The Maryland State Conference

Following a short break after the Memorial Service, the conference reconvened for the “Honoring Our American Legion Post Commanders’ Luncheon.” Maryland Daughters recognized and honored the American Legion, an organization that supports our veterans as they celebrate their 100^th anniversary this year. The Department of Maryland Commander David J. Johnson provided an overview of the significance of the American Legion and then each Post Commander was honored with a certificate, the State Regent’s Challenge Coin, and a donation to their Post. Maryland Daughters honored 21 Post Commanders among which included a 98-year-old Veteran who was the last man standing in his Marine unit at Okinawa Campaign

Opening Night made its debut on the Big Screen at the Flickering Treasurers Banquet. The evening opened with entertainment by the Revolutionary Warblers featuring New York Daughters, Elysia Segal and Gyda Saubaugh. Their performance included historical tidbits about the musical selections all of which were chosen from movies from the early days of the theater up until today. The Maryland Daughters thoroughly enjoyed the Warblers’ performance, and singing along, too!

Two of the weekend’s Special Guests included Delaware State Regent, Susan Meade-Beachell and Pennsylvania State Regent, Cyndy Sweeney, both of whom brought warm greetings to the Maryland Daughters at the banquet.

The Opening Night guest speaker was Amy Davis, who took us on a journey to rediscover forgotten Flickering Treasures of a bygone century of cinema in Baltimore through a sweeping retrospective of its movie theaters. Mrs. Davis is a Photojournalist who has garnered many national awards since joining the staff of The Baltimore Sun in 1987. Her photographs have been exhibited at many museums, area galleries, her work is in the collection of the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, New York, and in private collections.

State Historian, Patti Maclay, led the President General through the World War I “Wall of Remembrance” exhibit which honored family members of Maryland Daughters who served during “The Great War.”

Later in the afternoon, Maryland Daughters who are members of the Heritage Club were treated to a reception with Mrs. Dillon. Each Daughter in attendance had a few moments to visit individually with Mrs. Dillon and then she shared a bit about the status and progress of the NSDAR Headquarters. Mrs. Dillon was kind enough to answer some questions, everyone left with a renewed commitment to our beloved NSDAR Headquarters.

The Evening Banquet opened with a performance by the Air Force Strings Quartet which set the stage for Mrs. Dillon, our keynote speaker. It was also a pleasure to have the Vice President General of the Mid-Atlantic States District NSSAR, Lou Raborg, and James Adkins, the SAR Maryland State President and HODAR of the State Librarian as our guests for the evening. Both Lou and Jim brought greetings to the Maryland DAR and spoke of the important work the two organizations do individually and collaboratively.

The President General’s keynote address was both timely and encouraging. She spoke of the importance of commitment to God, Home, and Country, the National Society, and future generations. Following Mrs. Dillon’s address, the Maryland Daughters presented to her a United States Flag that was flown over Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the National Anthem, to commemorate the celebration of her birthday and a sterling silver charm highlighting Frances Scott Key and the American Flag. The Tipton Administration, the State Chairmen’s and the Junior’s Club each presented a check for the President General’s Project. Then, the Maryland Daughters bid adieu to the President General who was off and away to the Florida State Conference.

Saturday morning began with greetings and a report from the Maryland C.A.R. State President, Daniel Klein. Maryland DAR has long enjoyed a close relationship with Maryland C.A.R. and annually the Daughters look forward to supporting and hearing of the accomplishments of Maryland C.A.R. The morning continued with reports from Chapter Regents and State Chairmen.