Today's DAR
What a terrific Opening Night we had Honoring Our Patriots! I am grateful to all the honorees who shared the virtual spotlight – it was a privilege to recognize their contributions to our American story. In particular, Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III of the Smithsonian Institution delivered an especially memorable keynote address. It was certainly an honor to recognize his work curating and administrating some of our nation’s most beloved history museums. If you missed it, you may enjoy his remarks here. If you missed Opening Night you can view the entire ceremony here.
Another Exciting Day of Virtual Congress
Last evening, we also gave you a first look at the Honoring Our Patriots website, which is now live here: http://honoringourpatriots.dar.org/. While this site is currently in development, I encourage you to explore the DAR Pathway of the Patriots section and learn more about the Patriots being honored with each tree we will soon plant. Their stories are inspiring. It is my hope that this larger website will ultimately become the preeminent source for those who are searching the individual men and women who achieved American independence as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation. We hope to add content and information that will both raise public awareness and attract new members to our important work. While other sites and organizations may commemorate the battles, strategies, leaders and bigger picture of the Revolution, our responsibility is to perpetuate the memory of the actual, everyday Patriots who stepped forward to serve. I am excited for the potential of this undertaking, and I welcome your feedback as to how we can make it even more meaningful and vibrant going forward.
Today we look forward to the Units Overseas and Historic Preservation luncheons, both of which feature exciting programming. I hope that you will connect this week with those in your chapters and states. I will join with my fellow New York Daughters this afternoon for our virtual Congress event. It will be great to see their familiar smiles; for like you, I have been buoyed through the pandemic by the love and support of the women who have long encouraged and supported me on my DAR journey, which began, in my case, in 1988.
Each of you, in fact, buoys my spirits by your positive attitudes and impact. I hope that you are proud to be “One in a Million.” Enjoy last night’s video again as a reminder of our sisterhood of service.
Be sure to settle in for tonight’s great program! We will begin by going live for our Call to Order and reporting on the acceptance of the Credentials Report, Standing Rules and the Congress Program. We will then move back to videotaped content to celebrate accomplished young people through the presentation of the American History Essay winners and the DAR Good Citizen Awards. Next will be the reports of your Executive Officers and the nominations for the office of Honorary Vice President General and Vice President General. You can learn more about these outstanding candidates here. Join us online tonight at our Congress Online YouTube livestream.
Don’t forget to visit the Virtual Congress Insider’s Guide to find everything you need in one place. Read today’s edition of the Congress Herald online! Download the Congress App to stay up to date and follow Congress social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Let us together Rise and Shine for Congress Online!
