Daughters Convene in Washington

Over 4,000 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution convened recently in the nation’s capital for the 133rd Continental Congress, the latest gathering of the longstanding service organization’s annual meeting.

The week-long convention consisted of business sessions, committee meetings and social functions, and was topped off with formal evening ceremonies at which national DAR award winners were honored. In attendance were the following members of the Fielding Lewis Chapter in Marietta: Chapter Regent Karen Kivette, Vice Regent Melissa Tanner, Corresponding Secretary Celine Evans, Treasurer Trisha Moseley, Registrar Eva Garrett, Parliamentarian Linda Lopez, Georgia State Society Treasurer Ann Ameye, Membership Co-Chair Caron Hobson, and Chapter American Indians Chair Wanda Patterson and Lucy Willis.

At the opening night ceremony, Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, received the DAR History Award Medal. The National Defense Night Ceremony, celebrating the nation’s military personnel and veterans, welcomed Adm. Linda Fagan, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. Other national awards were presented during the week to outstanding individuals celebrating excellence in historic preservation, education and patriotism.

While at Congress, Fielding Lewis Chapter member Wanda Patterson was awarded first place in the American Heritage Committee Contest, Fiber Arts, as well as the Evelyn Cole Peters Award for an Extraordinary Entry for her Quilt Top. Members Melissa Tanner, Celine Evans, Linda Lopez and Ann Ameye supported Continental Congress by serving on the Seating Committee, Page Marshall, House Committee, and Credentials Committee, respectively. Members attended the Treasurer Forum and visited the Madonna of the Trail Monument in Bethesda, Maryland.

“It’s always a pleasure to be with Daughters from around the country and world, and to be in 'our house beautiful,'” said Kivette.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Continental Congress provides a way for members to come together and sparkle with each other, celebrating our country’s distinct history from the national level down to their individual communities,” said Pamela Rouse Wright, president general. “We are excited that 4,000 dedicated Daughters come together in our nation’s capital at DAR Headquarters to celebrate their service and accomplishments for the organization. While reflecting on the past year’s successes, Daughters also plan how DAR can continue as an even better patriotic service organization in the years to come.”

The DAR Continental Congress is a time-honored annual gathering that has been held in Washington, D.C. since the organization’s founding. National, state and chapter leaders as well as other members from across the country and around the world meet at the DAR National Headquarters to report on the year’s work, honor outstanding award recipients, plan future initiatives and reconnect with friends.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With over 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations.

For more information, visit www.DAR.org .