Enjoying Mississippi’s Sunny Hospitality, Then Warmed by New York Support

National news headlines in recent weeks had shared the heartbreaking images of the tremendous flooding that devastated Jackson, Miss. And so, with my official visit with the Magnolia State Daughters scheduled to be held there, I was concerned for their safety and their ability to carry on with their 114^th State Conference. But I should have known by now to never underestimate our Daughters. Carry on they did – and oh, what a time we had!

Mississippi State Regent Helen Hicks Polk staged a marvelous three-day event that honored everything we value in the meaningful purpose of DAR membership, and her gracious and dedicated Daughters welcomed both returning and first-time attendees, as well as out-of-state guests, with warm kindnesses abounding. There was plenty of sunshine despite the overcast skies.

Of course, these ladies know a great deal about hospitality, as they are the proud owners of Rosalie, an 1823 Greek Revival Mansion in Natchez that they rescued in 1938. It is a magnificent example of our National Society’s devotion to historic preservation, and I commend the Mississippi Daughters past and present who have devoted so much of themselves to the upkeep of their beloved “Lady on the Bluff.”  Mrs. Polk’s symbol is the beautiful sundial from the Rosalie Gardens, with her theme inspired by its inscription: Lighting our paths through deeds of service.

(Learn more at www.RosalieMansion.com and meet Mrs. Polk here.

My official visit began with attendance at their moving Memorial Service, conducted at the historic St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral, with hundreds of Daughters in attendance. Every thoughtful detail was touching, but especially the beautiful accompaniment provided by four young people from the Belhaven University String Ensemble, one of whose grandmothers was memorialized in the service.  The 1902 Gothic cathedral was a magnificent setting – with its striking, symbolic stained glass windows and pointed arches. I felt privileged to join them in recalling the service of the dozens of Mississippi Daughters who passed in the prior year. 

Mrs. Reeves is gracious and delightful in every way – and guess what? Eligible for membership, too! I know that our Mississippi Daughters will be hard at work preparing her DAR Application in the weeks ahead. We should all do more to reach out to community leaders like Mrs. Reeves to offer them the opportunity to join our vibrant service organization. They make great ambassadors for Today’s DAR

I was particularly grateful to see so many Daughters wear RED to Remember Everyone Deployed on Friday, as we attended the stirring National Defense Luncheon with its speaker, Col. Marcia L. Quigley, Commander of the 81^st Mission Support Group at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi. 

I am so grateful to represent such outstanding women in service to God, Home and Country. Your generosity and your dedication are inspiring, as we Rise and Shine for America!