Today's DAR
It’s beginning to look a lot like Congress – and this year’s virtual version will provide a more traditional schedule through daytime business and evening ceremonial programming. I hope that you will join us for as many sessions as possible of the Virtual 130th Continental Congress, which will air as video presentations on our Congress Online YouTube Livestream June 30-July 4, 2021.
Can’t tune-in to a live session? No problem! You will still be able to watch any/all of the sessions in our video archive, to which easy access links will be provided. Here is a brief overview of each official session:
Wednesday, June 30 – Opening Night Ceremony, 7 p.m. ET
Our theme is “Proud to be an American,” and we will celebrate our shared national heritage and love of country by featuring our mission area of patriotism. It’s a great night to plan a “watch party” with family and friends, whether in person or online, as we kick off our 130th annual conference from the heart of the nation’s capital.
Thursday, July 1 – Daytime Business Session, 10 a.m. ET
We formally call our Congress to order with necessary business and then provide the reports of your Executive Officers. We will next hear from half of our State Regents, beginning this year with those states which most recently joined the Union.
Thursday, July 1 – Education Awards Night, 7 p.m. ET
This ceremony recognizes outstanding students and educators with a spotlight on our mission area of education. You will meet our American History Essay Contest winners, the DAR Good Citizens and the Outstanding Teacher of American History. In addition, the 2021 Outstanding Junior member will be announced.
Friday, July 2 – Daytime Business Session, 10 a.m. ET
Reports of our State Regents resume and nominations for the candidates for the office of Honorary Vice President General and Vice President General will be presented. Voting members, in particular, should be sure to tune in to learn more about the women who seek leadership positions in our National Society.
Friday, July 2 – Celebration of Constitution Hall Restoration Ceremony, 7 p.m. ET
Join us as we raise the curtain on The Next Act and celebrate the nearly complete restoration of Constitution Hall through presentations and videos. We’ll also shine a spotlight on several organizations that share our passion for historic preservation.
Saturday, July 3 – Daytime Business Session, 1 p.m. ET
Important reports from several of our National Committees will be delivered, many of whom will present their award winners. We will also recognize those States with 100% Participation in the President General’s Project and our President General’s Project Patriots and Benefactors. And, of course, we will learn the results of voting.
Saturday, July 3 – National Defense Night, 7 p.m. ET
National Defense Night honors our nation’s military and veterans. We will present the Margaret Cochran Corbin Award, and we’ll have the privilege of honoring the Society of the Honor Guard as we partner with them for the Centennial Commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. The ceremony will also salute the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year and the Outstanding DAR Service for Veterans Award.
Sunday, July 4 – Memorial Service and Installation Ceremony, 10 a.m. ET
On Sunday morning, we will remember those Daughters who have passed within the last year. One small silver lining of our Virtual Congress is being able to transport those watching to the beautiful Kansas Chapel via video for our modified Virtual Memorial Service; it will be followed by a wreath laying at the DAR Founders Memorial. A virtual Installation ceremony will next be conducted for our new officers. (We will perform a second installation ceremony with these newest officers of our Society the next time the National Board of Management meets at National Headquarters so that we may welcome them in person.) Following the Memorial Service and Installation Ceremony, we will resume the Live feed in order to provide brief closing remarks and conclude the Congress.
But wait: there’s more! In addition to these official sessions, nearly 75 other special events are being staged by our committees, states, clubs and other groups for your enjoyment and edification. Find the full Congress schedule here.
If you’re a Congress veteran, I hope that you will feel as though we have delivered programming that fulfills your DAR “fix” after two years away from home. And if you’ve always wanted to attend Congress but simply couldn’t, this is your chance to feel as if you were there. Either way, please come celebrate a year of remarkable achievement: Make plans now to join us all week long as we Rise and Shine for Congress Online!
