Celebrating 10 Years of Impact: National DAR Day of Service

On October 11, 2015, DAR launched the inaugural National DAR Day of Service in honor of the organization’s 125th anniversary. Chapters across the nation united to carry out meaningful service projects in their communities, reflecting the DAR’s enduring mission to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. 

Now, in 2025, we proudly celebrate the 10th anniversary of this special annual celebration. Over the past decade, thousands of DAR members have participated in the National DAR Day of Service, demonstrating how individual and chapter-level efforts can create a powerful collective impact. Around the world, members have donated their time, talent, and heart to improve lives and uplift communities.

Chapters engage in a wide variety of service projects. These include but are not limited to volunteering at food banks, organizing veterans’ appreciation events, restoring historic cemeteries, hosting reading festivals, leading genealogy workshops, or offering local history talks. The possibilities are endless, and this day offers an opportunity to spotlight the diverse and meaningful ways DAR members serve year-round.

See a photo slideshow of DAR Day of Service activities over the years.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the National DAR Day of Service, President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage and Honorary President General Lynn Forney Young (who originated the DAR Day of Service during her administration), along with other DAR leadership and local members from across the country, will be participating in a special service initiative in Washington, D.C., on the National Mall. Read more about that special Day of Service event here. 

In 2024 alone, DAR members contributed over 17.76 million hours of community service, a powerful testament to the organization’s commitment to making a difference. The National DAR Day of Service reminds us of the vital role our service plays in strengthening communities across America and even globally.

Chapters have flexibility in choosing when to hold their service projects, on October 11 or surrounding days, to best fit their schedules. Projects may be done as a group or individually, as long as they reflect the DAR’s spirit of service.

This year, committee acknowledgement of chapter service events is shifting from awards to recognition, this allows us to celebrate a broader range of impactful projects. Chapters are encouraged to submit their service stories for recognition on the Service to America Committee webpage. Submissions are due by January 15, 2026.

Let’s honor this 10-year milestone by making this year’s DAR Day of Service the most impactful yet!