Today's DAR
Following a week of Executive Committee meetings in Washington, DC, I departed Reagan Airport and had a brief stop in Denver before flying south to Albuquerque, NM for a wonderful visit with the New Mexico Daughters. Many members are not aware that New Mexico was the residence of patriot ancestors during the American Revolution. Soldiers stationed at the Persidio, in Santa Fe, voluntarily made contributions through Spain to support the American cause for Independence. I always enjoy being with my neighbors to the south. Thank you New Mexico Daughters for keeping alive the message of Spain’s aide.
- President General Ann Dillon
The New Mexico Society Daughters of the American Revolution welcomed President General Ann Turner Dillon to the “Land of Enchantment” on Saturday Morning April 8, 2017 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Mrs. Dillon brought greetings to the New Mexico 97th State Conference, at the Sheraton Uptown in Albuquerque. There, visiting State Regent guests, Judith Dean from Alaska, Jerrie Townsend from Arkansas and Rachel Sanisidro from Minnesota, joined her in bringing greetings.
The theme of the New Mexico 97th State Conference was “Spain and the American Revolution”. In keeping with our theme participants where invited to come in period costume for our Friday night Banquet. Our speaker that night was Henrietta Martinez Christmas, a well-known genealogical and historical researcher, descended from eleven of the soldiers that came with Onate in 1598. Her topic was “Santa Fe, The Place & The Soldier”.
The New Mexico Daughters held our award luncheon Saturday April 8, 2017. At this luncheon we were all privileged to hear four state winning American History contestant’s essays and applaud the DAR Good Citizen winner.
Next was our afternoon Business Session and then our President General’s Banquet where Mrs. Dillon was the keynote speaker. Everyone agreed that her remarks were exceptional! Not only did she give our Daughters much welcomed updates on the ongoing restoration of our beloved buildings at 1776 D Street in Washington DC, she gave real measurable ideas on educating our members and increasing our membership.
Sunday morning April 9, 2017 our New Mexico Daughters attended the Heritage Club and Founders Club Breakfast. Here again her remarks were up lifting and inspiring. She invited all attendees to come forward and take a picture with her.
Mrs. Dillon attended our Memorial Service immediately following the Breakfast with us and then was escorted to the airport, where we learned she was going to be able to go home for a few days and be with her family. Her graciousness, her courage, her endearing smile and her truly warm and inviting manner will remain etched in the hearts of New Mexico Daughters always.
