honorary Chapter Regent Gayla Fell was presented with the prestigious DAR Magazine Traveling Trophy during Continental Congress. The grand prize package included a private tour of the President General's offices and VIP seating in Constitution Hall.
At the opening night ceremony, Alex Trebek was honored in absentia with the DAR Americanism Award, and the ceremony featured a performance by Dean Malissa, the world's leading portrayer of George Washington. The National Defense Night Ceremony, honoring our nation's military personnel and veterans, welcomed Lieutenant General Nadja West, Surgeon General of the United States Army. Other national awards were handed out during the week to outstanding individuals celebrating excellence in historic preservation, education and patriotism.
"As our more than 4,000 dedicated DAR members gather in one place, their energy produces inspiration, creative breakthroughs and true camaraderie," said Ann T. Dillon, President General. "We are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the hard work and accomplishments of the past year, including the donation of hundreds of thousands of dollars to preservation, education and patriotic endeavors and the contribution of millions of hours of volunteer service in our communities. The reports presented at Continental Congress offer irrefutable proof that the DAR remains a relevant, vital and multifaceted force in cities and towns across the country."
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 185,000 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.
For information on joining the DAR and assistance with the application process, contact the chapter's Registrar, Joan Longmire, at (847) 961-6381 or geniejoan@comcast.net.