The Washington State Conference

Arriving in Spokane, Washington just in time to miss lunch, I settled into my room, ate a salad thoughtfully provided by the Washington Daughters, Julie Pittmann, State Regent, then hurried to catch the last few reports of Chapter Regents at the noon event.  I found the hotel’s red white and blue ceiling lights fascinating and the Washington Daughters emphasized the beautiful lighting with the centerpieces on our banquet tables. This was my first visit to Spokane and their wonderful hospitality made me wish for a longer visit.

- President General Ann Dillon

Washington State Daughters “Soared United in Service for America” at the 116^th State Conference April 27-30, 2017 in Spokane, Washington.  During the meetings, awards for Public Relations, Volunteer Veteran of the Year, Distinguished Citizens of the Year, Community Service Awards, and Women in Arts were only a few of the presentations.  During the Scholarship luncheon DAR Good Citizens, Essay winners, and state scholarships were announced.  The American History Teacher of the Year, Mike Fadeley spoke on the relevance of history in our lives.  “Remembering and Honoring Women Who Serve,” our State Regent’s project, was one of Friday’s highlights as we honored women in the military at the National Defense Banquet and program.  Each woman veteran received a certificate and thank you.  Pictures of our women veterans were prominently displayed and Ms. Veteran America spoke on “Who is the Veteran.”

We felt honored when President General Mrs. Dillon arrived Saturday from Montana’s State Conference.  She arrived in perfect timing, to present our Outstanding Chapter Regent of the Year award.  Saturday afternoon, Mrs. Dillon presented chapters with the President General Project Certificates.   Later in the afternoon, many enjoyed the Heritage Tea with Mrs. Dillon and NSDAR Director of Development, Sandy Pollack.

Our workshop guest was Gail Terry, VPG and Honorary State Regent of Massachusetts.  Her workshop answered questions and details about Genealogical Preservation and Patriot Records projects.  Other special guests included Oregon State Regent Alice Miles, Mexico State Regent Linda Shiflett, Past VPG and Honorary State Regent of Idaho Liz Jones and New Caledonia Vancouver BC Chapter Regent Barbara Chaworth Musters.  We enjoyed our guests and learning about their programs and projects.  Thirty Pages -a record! - blessed us with their help, smiles, and DAR enthusiasm during the state conference.

Saturday evening, Mrs. Dillon inspired us with words of wisdom.  Each Daughter soared with a renewed appreciation of NSDAR and the strength of our society upon listening to our President General.  During the evening, we thanked Mike and Sue Raney of Seattle, for their contributions to the National Parks, specifically Mt. Rainier.  Mike received his Vietnam veteran lapel pin and our thanks, words he said he had not heard before Saturday night.  

To close the evening, Mrs. Dillon received a portrait commissioned by the WSSDAR, painted by Evelyn Cole Peters American Heritage award winner and internationally known artist Pam Gassman of Washington, along with a charm of Mt. Rainier.

Sunday after the State Conference, over one hundred Daughters gathered at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery to dedicate the FIRST memorial to women veterans in Washington.  A bench with the words, “Honoring Women Who Serve” Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow is now placed.  The State Regent’s Project to place these memorials throughout our state plans five more benches to be dedicated within the next 14 months.

The concluding session held Sunday was an informal awards breakfast.  Members sadly waved goodbye to our President General as she left our Evergreen state to return home.  The gracious warm memories of Mrs. Dillon stayed behind, moving Washington Daughters forward in service to America.