I am often asked about the challenges of completing my state visits, as I travel to 25 of the states during the first six months of the year (due to events being postponed into 2022). In truth, meeting with our dedicated members around the world is like a battery connection that recharges my spirits and energy. And after visiting the South Dakota and Colorado Daughters this past weekend, I am fully re-energized and reinvigorated about the work being accomplished by our chapters. Here’s why:
South Dakota, April 28-29
Gathering in historic Sioux Falls, more than 100 South Dakota Daughters celebrated another year of great accomplishments. This is one of the few states that was able to continue to stage its annual gatherings every year, and State Regent Robin Dell Fansler conducted an engaging, enjoyable and informational 108th State Conference that included too many memorable moments to list here. But here are a few of my favorite highlights among many of a conference themed “Fulfilling the Dreams of our Patriots.”
The Thursday night mixer featured volunteer projects involving folding pocket Flags for veterans and sending notes of appreciation to active duty military. During the last year, the State Society led all 10 South Dakota Chapters in staging an outstanding coordinated commitment to the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier across the state and also sponsored an America 250 plaque at the State Capitol. Chapter reports evidenced a particularly strong commitment to our veterans here, including participation in Wreaths Across America and Honor Flights. The Harney Peak Chapter made and distributed Christmas gift bags to female veterans at three area veterans’ facilities. The Mary Chilton and Medary chapters brought supplies to support homeless veterans. Two deserving honorees received beautiful Quilts of Valor to recognize their service to our nation. Later, interesting presentations were offered on topics such as Insignia, Conservation and the Santa Fe Trail.
Imagine my delight when 98-year-old member Carolyn Richards presented me with a beautiful woven scarf that she made on the loom her husband had constructed for her more than 60 years ago. Mrs. Richards worked as a draftswoman during World War II, including hands-on work with the housing for engines that were mounted on airplane wings. She reports that her top-secret work was exciting as she met Charles Lindbergh and Igor Sikorsky through her “Rosie the Riveter” service that often involved donning overalls and climbing over the planes to complete her assignments. Wow!
The reports were full of noteworthy achievements and that illustrated that the pandemic did not slow the work of DAR here in South Dakota. I was so deeply impressed by the camaraderie and kindness of these women – most of whom I had never met yet made me feel as though I was being welcomed home. I was surprised to learn that the original motto of South Dakota was “The Sunshine State” – so, little wonder that I felt so at home given their energetic example of service and sisterhood.
Thank you, Madam State Regent, and South Dakota Daughters for shining your light so brilliantly to inspire future generations of Daughters and South Dakotans
Colorado, April 30-May 1
An early morning flight delivered me safely to Mile High Denver in order to attend the 119th State Conference of the Colorado Daughters. State Regent Colleen Rafferty Joyce is an excellent presiding officer who planned and executed a state conference that was everything a state conference should be: filled with engaging activities, substantive reports, time to celebrate achievements and the opportunity to reconnect in person after the pandemic had transitioned their prior two conferences to a virtual platform.
The chapter reports displayed a deep and impactful dedication to the mission areas of DAR. Constitution Week observances, National DAR Day of Service projects, Vietnam Veteran outreach, state/local academic scholarships and Service Dog support are some examples of their involvement. One chapter sponsored a public seminar on the impact of Alzheimer’s on women; another chapter honored a new citizen who had previously received no formal naturalization ceremony due to pandemic restrictions. A third chapter provided books and blankets to the sailors on board the USS Ronald Reagan. Truly, there was an astounding array of service work reported, all of it making a wonderful statement about the enduring purpose of our service organization.
I thoroughly enjoyed the outstanding Awards luncheon, when American History Essay Contest winners and the State’s Outstanding Teacher of American History were recognized. In addition, Colorado announced its first High School American History Essay Contest award to a student who selected Abigail Adams as the subject of her essay.
Mrs. Joyce leads with a theme of “Soaring Together on Wings of Service and Friendship,” and she chose the beautiful Mountain Bluebird as her symbol. Her project involves honoring military families by establishing a scholarship for students who have a parent who served or is serving in the United States Armed Forces. As the first Blue Star Mother to also serve as President General of our National Society, I am so touched by this project and its impact on the families of the men and women who wear or have worn the uniform of our nation.
Please allow me to express my appreciation to all of the generous women throughout our organization who have been able to support my President General’s Project financially. I am humbled and grateful for your contributions (and your prayers). I was overjoyed to present certificates for 100 Percent Participation to every Colorado Chapter for having met our request to provide $2.50 per member for each year of the administration. In total, Colorado Daughters have thus far provided more than $225,000 toward the Next Act for Constitution Hall. I had the opportunity to thank many of them in person at a Heritage Club breakfast before I departed on Sunday, although nothing I could say could adequately express my deep and abiding gratitude for what they (and every donor) have meant to this project’s success.
The Colorado Daughters even surprised me with their rendition of the John Denver classic, "Sunshine on my Shoulders!" Fun -- and thoughtful!
On a personal note, I was especially moved to reconnect with Honorary President General Ann Turner Dillon, a Colorado Daughter with whom I had the privilege to serve for two administrations. She reports that she and her husband are both doing well and enjoying their family and interests in their Colorado home. It had been three years since we had met in person, and it was a poignant reminder for me of the enduring friendships we forge through involvement in DAR and the outstanding women whom DAR introduces into our lives.
Today's DAR
