Today's DAR
This past weekend, I completed the last official state visit of my term by traveling to beautiful and historic Springfield, Illinois, for a spectacular day of meaningful events with the outstanding Daughters of our 21st state. I cannot adequately express my appreciation to State Regent Debby Coe for all of the fabulous arrangements she made to ensure that my official visit here was so memorable and enjoyable! Furthermore, it was especially joyous to spend it with Chaplain General Pamela Bork, who is an Honorary State Regent here.
Last-ing Memories from the Land of Lincoln
Please visit my DAR President General’s Facebook page to view dozens of photographs from this day that was jam packed with exceptional experiences that included:
- Thanking the Illinois members of the Heritage Club who have donated to support our National Society during an invitation-only breakfast;
- Visiting Lincoln’s Tomb, including a wreath laying (and rubbing his nose for good luck!);
- Touring the Old State Capitol (and viewing its massive portraits of both Washington and Lafayette);
- Meeting Mr. Lincoln himself -- courtesy of a reenactor who has convincingly portrayed him since 1980 – and I mean convincingly!;
- Receiving a stunning fine-crystal replica of the U.S. Capitol from the office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (a DAR member);
- Viewing DAR plaques that honor Lincoln as a Circuit Court Judge and the Revolutionary War Patriots buried in the local county, as well as stopping by Lincoln’s Law Office;
- Enjoying a private tour of the fabulous Governor’s Mansion, including its Rose Garden, which was donated by the Illinois State Society;
- Learning that First Lady of Illinois MK Pritzker is a DAR member, though she was traveling and unable to greet us personally; and
- Touring the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home of Springfield socialite (and Daughter) Dana Thomas.
Imagine my joy to travel that evening with these marvelous women to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the best attended of all the Presidential libraries, for a fabulous gala private dinner. Opened in 2005, the 200,000-square-foot complex, which includes an archive, library and museum, features public experiences, galleries and theater presentations. We dined in its center courtyard, where I had the privilege of addressing the more than 100 attendees gathered amidst a recreation of Lincoln’s log cabin and the White House. The museum is exceptionally well done, and I urge you to put it on your travel list. I will need to return myself in order to appreciate all of its outstanding exhibits.
What a magnificent day of history, purpose and friendship. President Lincoln once said, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” These Daughters are rightfully proud of their state, and Springfield is surely proud of its most famous son. It was an honor to learn more about the rich history of Illinois with our dedicated members who are in service here.
My visit also included the delight of presenting 100 Percent Participation Certificates for support of the VanBuren President General’s Project to the Illinois Chapters – all of which met this goal. Furthermore, the State Society surprised me with a very generous contribution in support of The Next Act. My heart overflows with gratitude for the steadfast support that Daughters everywhere have provided to our project, the largest single administration effort in the history of our National Society. Huzzah, ladies!
Thank you, Illinois Daughters, for making my final state visit such a special occasion for me. I will forever treasure the memories of this exceptional experience in the Land of Lincoln.
P.S. If you are counting, I have completed official state visits as follows: 46 in-person, five virtual, five overseas in-person and one overseas virtual. Thank you to the state regents who made special arrangements to help me fulfill my responsibility to travel throughout our National Society in order to meet with members and share news from our national headquarters. While I regret that I was unable to visit in-person with Daughters in all of these locations, I am immensely proud that we did not allow the pandemic to eliminate this important obligation.
