Today's DAR
Traveling to the 121st West Virginia State Conference at the iconic Greenbrier Resort—affectionately known as America’s Resort — felt like stepping into a winter postcard. Snow-covered mountains framed our arrival, creating a breathtaking welcome to this national historic landmark that has charmed visitors since 1778. Inside, the vibrant designs of Dorothy Draper greeted us with bold colors, elegant chandeliers, and grand ballrooms that set the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
121st WVDAR State Conference at The Greenbrier
Our conference began with camaraderie and celebration, as the Legacy: Sowing Family Seeds Cameo Club Luncheon was held in one of the Greenbrier’s beautifully decorated ballrooms. Members and guests enjoyed a lovely meal as new inductees were welcomed into the club.
That evening, the President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage hosted a gracious Heritage Club Reception, offering refreshments and unforgettable photo opportunities. The night continued with the West Virginia’s Legacy Illuminate our Future banquet, where our guest speaker once again inspired us with her message, Illuminate Our Legacy – Telling Our Stories. We also recognized the following: district directors, state chairs, first-time attendees, Pages, and chorus directors.
Meanwhile, more than 100 items were donated by generous daughters for the DAR-lings Delights Auction and members visited the Insignia Pop-Up Shop. Conference guests also enjoyed the fascinating Cold War–era Bunker Tour, an experience unique to The Greenbrier, where the secret congressional bunker was built.
During Saturday’s business meeting, two state projects—both deeply meaningful to me—were approved. The first project, The Pledge of Allegiance by Sign Language, is an education project that holds a special place in my heart because of my cousin Randy, who was deaf. A workshop was offered that afternoon, allowing members to learn to sign the Pledge together. The second project, Tell Her Story, is a patriotic project. This initiative preserves and shares the stories of Women Veterans by recording them for the Military Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. Later that day, members attended a workshop on registering and entering data to help support this meaningful project. Entrance to Mother’s Day Shrine is a historic preservation project to assist with improving an entrance.
Saturday awards luncheon, Blooming Our Students with Success, celebrated achievements as we recognized outstanding students across West Virginia, including the winners of the American History Essay Contest (grades 5–8), the Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest, the DAR Good Citizen Award, and the Historian Awards. We also honored the WV Outstanding History Teacher and presented the WV Americanism Medal.
Our chapters proudly submitted eight Hannah White Arnett Awards and one Silver Award from DAR/SAR/S.R. Relations. President General Storage presented certificates to 29 West Virginia members that earned their Leadership Cords—an incredible achievement and 18 chapters the Cherry Blossom Chapters certificates.
Our Saturday banquet, Bloom Where You are Planted and Grow Where You Go, featured guest speaker Clayton Burch, Superintendent for the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind. His energy, compassion, and dedication for the kids moved the entire room. In a touching surprise, Mr. Burch presented me with archival documents, including sports and club photos of my cousin Randy. It was an unforgettable, emotional moment—one that brought tears to many eyes.
The evening continued with President General Storage’s presentation of certificates for 18 chapters 100% participation in the President’s General Project, special recognition of 50 year members, and announcing the chapter winners for the Scrapbook and Press book entries from chapters with less than 50 members and 51+ members, and finally announcing the winners of all the wonderful DAR-ling Delights prizes.
As the conference came to a close, we extended prayers, heartfelt thanks to our guests, pages, members, and the outstanding Southern District hosts for their genuine hospitality and the perfect example of what GRITS truly means, Girls Raised in the South.
