Celebrating at Service to America Night

Last evening’s Educational Awards Night was inspiring. Recognizing these students and educators who are so passionate about history is always motivating. I am in awe of these young people and their amazing work. The essay winners each read a portion of their essays and it was clear why they were chosen as our national winners!

Congratulations to the 2019 Outstanding Junior, Melissa Wetzel! The Outstanding Junior Contest exists to recognize members who are 35 years old or younger who devote themselves to DAR with service that is above and beyond, while also balancing the demands of families, homes, careers and other civic and religious service.

Melissa is a member of General David Forman-Penelope Hart Chapter in New Jersey and has served as a National Vice Chair, Division Vice Chair, State Chair and Chapter Officer. She has also paged at her State Conference and Continental Congress and she serves as one of my Chief Personal Pages. She has participated in the NSDAR Patriot Records Project and serves as a Senior Leader for the Children of the American Revolution. She and her husband have one son, Aiden. Congratulations Melissa!

This morning I gathered with Sustaining Supporters in honor of the 5 year anniversary of the program. I am so thankful for their dedication and generosity to our National Society. Visit the Development table in the Constitution Hall Lobby or at the Grand Hyatt to learn how you can join.

Today will resume daytime business sessions, where we will begin to hear the reports of the State Regents. We will also hear the nominations of candidates for Executive Office, Honorary Vice President General and Vice Presidents General. The business sessions of Congress are a great place to gain new ideas for projects or initiatives from State Regents’ reports that you can take back to your own states and chapters. I encourage you to attend and learn about the outstanding work that DAR is doing across the country.

The Lineage Research Committee is having their Afternoon Networking Social today. This is a great event where members can meet and network with experienced and talented researchers, explore the committee’s resources and discover how they can help your chapter grow.

Later this evening I will attend the Founders Club celebration.  It will be a privilege to express our gratitude to those who are creating a legacy for NSDAR through their estate planning to provide for the future needs of the Society.

Service to America Night is going to be a fun experience for Congress attendees. We will be celebrating your amazing dedication to the Service to America initiative and this will be your opportunity to interact with your National Chairs and learn more about their committees.

Dr. Carol Berkin will be our featured speaker this evening as she discusses the research that went into her book, Revolutionary Mothers: Women in the Struggle for America’s Independence.

I am looking forward to seeing you all there!