The DAR Pathway of the Patriots Groundbreaking and Dedication

Following the inspiring placement of the America 250 Patriots Marker honoring the 51 bold women of the Edenton Resolves in Edenton, North Carolina, I enjoyed a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside from Edenton to Yorktown, Virginia, to attend the groundbreaking and dedication of the DAR Pathway of the Patriots. I had the pleasure of traveling with Treasurer General Sherry Edwards and Kathryn West, National Chair of the America 250! Committee, the endless conversations along the way were a heartwarming reminder of the friendships and shared mission of DAR. This special ceremony in Yorktown was a wonderful way to cap off this amazing America 250! project for DAR, that was approved during the Dillon Administration.  Heartfelt thanks to Lynn Forney Young, U.S. Semiquincentennial Commissioner and Honorary President General, for joining us for this occasion! And a special note of gratitude to all who attended, especially the donors who made the completion of this project possible! Thank you!

- Pamela Wright, President General

The shift to the Yorktown Battlefield was a result of the friendly relationship between the DAR and the American Battlefield Trust. The site offered to DAR by the Trust was the site of the French encampment during the Revolutionary War and was the most significant land acquisition by the Trust for the Revolutionary War period. Without the acquisition of this property, it likely would have become a housing development and lost to the pages of history forever.

With much anticipation since the project was first announced in 2017, ten trees were planted for the groundbreaking and dedication and included Scarlet Oak, White Oak, American Linden, Tulip Poplar, Red Maple, Southern Magnolia, White Fringe Tree, Red Bud. Tree sponsors were invited to attend the ceremony. Lori Walters, America 250! Committee, National Vice Chair Events secured the tent and chairs and the shuttle buses to transport everyone. The ceremonial shovels were outfitted with beautifully tied bows. Members were able to walk the pathway and visit with the representatives of the Trust to view and understand the next steps to achieving the finished product.

Following greetings from the President General and Laurie Nesbitt, State Regent of Virginia, Chuck Laudner, of the American Battlefield Trust provided the history of the land and its’ significance. Lynn Forney Young, U.S. Semiquincentennial Commissioner and Honorary President General provided remarks about the project. Mrs. McFarland offered the dedication for the 250 trees.

As with any large-scale project, many hands are required to complete the tasks, and Glenn Stach, Chuck Laudner, and Pete Peterson were especially gracious and generous with their time. Appreciation is extended to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation’s Homer Lanier, Director of Visitor Experience for allowing us to stage shuttles in the parking lot of the Museum of the American Revolution at Yorktown.

Special appreciation is extended to several departments and people which include the Office of the President General, Office of the Chaplain General, Office of the Corresponding Secretary General, Office of the Treasurer General, Office of the Historian General, Public Relations and Media, Office of Development, Director of Printing and Publications, and the Office of Information Technology.  Daughters were key in providing support and include the America 250! Committee, specifically Lori Walters, NVC Events and the Pages, Rebecca Hough, National Chair. America 250! Committee members present were: Mindy Davis, National Vice Chair; Lori Walters, National Vice Chair Events; Kris Wood, National Vice Chair Traveling Exhibit; Jackie Holmes, NE Division Vice Chair, Elaine Sholty, North Central Division Vice Chair; Georgi Brochstein, South Central Division Vice Chair; and Rebecca Slaughter, Southwest Division Vice Chair with additional support from Diana Brokaw and Alex Slaughter. Pages included the National Chair and Andrea Chaney, Aryssa Damron, AnnMarie Griffith, Michelle Tarlecki, and Vicki Voris.