The DAR Commitment to Remembering Valley Forge
Denise Doring VanBuren, President General

As we approach the holiday season, I ask you to take time to reflect on the privations experienced by the Continental Army during the Christmas of 1777-1778. If you have not revisited the story of the winter at Valley Forge since your schooldays, I encourage to research it online in order to appreciate the sacrifice of our Patriot ancestors during their harsh wintry ordeal. I know that you will be inspired anew by the lesson it teaches: determination, even in the darkest of days, can produce miraculous outcomes.

I also encourage you to find a few moments to learn more about a sacred parcel set aside on the Pennsylvania countryside to honor these heroes: the Washington Memorial Chapel, a shrine that includes not only a magnificent church once dubbed the “American Westminster” but also a library, museum, “Cloister of the Colonies” …and a memorial Bell Tower, which was financed largely by the Daughters of the American Revolution. It is a moving experience to visit, but if you are unable, I hoped that you would appreciate learning more about our Society’s connection to the Bell Tower through this edition of the Today’s DAR Blog.

 The Memorial Chapel and a modest bell tower were originally dedicated in 1926 in order to observe the 150th anniversary of the American Revolution. In the beginning, it was a mere wooden tower that housed the “Star Spangled Banner National Peace Chime” of 13 bells representing each of the 13 original colonies. Though expanded over time to add more bells, the unstable wooden structure had to be demolished by 1953. The involvement of our National Society made possible its monumental, permanent replacement.

Through the leadership of Pennsylvania Daughters, our National Society had actually become formally committed to the Bell Tower in 1941. At that time, an Honor Roll was established to recognize American military men and women from the Revolutionary War through World War II, with space for 50,000 names. In 1944, the cornerstone was laid, bearing the following inscription:

“This Tower is dedicated by the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, to those patriots of the Revolutionary War whose faith and courage won and established American Freedom, and to those heroes of World Wars I and II who defended and preserved that blessed heritage.”

Though construction would be suspended due to the demands of World War II, it resumed in earnest after the war. In part due to the sale of Christmas cards, the DAR would ultimately contribute $325,000 to complete the stately memorial Bell Tower, which was formally dedicated on April 18, 1953.

At that dedicatory ceremony, President General Marguerite Patton concluded her remarks by saying, “At this hallowed shrine millions of visitors may become more enlightened in patriotic education, and thus be inspired to be better citizens. When the 56 bells of this great Washington Memorial Carillon in this tower -- many given by DAR Societies -- peal forth, they, too will give a testimonial message of Americanism. With reverence, I dedicate to the Glory of God and the inspiration of fellowman this Memorial Tower… .”

The Tower is 114 feet high and 24 feet wide at its base. Built of native stone, it contains a bell from each state; Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Guam; American Samoa; the Virgin Islands; Midway and Wake Islands; and a National Birthday Bell. To hear its seven-octave carillon played is an experience never to be forgotten – nor is the 143-step stairway to reach the Carillonneur’s Room if ever you have climbed it!

The Tower contains special memorials, including a window depicting the DAR insignia and history of our National Society, alongside a portrayal of the French Alliance. The National Board of Management presented its massive entrance doors to honor President General Helena Pouch, who served during the war years of 1941-1944. Secured within the base of the tower since 1943 has been the Justice Bell, a Liberty Bell replica used to promote women’s suffrage a century ago (read more about it here).

Upon the entrance of the of the Bell Tower, you will find inscribed the names of the Presidents General of our National Society. How humbling it was to be notified that my own was recently carved on the granite entrance wall of the Bell Tower – a lasting reminder of this Daughter’s unwavering commitment to honor the memory of our Patriot ancestors. While my name may be listed, it truly represents the more than 186,000 patriotic American women who have pledged to perpetuate the memory and the spirit of the men and women who achieved American independence -- including those who suffered through Christmas at a place called Valley Forge.

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