Today's DAR
It was a great honor to represent Ginnie Sebastian Storage, President General, at the Navy 250 Homecoming Gala on October 11, 2025. I was joined by Cindy Addison, Historian General, Holly Blair, Librarian General, Janet McFarland, Past Corresponding General, and Junelle Mongno, Past Reporter General to represent DAR. The gala was held in the majestic Constitution Center overlooking Independence Hall. There were many distinguished guests, including Admiral Daryl Caudle, 34th Chief of Naval Operations, Lieutenant General Bobbi Sheas, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, and Cherelle L. Parker, Mayor of Philadelphia. With 750 guests, we celebrated the 250th birthday of the United States Navy.
Attending the Navy 250 Homecoming Gala
The guests included many Navy and Marine service men and woman from all ranks. There was a special recognition of the oldest sailor, a World War II Veteran and a brand new 18-year-old sailor. Our Navy and Marines were joined by representatives from 33 foreign Navies to celebrate the US Navy birthday. Sal Palantonio, ESPN correspondent and retired Navy Officer served as the MC of the evening. George Leone, President and Chair of Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps expressed gratitude to Mrs. Storage, President General, NSDAR and Honorary President General, NSDAR, Mrs. Wright, for their early and generous support of this event. In the words of Mr. Leone, “Always follow the ladies with the sashes!”
We were approached by many perspective members interested in joining DAR. We met current members who were seeking chapters where they could be active. Most touching was meeting Colonel James J. Wilson, US Marines. He wanted to express is extreme gratitude to DAR. He received a leadership scholarship from a small DAR chapter in Northeast Texas. He shared it was the only reason he went to college, went into the Marines, and is the man he is now. It was very moving! I was happy I remembered to have DAR business cards in hand.
The evening was capped off with a salute to “raise a glass and drink to the foam!” A reference to the sea. I thank Mrs. Storage for allowing me to take part in this event. I was proud to represent NSDAR and to celebrate this occasion for my son, Commander Robert Fritsch, US Navy who we look forward to welcoming home soon from a long deployment.
