Local DAR chapters host reception for naturalized citizens

ROCKINGHAM — Members of the General Henry William Harrington Chapter of Rockingham and the Alfred Moore Chapter of Southern Pines joined the Colonel Arthur Forbis Chapter of Greensboro to host a reception following the naturalization ceremony in Greensboro, North Carolina on Friday, July 26, 2024.

DAR has a long history of supporting immigrants on the path to citizenship and celebrating when citizenship is achieved. Chapters all around the country assist people in preparation of the American History and U.S. Government exams, volunteer at the local Immigration and Naturalization Office, attend naturalization ceremonies, and host receptions for the new citizens.

Chief United States District Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina, Catherine Eagles, presided over the naturalization ceremony that was held at the L. Richardson Preyer Federal Building. Forty-six immigrants who hailed from all over the world eagerly took their oaths of citizenship to become United States citizens. Afterwards, three DAR chapters hosted a reception within the federal courthouse for friends and family members to celebrate with the newly naturalized citizens. Guests were served light refreshments and presented with American flags.

“It was such a special day,” says Melissa Wall, chapter regent of the General Henry William Harrington Chapter. “We are honored to be able to participate and celebrate as these new citizens embark on a journey of freedom that only America provides. These new citizens worked hard to get here. They had to study and be tested and go through the legal process to become citizens. And that’s worth celebrating!”

As early as 1910, the DAR has assisted immigrants becoming naturalized citizens. For close to 85 years, the DAR compiled and published the DAR Manual for Citizenship. Over 12 million copies of this free book were given to immigrants seeking American citizenship. The manual is now provided online. The manual continues to be useful for those studying to become citizens as well as for students learning about U.S. citizenship and immigration. It shows the many aspects new citizens are required to know before they can complete their naturalization process. The manual covers topics such as: the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, democracy, U.S. government, roles of citizens, the U.S. flag, Statue of Liberty and becoming a citizen.

For additional information please contact your local DAR chapter. To download a copy of the DAR Manual for Citizenship please visit DAR.org.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.

If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, visit https://www.facebook.com/RichmondCountyDAR/ or contact https://www.ncdar.org/GeneralHenryWilliamHarringtonChapter.html.