Gratitude and Goodbyes at the end of the 131st Continental Congress

It was an honor last night to share the Constitution Hall stage with so many selfless Americans. It was, indeed, a privilege to honor men and women who are committed to not only protecting our country and its people, but to also preserving the memory of the fallen and improving the lives of military families. A grateful nation can do no less than to thank heroes like these.

This Congress has been one like no other – our largest to date, updated with many technological enhancements and conducted in a Hall that represents the single largest President General’s Project in our history. It was also, of course, the final and yet first in-person Congress of our administration. While it is bittersweet for me to step down from my responsibilities given the events that shaped my term in office, I am content with the knowledge that we together achieved amazing things: the acceptance of more than 35,000 new members, more than 14 million hours of community service and many improvements at our national Headquarters.

When Daughters of the future look back upon our time in office, set against the backdrop of a global emergency, I am confident that they will conclude, “well done, good and faithful servants.” Thank you for that. Ladies: we didn’t let it get the best of us, for which I am the most proud. 

It has been the highest honor of my life to be your President General. It was your inspiring faith, trusting loyalty and indefatigable commitment to our mission that propelled me through the challenges of a difficult term. Allow me to close with the words that Gen. Washington shared when resigning his commission on December 23, 1783: "Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action."