Today's DAR
If in the aftermath of the pandemic you have any doubt that America is reopening or that DAR is thriving, consider my recent weekend travel. I traversed 1,600 miles from the coast of Maine to the sunshine of Florida proudly representing our National Society and sharing the excitement of DAR through inspiring events that illustrated our vibrant mission of service is very much alive and well.
From Maine to the Magic Kingdom
On Friday, the majority of our Executive team attended ceremonies to dedicate a “tipping grove” of Remembrance Trees on the Wreaths Across America acreage in Columbia Falls, Maine. The grove honors our Patriot Ancestors, and you may participate by having a “dog tag” placed on a tree in honor of your own Patriot! There is no cost to participate in this effort, about which you can find more information here. Every three years, Wreaths Across America will cut the “tips” from this grove for use in creating the more than 2 million wreaths that are placed on veterans’ graves across the country. What a wonderful way to honor our Patriot ancestors – and how moving to think that this “living” symbol of their memory will make its way into wreaths to honor the men and women who followed them in service to our nation. You may watch the short dedication ceremony here.
I am immensely proud to report that with nearly 700 DAR chapters now participating in the WAA effort, we have become the largest volunteer group taking part in honoring the graves of those who have served in the Armed Forces. Ceremonies are held each December at nearly 250 locations around the world, including several overseas. Our National Society is also the sponsor of the WAA traveling education exhibit that educates participants in the organization’s mission to “Remember – Honor - Teach” about the service and sacrifice of our military.
Thank you to all of our members who are taking part in this annual observance during this administration, and, in particular, to DAR Service for Veterans Chair Kristine Wood and her WAA Vice Chair Brenda Kaesler for coordinating our visit and the project. I express my sincere appreciation to Morrill and Karen Worcester, who founded the organization in 2007, and who were honored at Continental Congress shortly thereafter for their commitment to the memory of our veterans. We are proud to have Karen as a member. They served as our hosts throughout a busy visit that included touring their museum and visiting several monuments on their 66,000 acres, including a new one that honors military and flight crew members lost on a 1962 U.S. secret mission to Vietnam but who are not listed on the Vietnam Wall here in Washington, D.C.
We next toured the Burnham Tavern Museum, which is operated by members of the Hanna Weston Chapter in Machias, ME. Built in 1770 as a meeting place for local militia, the tavern became a hospital for the wounded following the Battle of Machias River, the first naval battle of the American Revolution in June 1775. I am so proud of our DAR members who volunteer at sites such as these, demonstrating our timeless commitment to not only historic preservation but also the men and women who achieved American independence. Huzzah – and thank you!
My next stop was a brief visit with Valdine Atwood, who served as Maine State Regent 1980-1983. A 67-year member, Valdine is proud that she has welcomed 80 women into DAR through her work as the local chapter regent -- though she quickly points out that her mother completed Applications for 150 Daughters! (Wow!) Valdine is still going strong – and is currently working on several sets of papers. (And she wants me to issue a challenge to each of you: who will be YOUR 202ONE new member?)
On Sunday, I flew to Orlando, Florida, to commemorate Flag Day by honoring the Security forces at Disney World. The National Society was proud to present a proclamation and individual certificates of commendation during a private, early-morning ceremony on Main Street USA to the dozens of Disney World Security personnel who voluntarily stepped forward as individuals to ceremoniously raise and lower The Flag of the United States of America throughout the pandemic — even when the park was completely closed for four months.
Each day, they offered to complete the morning and evening ceremonies to raise/lower the Flag with due and proper respect — doing so as American citizens who decided to honor the Stars and Stripes though all other activities were halted at the park and there were no crowds to witness their daily ceremonies. Florida Daughter Anita Maiworm learned of their patriotism and worked with the National Society to organize this recognition of the deserving 77 “cast members” from the Security team (composed of many retired law enforcement and military personnel). Three Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies also volunteered to take part in the flag raising/lowering when they learned it continued despite the park closure; they were also recognized. Our National Society was honored salute these patriotic Americans for their act of respect for our beloved national symbol.
“Doing this was not dictated or initially approved by Disney management, but inspired by their love and respect for our Flag, these men and women knew in their hearts this was the right thing to do,” said Anita Maiworm, a member of the Estero Island Chapter, who organized the recognition ceremony, which was conducted in two parts. First, the color guard raised the Flag; Pledge of Allegiance was recited; and the proclamation was read and presented. Next, as the park was opening, our group of moved backstage so that each “cast member’ could receive an individual certificate of appreciation along with our thanks.
The ceremonial raising of the Flag of the U.S.A. is done daily at the Magic Kingdom, and one veteran or active duty military member visiting the park is selected to be honored each day for his/her service. It took nine months to gain the necessary security and corporate approvals to conduct yesterday’s event. I am immensely grateful to Mrs. Maiworm and Marguerite Fritsch, National Chair of The Flag of United States of America Committee, for making possible this ceremony.
With women like these spreading our mission from Maine to the Magic Kingdom and everywhere in between, I am completely confident that DAR is back – bigger, better and more vibrant than ever before. Ladies: make some magic wherever YOU are!
(Many more photos of these events are available on my official Facebook page: DAR President General. Please follow along my journey to enjoy all of the exciting things happening in Today’s DAR!)
