Today's DAR
The Americanism Committee is looking forward to another great year of achievement for 2021! This committee oversees the approval process for the DAR Medal of Honor and the DAR Americanism Medal and encourages DAR members to become involved in their local naturalization process and assist new immigrants with citizenship. This committee also encourages participation in patriotic events, flying the Flag of the United States of America, attending school and holiday ceremonies, and distributing flags and flag pins!
Due to closures and restricted access to schools, courthouses, libraries, etc., chapters found extra time and energy for committee activities in 2020. In all, 40 outstanding Americans were honored in 21 states; 12 earned the Americanism Medal and 28 were recognized with the Medal of Honor. Chapters have become extremely creative in support of Americanism activities. Have you ever participated in a virtual parade? Kathy Lowe, Southwestern Division Vice Chair of the Americanism Committee, assisted with an amazing virtual Veterans Day Parade in Nevada. Zoom meetings, drive-by salutes, material-drop-off and outdoor activities are just a few ways that committee members have accomplished their work. Check out the great social-distancing activities below and incorporate a few into your personal or chapter plans; each can be easily modified to meet the needs of you and/or your chapter.
• Refresh your citizenship knowledge by reading the DAR Manual for Citizenship. Provide a display for your library or community center.
• Present the DAR Medal of Honor or Americanism Medal to a worthy recipient. (For information and forms, please visit the Americanism Committee Section of the Members Website)
• Help someone become a Naturalized Citizen by visiting the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website. Visit their Citizenship Resource Center and Citizenship Public Education and Awareness pages for information and outreach materials.
• Research Naturalized Citizens. See who appears and share with your chapter.
• Start a chapter book club focused on outstanding Americans.
• Fly and distribute the U.S. Flag.
• Wear your U.S. Flag pin and give one to a friend.
• Honor an outstanding American with a flag flown over Constitution Hall. Order form .
• Distribute patriotic materials to schools, libraries, and civic organizations (contact the organization in advance for delivery instructions).
• Provide a gift subscription of the American Spirit Magazine to a neighbor, library, or community center.
Please know how much this chair appreciates the work of your chapter’s Americanism Committee. We look forward to seeing your accomplishments in the new year. Please do not hesitate to contact your state, division, or national chair if you have questions or need assistance.
Thank you for Rising and Shining for the Americanism Committee!
(Note: This photo was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.)
