The New York State Visit

As I reflect on my visit to the 128th New York State Conference, I am filled with immense gratitude for the chance to celebrate and honor all 96 chapters of our New York Daughters. It truly warmed my heart to witness the strong bonds of friendship and service among our members, culminating in the inspiring awards and recognition at the Empire State Awards Luncheon. A heartfelt thank you to State Regent Pam Barrack and my wonderful page, Eva Bogino, for all her attentive support and help throughout the event.

- Pamela Wright, President General

In the afternoon, Daughters traveled to Saratoga National Historic Park to conduct a wreath laying ceremony and tour the battlefield. Generous member support has made it possible to restore and conserve the DAR Monument to the Unknown American Dead erected in 1931 by the Parcells Administration. All project components have been funded including conservation of the surrounding benches; the replanting of 27 American elm trees in a Memorial Grove around the monument; the restoration and reinstallation of the Fort Neilson marker; and the restoration of all the bronze plaques and bench signage.

On Friday evening, a re-enactment was performed by “Drama from the Past”: “Rendezvous with Treason: The André /Arnold Conspiracy” It was a memorable evening with Sean Grady, the 2023 NSDAR Outstanding Teacher of American History, and fellow educator Gary Petagine portraying Benedict Arnold and Major John André. The historic presentation allowed Arnold and André to tell their respective sides of the story and the motivation behind the treasonous plot to deliver West Point to the British.

Business continued on Saturday morning and was followed by the Empire State Awards Luncheon with special recognition of New York Daughters including DAR Leadership Training Graduates, the Outstanding Chapter Regent, and the Merry Ann T. Wright Outstanding Chapter Registrar. Guests of Conference were treated to a tour of the New York State Archives hosted by State Vice Regent Lisa O’Brien.

The highlight of the State Conference was the official visit of President General Pamela Rouse Wright who sparkled as she inspired attendees with her remarks on DAR Ties of Service and Friendship at the Saturday banquet. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize 96 chapters for achieving 100% President General’s Project Participation and to award the Hannah White Arnett Silver Medal and Certificate to Empire State Society SAR President David Powell. 

On Sunday morning, a poignant Memorial Service honored the memory of 114 New York Daughters who “Finished Strong, Finished Well,” and the final State Conference of the Barrack Administration drew to a successful close with Daughters joining hands and hearts as they sang God Bless America.