Hoosiers, Hospitality, Hearts and Honoring (Veterans) = Happiness!

I was delighted when brand-new Indiana State Regent Cherie Bonebright Baxter, who was installed into office during the virtual ceremony conducted at the 130th Continental Congress on July 4, invited me to attend an in-state, in-person ceremony to formally place her “sash” in Indianapolis this past weekend. Though my time with these outstanding Daughters was too short (just about 24 hours!), every minute of it was enjoyable and educational. Their evident joy and excitement about involvement in our mission reassured me that we have, indeed, exited the pandemic ready to get back to the good works of DAR.

I was so impressed by the City of Indianapolis.  Did you know that the Indiana War Memorial District is a National Historic Landmark District on the National Register of Historic Places? No other city in the United States maintains as many acres dedicated to honoring those who have worn the uniform of our nation. Only Washington D.C. has more monuments honoring veterans and military conflicts. To visit here is to be reminded of the sacrifices made by generations of American service personnel that we might live as a free and independent people.

After a delightful informal dinner there with dozens of Daughters upon my arrival on Saturday evening, we adjourned to monument park to enjoy an astounding patriotic light display cast upon the skyscrapers surrounding the circle. The “Signature Salute” plays nightly, 365 days a year. Coordinated audio, video and light projections featuring sounds and images of historic significance unfold across the surrounding building facades and statues on the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Four beams of light soar skyward to light the figure of Victory atop the monument, signaling Indianapolis as the Crossroads of America. The Armed Services Medley, America the Beautiful and our National Anthem are all played – and if you have not experienced this, please consider a visit to this patriotic place. It will be worth the trip!

Imagine my surprise when our own National Society was featured in this stirring program! For up on the buildings in massive letters came “DAR Rise & Shine!” as part of the light show in larger-than-life letters. (View a video of this display here.) I was so touched that local Daughters made these special arrangements. I thank them for their thoughtfulness. “Wow” seems the only word to convey my surprise and happiness!

It is little surprise that Mrs. Baxter intends to honor veterans with her State Regent’s Project given the vast appreciation for our servicemembers on full display in her state. Her theme for her administration is “Indiana Daughters, We have the Heart for DAR!”  And she has selected a companion bible verse of Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

It certainly did my heart good to spend time with these devoted (and fun!) members, who hosted two receptions in my honor. I was deeply impressed by their gracious hospitality and their dedication to our mission.  I am also exceptionally grateful for their generous donation of $5,000 toward The Next Act, my President General’s Project to restore DAR Constitution Hall. In fact, my own heart is overflowing with happiness and gratitude for the many pleasures of this all-too-brief visit to America’s heartland. Thank you, Mrs. Baxter and all of the Indiana Daughters, for the privilege of joining you!