Archive - October 2017

Diane Schrift, Michigan State Regent
Leaving Denver a day before the Michigan State Conference, I traveled with my daughter to visit her son who is attending Northwood University just a two hour drive from the conference hotel. The following day, I flew the short distance back to Detroit, so the routine of providing transportation for...
Susan Blankenship, Events and Meetings Manager
One of the lesser known departments at DAR Headquarters is Events . The Events Department coordinates internal Member and departmental space reservations and also provides substantial income for the organization through private rentals, the majority of which are weddings. We are proud of our growing relationships with corporate and non-profit...
Tracy Robinson, DAR Director of Archives and History & Joy O'Donnell, DAR Archivist
On this day in 1781, American patriots along with their French allies won the Battle of Yorktown, Virginia. A decisive victory, it was the last major land battle of the American Revolution. British Army commander Charles Cornwallis surrendered and negotiations formally to end the war began. In 1920, DAR led...
Ann Dillon, President General
Throughout the month, and particularly on our 127th anniversary on October 11, DAR members across the country celebrated the National DAR Day of Service by participating in a variety of volunteer activities in their local communities in honor of the anniversary of our founding. Members organized a myriad of service...
L.P. Sylvester, DAR Museum Preparator
For most visitors, the exhibits, programs, and tours are the visible side of a museum, but a lot of overlooked routine work has to happen to protect the collections and keep other activities running smoothly. We thought we’d take this opportunity to share a few examples of the less noticeable...
Denise Doring VanBuren, First Vice President General
Whether she appreciates it or not, every Daughter has accompanied us in spirit throughout this amazing journey to commemorate not only the centennial of World War I but also our gratitude to the French citizens who aided America’s struggle for independence. And so it was truly one of the highest...
Donna L. Crisp, National Vice Chair, Commemorative Events, World War One Centennial/Treaty of Versailles
Thursday was a time to honor our heroes. This day, as well as the entire week, has been an act of service and will leave a thumb print on our souls. We have walked the battlefields and cemeteries where our men and women sacrificed their lives for liberty. We explored...
Morgan Lake, Recording Secretary General
On Wednesday, our tour began at the historic Picpus Cemetery. The private cemetery was created during the French Revolution, and more than 1,300 victims of the guillotine are buried here, most of them lying together in a mass grave. Picpus Cemetery is also the final resting place of our beloved...
Judy Ekeler, Nebraska Honorary State Regent
On April 15, 1918, a 24- year- old farmer from Nebraska, boarded the ship Madawaska at Newport News, VA, headed for France, embarking on what he titled “My Trip with the A.E.F.”, in the little book he carried with him throughout his service in World War I. Beginning with the...
Nancy Folk, Alabama State Regent
Yesterday almost eighty Daughters and spouses began touring the sites where American forces played a significant role in the defense of France in World War I. Dr. Monique Seefried, US World War I Centennial Commissioner, led the tour and shared her knowledge and insights. The sites visited are within 50...