Today's DAR
NSDAR Executive Week in Washington, D.C. is always action-packed and productive, but April’s meetings were especially so. Executives arrived ready to serve and began the week by welcoming members from across the nation to their “House Beautiful” for an America 250! Open House on Friday evening. Details of NSDAR’s birthday party for the nation can be found here.
Inside Executive Week: America 250!, A Week of Accomplishment, and Heartfelt Moments
Saturday began early, with the Executive Committee dividing into two teams: one hosted the America 250! open house for the public, while the other traveled to Arlington, Virginia, for a business session of the National Society Children of the American Revolution (N.S.C.A.R.) annual convention. President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage’s greetings, and attending Executives, were warmly received. Several Executives returned to Arlington on Sunday morning for the N.S.C.A.R. installation of national officers and state presidents—a significant show of support for a beloved allied organization. The Executive Committee then met in informal session for the remainder of Sunday to get a head start on the week’s important work.
Monday morning’s visit to Mount Vernon for two wreath-laying ceremonies was especially meaningful. Read more about the Mount Vernon visit here.
Early mornings and long days were the norm as Executives convened for comprehensive briefings from senior staff and asked incisive questions about restoration projects; software development and other IT initiatives; finance and accounting; personnel; retail operations; membership growth; building maintenance; development; and more.
Between regularly scheduled work sessions in Washington, the Executive Committee also collaborates on Zoom, helping ensure that in-person meetings are focused, efficient, and well-organized. As a result, an even 100 motions were presented, debated, and voted upon during the April in-person meeting of the Executive Committee, along with the special called meeting of the National Board of Management held Tuesday evening.
Throughout the week, the Property Beautification & Hospitality Committee, chaired nationally by Holly Taylor, ensured the Executive Committee was fueled for long days of meetings—providing luncheons that were delicious, nutritious, and beautifully presented. Tuesday’s luncheon, hosted by First Vice President General Kathryn West, was a highlight. Mrs. West shared a brief history of the United States Army—an especially fitting theme given her status as an Army veteran. Décor and favors featured Army-inspired details (including G.I. Jane and camo), while the menu was decidedly not “mess hall” or Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) fare. Executives enjoyed authentic Kansas City barbecue, courtesy of Mrs. West.
A memorial ceremony on Tuesday afternoon honoring Lakeitha “Kekie” Walker brought comfort to staff and members alike. Led by the President General in the Kansas Chapel, the service included numerous heartfelt tributes recognizing Kekie’s steadfast service and the many contributions she made to NSDAR during her 47-year-plus career. A piano prelude by Bevin Creel, Corrections Team Leader in the Genealogy Department, was a special blessing for all in attendance.
On Thursday afternoon, the executive officers visited the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon. The wreath-laying ceremony was a somber and reverent occasion. Historian General Cynthia Addison described the events of that day, and Chaplain General Rev. Dr. Mernie Crane offered prayers. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, and the site is a poignant and fitting memorial to the military and civilian personnel who lost their lives. The memorial includes 184 benches: each engraved with a victim’s name. Following the ceremony, members of the Executive Committee spent a few quiet moments in personal reflection or prayer at benches for victims from their respective states. This opportunity was especially meaningful for the President General, who was able to offer a prayer at the bench memorializing a family member of a DAR friend. The U.S. Naval Academy basketball team also visited the memorial that same day; after paying their respects, team members requested a photo with the Executives to mark their visit.
As the week’s meetings and activities came to a close, Executives departed Washington to attend state conferences and DAR special events across the country—continuing to share updates, listen to members, and support the work of the Society at every level.
