Today's DAR
My President General’s journey afforded me two outstanding opportunities to gather with our members in support of our mission last weekend, and I am delighted to share highlights with you – though no short blog summary can do justice to the range of emotions that I experienced attending these unique events.
Inspiring Visits in this Land that I Love!
Maryland – September 9
Allow me to express my deepest thanks to Maryland State Regent Mernie Crane for extending an invitation for me to attend a lecture and exhibition opening at the Governor’s Reception Room in the Maryland State House. The event was hosted by Historic Annapolis in the same inspiring building where Washington resigned his military commission. S.A.R. President General Davis L. Wright joined us for the spectacular evening.
The keynote speaker was David M. Rubenstein, author of “The American Experience: Dialogues on a Dream.” Mr. Rubenstein is a billionaire philanthropist who has contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to public monuments, museums and historic sites in what he calls his practice of “patriotic philanthropy.” His presentation was fascinating (and hilarious!) -- and his love of country is obvious. (Learn more about his unique perspective on honoring our nation’s past through this brief earlier interview.
The event also launched the new exhibit here of “Founding Freedoms: The Essential American Documents,” a rare opportunity to view important 18th- and 19th-century copies of foundational documents, together with the original, hand-written speech given by George Washington at the Maryland State House in 1783, when he resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Mr. Rubenstein has loaned several of his personal documents for this awe-inspiring exhibit. Historic Annapolis offers guided tours; visit annapolis.org/other/visit-founding-freedoms for more information. “Founding Freedoms” will be on display and accessible to the public at the Maryland State House until Nov. 14, 2021.
Kansas – September 10-11
Kansas State Regent Susan Metzger and her remarkable Kansas Daughters provided what may very well be the “sunniest” welcome I have yet to receive, as they escorted me to a huge sunflower farm! Acre after acre, as far as the eye could see, filled with bright and sunny flowers – how beautiful and how special, indeed! I will never forget the image of it!
I was honored to be a part of this vibrant two-day meeting held in Junction City – for the Kansas Daughters did not slow down during the pandemic, as they are growing, serving and reconnecting in all sorts of vibrant ways. I was especially grateful to provide 100-Percent Participation certificates to more than two thirds of the chapters here in support of our President General’s Project. They have been exceptionally generous to the campaign, through Mrs. Metzger’s State Regent’s Project, and they have erected an American 250 marker, as well.
I am also grateful to them for wearing red to Remember Everyone Deployed on Friday – it is just one small and easy way that we can show our support for the men and women who wear the uniform of our nation. As a Blue Star Mother, I was especially touched by their thoughtfulness.
Saturday, we marked the 20th anniversary of September 11 with insightful remarks from Gen. Richard Myers, who was Acting Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff on Sept. 11, 2001, and who became the Chairman on Oct. 1, 2001. In this capacity, he served as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council during the earliest stages of the War on Terror, including planning and execution of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Listening to his unique experiences, including being in the Pentagon at the time of the attack and his decisions in the hours/days that followed, was fascinating. He currently serves as President of Kansas State University.
Following Gen. Myers’ presentation, members were transported to a moving Memorial Service at the First United Methodist Church, followed by a wreath laying and ceremony at the Geary County Law Enforcement Memorial in commemoration of the September 11 attacks. The event was made all the more touching by the attendance of members of the community’s police force, including its chief.
I am immensely proud of the Kansas Daughters for all that they are accomplishing in support of our mission – please take a few moments to learn more through this short interview with Mrs. Metzger.
I thank Mrs. Crane and Mrs. Metzger for allowing me to be their guest at these simply outstanding events – I am so proud to be a member of Today’s DAR! You will find more photos, and lots more interesting content, by following me on my Facebook Page: DAR President General.
