Get Involved with the National Defense Committee

“In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.”  President George Washington in his Farewell Address, 1796

Founded in 1926, the National Defense Committee for almost a century has helped promote an enlightened public opinion by bringing our members information pertinent to preserving our American heritage of freedom through protecting the U.S. Constitution, ensuring the survival of our national sovereignty, and maintaining a strong military defense.

Reflecting its roots in what was once the Patriotic Education Committee, the National Defense Committee’s work is based on education, awareness, and appreciation. The committee has three primary roles:

• Providing information and awareness for our members on vital current issues pertaining to the committee’s aims through the National Defender and the committee’s private Facebook group
• Encouraging and rewarding outstanding military cadets in ROTC, Junior ROTC, and non-ROTC military-affiliated programs
• Reaching out into our schools and communities to recognize youth and adults who exemplify the qualities of good citizenship

How can you be involved?

The best way for a member to contribute is to volunteer to be your chapter National Defense chair or co-chair. If you read an article on a National Defense issue at each regular chapter meeting, your chapter qualifies for extra Chapter Achievement Award points for the year. You can use articles from the National Defender or relevant articles from American Spirit or Daughters newsletter. You can also research and present an article you’ve written on a National Defense issue, and then you might consider sending it to the editor of the National Defender for possible publication there.

You can coordinate the chapter’s ROTC/JROTC and Cadet Medal presentations at local schools or other meeting locations. In addition to giving the cadets recognition and appreciation, these presentations can bring publicity, goodwill and maybe potential members for your chapter.

You can also work with your chapter regent to select a local recipient for the Distinguished Citizen Medal. This award can also be presented to groups, such as first responders, police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. Chapters can present two Distinguished Citizen Awards each calendar year; one or both awards can go to a group. When giving a group award, the chapter gives every member of the group a medal and certificate and each recipient is designated a DAR Distinguished Citizen.