Today's DAR
Washington State Regent Lauri Langston's symbol is an elegant and classical laurel wreath in gold, accentuated with her theme, “Service to Others is Transformative.” After spending just one day with these women at their annual conference, it was obvious to me that despite the challenges of the last few years, these Daughters are, in fact, transforming not only their own lives, but also their communities through dedicated service. In just one example of many, Mrs. Langton’s State Regent’s Project raised nearly $10,000 to support Northwest Harvest and its program to provide nutritious meals to low-income schoolchildren during the pandemic. I am so impressed by these women and their devotion to our service mission.
Transforming Lives (and Communities) Through Leadership
(And about one quarter of the more than 200 attendees were first-timers. Imagine the possibilities of engaging each of them in our service work now that they have experienced the excitement of Today’s DAR via connection with other chapters within their state?)
By every measure, the first in-person Washington statewide event since 2019 was a resounding success, and I was honored to provide the keynote address during the Opening Night Gala Banquet for this 121st State Conference. I was also grateful to host a tea for more than 80 members of the Heritage Club in order to thank them for their enduring support of the important work of our National Society.
There are 34 chapters here with a combined total membership of about 2,500. The oldest and largest chapter is Mary Ball of Tacoma, which was founded in 1894 and named in honor of George Washington’s mother (whose graveside memorial in Fredericksburg, Va., was completed in part by our National Society that same year, 1894). Another chapter honors Ann Pope Washington, our first president’s great grandmother. It always delights me to learn about the history behind our chapters’ names. Here in Washington State, many honor notable figures of history, including Esther Reed, Jonas Babcock, Peter Puget, the Mercer Girls and Sacagawea. (Don’t recognize all of these names? Look them up, as my mother would have told you!)
Perhaps because my limited schedule allowed me to stay just one day with these inspiring and hospitable Daughters, I enjoyed every single moment, especially listening to the entries of their American History Essay contest winners discussing the centennial of the Tomb of the Uknown Soldier. Friday’s Education Luncheon also afford the chance to meet the Washington State C.A.R. State President and this year’s state Good Citizen.
I was certainly sorry to miss the reports of officers, committees and chapters, as well as award presentations. In particular, I missed the National Defense Night program, which featured an impressive chapter project to honor our Gold Star Mothers: a Memorial Arbor in Greenacres Memorial Park, Ferndale, Washington conceived by the Washington State America 250 State Chair, who also serves as her chapter regent and who wanted to complete a visible community project. “This was a passion to be part of something to honor our Gold Star Mothers for their great sacrifice of losing a son or daughter while serving our nation,” said Darlene Carlson Regent Chief Whatcom Chapter, based in Bellingham, Wash. “The Arbor was my concept and design, and with the right partners who embraced the project -- and my Chief Whatcom Chapter behind me – I knew we could do so much to honor these mothers and their families.” Darlene even placed the America 250 marker on the Arbor to acknowledge not only our Patriots but also the Gold Star Mothers of the Revolution.
I departed Seattle at 11:30 p.m. on Friday, in order to return for the 11:30 a.m. Saturday baptism of our first grandchild back in New York. I was deeply grateful to Mrs. Langton and the Washington State Daughters for their graciousness in allowing me to depart in time to spend this special and important time with our family.
