Reflecting on Opening Night and Beginning Business Sessions

Ann Dillon, President General

Opening Night was a truly interesting and captivating evening. Mr. Kranz gave amazing keynote remarks and it was an honor to present him with the Medal of Honor. What a wonderful way to begin the 126th Continental Congress. Our award winners were engaging and more than worthy of their awards, and their remarks were touching and meaningful.

I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about the Semiquincentennial Commission, USA250 and our own America 250! Committee. We are so thrilled to have DAR make the first official Gift to the Nation in honor of the United States Semiquinncentennial! The National Society has committed to fund the purchase, planting and ongoing care of 76 trees in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia in honor of the Spirit of ’76 that inspired our ancestors to declare their independence. These trees will be planted over the upcoming years in order to mature in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States in July 2026. We were so excited to present the check for the trees last evening to Cynthia MacLeod, Acting Northeast Regional Director for the National Park Service, who, until her very recent promotion to this director position, was the Superintendent of the Independence National Historical Park. Below is the America 250 video from last night, please share with your family and friends!

Be sure to join us for “The Road to 250” presentation during the Saturday Afternoon Business Session to learn more about what your chapter can be doing to promote membership leading up to the 250th anniversary.

This morning we will begin the business sessions of the 126th Continental Congress, where we will hear the reports of the Executive Officers. This year the Executives will be using PowerPoint Presentations with their reports to help demonstrate the work of their offices. 

This afternoon I will greet the Historic Preservation Luncheon and I will attend the Units Overseas Luncheon. These will be wonderful events and I am looking forward to greeting many members.

I am pleased to be a member of the Founders Club and look forward to attending their celebration this evening.  It will be a privilege to express our gratitude to those who are creating a legacy for NSDAR through their estate planning to provide for the future needs of the Society.

This evening we will celebrate smart and accomplished young people during Education Awards Night. We will hear the American History Essay winners read portions of their essays and we will present the DAR Good Citizen Award. We will also recognize the American History Scholarship winner and the Outstanding Teacher of American History. We will also be presenting the NSDAR Excellence in American History Book Award to the book, Washington's Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution by Patrick O’Donnell. We will be entertained by the All-American DAR Chorus. Concluding the ceremony will be the exciting presentation of the finalists for the Outstanding Junior Member contest. Good luck to each of the wonderful finalists!

If you won’t be with us this evening be sure to watch the live video stream online! Read the Thursday edition of the Congress Herald here!

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