Alaska State Conference

Last week I attended Alaska’s 67th State Conference, held in its Emerald Isle. Like an Emerald, the Alaska Daughters certainly sparkled with their dedication to historic preservation, education, patriotism and service. I was accompanied by the America 250! Chair, Kathryn West, and the America 250! State Chair, Lael Marlow, where we witnessed the exciting dedication of Alaska’s first America 250 Marker! I want to thank State Regent, Sarah Von Hieb, and the Alaska Daughters for hosting this weekend. I also would like to thank Debbie Refior for providing my transportation and serving as my hostess and Tracey Dodge for her attention to every detail that made the conference a success. The Last Frontier’s conference was as vast and grand as the state itself.

-Pamela Wright, President General

The conference theme was “She Wore Her Victory Red.” During World War II, the American military forces commissioned the first Victory Red lipstick for women in uniform. The clear, strong tone looked vibrant when worn with the standard issue, olive drab jacket and skirt. The caps worn by women in the armed forces often featured a brilliant red braid trim detail, and Victory Red also accentuated this band.  A color meant to inspire positivity and hope with the line, “Beauty as Duty.” The name of this shade references the Allied Victory in World War II. “Victory Red” is in absolutely faithful color-match to the original from 1941, and it inspired positivity and strength in you when you wear it. 

As regent I gave an update on my two state regent’s projects: Activate Alaska Society and the I-Did-A-Read. Activate Alaska Society challenged Daughters to do physical activities over the winter to see if they could get to 134 activities by state conference. 134 activities were chosen as the goal as a tribute to DAR’s 134 year history. Several ladies turned in their trackers and the Natalia Shelikof Chapter had the highest average of activities completed. As there is another year to go, I’ve challenged the ladies again to complete this challenge but upped the number of activities to 135.  The I-Did-A-Read is based on the Iditarod dog race that is 1,000 miles long. Next year is the 100th anniversary of the serum run to Nome, Alaska which the Iditarod is based on. Last fall I challenged the Alaska daughters to do 1,000 “miles” of literacy in the next two years. I was pleased to report, at the halfway mark, we are halfway to the 1,000 goal of donated books and hours of literacy volunteering. 

As the rain gave way to sunshine, our conference concluded on a fitting note of optimism and brightness, mirroring the resilience of our collective spirit. As we departed Kodiak Island, we carried with us not only cherished memories but also a sense of purpose and unity that will guide us in the years ahead.

As we look ahead to the coming year, inspired by the words of our keynote speakers and the memories shared during our time together, we are filled with renewed enthusiasm and determination. Together, as Daughters of the American Revolution in Alaska, we will continue to uphold our values of service, patriotism, and friendship, forging ahead with unwavering dedication to our mission.