Let Us Strive to be Today's "Sunshine Patriots" - Bright Beacons of Hope

Denise Doring VanBuren, President General

Like every American, I am concerned for our citizens and our nation. But I remain optimistic that we will overcome the current Coronavirus pandemic situation, just as we have overcome so many challenges of the past. In fact, I take great comfort in the words of Thomas Paine: “These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman… (w)e have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

In the midst of these trying times, however, I think we need to turn around Paine’s phrase of “sunshine patriot” to reflect admirably on all of those who are bright lights of hope during this dark time. I am deeply inspired by the many people whom I have witnessed, especially our Daughters, who are shining brilliantly as medical professionals, emergency responders, supply chain workers and others on the frontline, standing by their nation and their neighbors. I am also deeply grateful to our members who are responding through support and volunteer efforts such as creating and delivering nearly 40,000 homemade masks as this message was written. These are the Americans I consider to be today’s “Sunshine Patriots,” men and women who are bright and radiant lights of courage and service.

In fact, I ask every member to become a positive, uplifting “Sunshine Patriot” in some way – even if it is as simple as flying your Flag of the U.S.A., pausing to honor healthcare professionals at 7 p.m. each evening or affixing a blue ribbon outside your home in support of those who are responding. We must also, of course, stay at home and follow the national guidelines for social distancing – the single most important patriotic obligation and effective contribution that each of us can make to restoring the health and normalcy of our beloved country.

View this message from the President General

While I am certain that normalcy will return, I ask that you join me in praying for all those who are ill and all those who have lost a loved one or their jobs/businesses. We will get to the other side of this pandemic together, but it will mean great pain for many of our families, including some of our own members.

Please know that I am deeply committed to ensuring the wellbeing of both our National Society and its members. Stay connected to our DAR Members’ Website, our Today’s DAR Blog and my DAR President General’s Facebook Page so that you are aware of the latest developments.

Meanwhile, please allow me to review several important DAR and COVID-19 updates:

  • After having closed DAR Headquarters to the public on March 13 and having authorized employees to work from home on March 16, the National Society is now abiding the directive of the District of Columbia requiring temporary closure of non-essential businesses in Washington, D.C., through April 24, 2020, or until such time the order is rescinded. Mail and other deliveries to DAR Headquarters are being safely placed in a secured location, and every effort is being made to conduct maintenance and other functions in order to ensure the continued safe operation of our complex (in accordance with provisions of the new order). Please be patient – we are essentially closed until further notice.
  • One sunny positive that we could strive for during our social distancing and spending a lot of time at home? Using your time to reach out to eligible family and friends via phone or email to encourage them to join our important mission. Just imagine if each of us could attract one new Daughter during this time! What a legacy that would be for our Society. While the closure of our building will regrettably slow the processing and review of hardcopy DAR Applications and Supplemental Applications, eAPPs are able to be reviewed at this time. Now is a great time to learn more about the benefits of completing the Applications online, so please consider that option! There are numerous guides on the Members' Website to assist you in this endeavor including the recently created Ultimate Electronic Application Field Guide, which includes instructions for the eAPP and completing your eAPP with Build-An-App.
  • We are all understandably concerned about the ability to convene the 129th Continental Congress in three months. Please be assured that we are closely monitoring all the latest developments to consider what is safest for our members, what will be allowed and how we must plan for contingencies. At this time, it is still our intention to stage the 129th Continental Congress in Washington, D.C., June 24-28, 2020. As the government has continued guidance to follow social distancing requirements through all of April, a final decision will be made and announced to members on or before May 1, 2020, as to whether or not Congress will be held at Headquarters, delayed or modified to be held as a virtual experience.
  • Note that the postmark deadline to remit Congress Credentials remains April 15, as dictated by the National Bylaws. Those who make their payment for Congress Credentials and pre-registration will be issued a full refund if Congress is ultimately canceled. Checks from each chapter will be voided or refunded. Plans are being developed to conduct an electronic election for the Office of Vice President General, Honorary Vice President General and any other voting responsibilities if necessary. Members will be allowed to vote electronically only if their credentials are sent into Headquarters postmarked by the April 15 deadline.
  • Information regarding other Congress refund policies may be found in the Announcements section of the Members’ Website. Be sure to visit this site regularly for the most current developments.
  • The cancellation of spring shows, lectures, weddings, events and graduations that were to be held at our DAR National Headquarters has resulted in a reduction in rental revenue throughout our complex of buildings. Phase III of the restoration of DAR Constitution Hall is planned to commence July 1, further reducing rental income in the fall. I am so deeply grateful to all of you who have supported this project so far, and I ask you to consider contributing to it now if your finances allow – that support has never been more needed now that our revenues have temporarily declined.
  • I am exceptionally grateful to the more than 100 professionals who staff our headquarters – all of whom remain in good health. Virtually all continue to work from home to the best of their ability. Due to your longtime support, our financial solvency at this time has allowed us to retain all of our workforce; please know that we currently have no plans to furlough any employees, though we have a fiduciary responsibility to consider all necessary actions should this national emergency extend indefinitely.

Later this week, the Executive Committee will conduct its regularly scheduled April business meetings via video teleconferencing. This is a “first” for the National Society, and I encourage chapters and states to investigate technology that will enable them to likewise continue to transact meetings. There has never been a better time to use the power of the internet to remain connected to the women with whom we serve. Can we do it? Of course we can.

I draw great strength from your kind prayers, cards and messages. I am inspired by the women who went before us and persevered through world wars, depressions, terrorist attacks and other trials. I feel that we owe it to them -- and to those who will follow -- to remain calm and supportive during these dark days. Join me in standing proud and determined as a “Sunshine Patriot” at a time when our nation desperately needs the bright beacon of hope.

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