Together for April Executive Board Week!

Fully vaccinated and cleared for travel, the members of your Executive Committee gathered in person for the first time in 14 months to conduct deliberations last week – socially distanced but joyfully reunited within the confines of the National Officers Club. It was so delightful to once again see their smiles and enjoy their company – our National Society is blessed to have such women in leadership roles.

Social events of the week included the 105^th consecutive wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon; Sunshine Lunches staged by Mrs. Bork (an “Egg-Cellent Easter Brunch”) and Mrs. McFall (an “Oklahoma Boxed Lunch”); and the opportunity to participate in raising Flags of the United States of America high above DAR Constitution Hall as part of that committee’s program to offer them (through the DAR Store) as treasured keepsakes for members, speakers and other honorees. It felt so darn good to once again enjoy these familiar traditions as part of an administration that has been so severely impacted by the restrictions of the pandemic!

- Allocated $250,518 in funds to various programs and committees as designated by chapters through their 2020 Chapter Achievement Award submissions: $71,011 for Historic Preservation, $67,622 for Education, $64,322 for Patriotic and $47,563 for Membership/Administration.

- Provided $150,000 in funding to become an official sponsor of the “Founding the Nation Gallery” at the new National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Va.

- Awarded $100,000 to three shelters providing support to homeless female veterans through the Vivian’s Outreach to Women (VOW) grants from the Vivian Luther Schafer Fund for Indigent and Homeless Women. We will not forget these women and their sacrifice on behalf of our nation.

- Provided funding for ten students to attend the Indian Youth Camps of America’s summer camps programs in Arizona and South Dakota; $10,000 worth of support was also approved to partially fund camp food, lodging, art supplies and field trips. 

- Authorized from the American Indians Fund:  $10,000 to erect a pole barn at the Chemawa Indian School to support its Agricultural Program and $10,000 to Bacone College to fund new kitchen appliances for the Kiva Student Center.

- Created a new DAR America 250! Commendation to recognize non-member individuals and groups that demonstrate extraordinary efforts to raise awareness of Revolutionary War Patriots and/or America’s 250^th Anniversary. Details of this program, which will include a certificate and medal, will be announced once finalized.

All of this support is made possible by the enthusiasm and generosity of our members. On behalf of the VanBuren Administration, I express my gratitude to you for your commitment to our National Society and its enduring mission. Together, we make an astounding difference!