Opening Night is Here!

Are you ready? In just a few hours, we officially open the 131st Continental Congress with a spectacular Opening Night Ceremony! We have many outstanding honorees – but perhaps the biggest star of the night is Constitution Hall itself, full of our members for the first Congress since 2019 and newly restored. I am especially grateful to all of you who have expressed to me your appreciation for its transformation. I thank you for your support of The Next Act, my President General’s Project. This week, we are certainly filling it with DAR sunshine in more ways than one!

Tonight, we recognize philanthropist David Rubenstein for his astounding financial support of our nation’s greatest monuments and institutions; Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro for his service and leadership of our nation’s naval forces; the Family History Library for its exceptional genealogical resources; and the Trust for the National Mall for its stewardship of “America’s Front Yard.” We will also enjoy a musical performance by Navy Veteran Kenny Ray Horton, a talented musician, songwriter and composer who recently retired from the U.S. Navy Band. Trust me: it’s going to be great!

I also want to take a moment share that Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, passed away in the early morning hours. He was to have joined us on Saturday night to be recognized. I am deeply saddened to share this news and our thoughts and prayers are with his family …. God bless this American hero.

My own day will be busy, beginning with greetings to breakfasts hosted by the delegations from Mississippi and Alabama and the Heritage Club – what a joy it is to meet friends old and new as I make my way around. I will also be attending the Heritage Club luncheon, giving me a further chance to welcome these generous members to Congress and to thank them for their donations to our National Society. It will also be my pleasure to provide greetings at other events that include the DAR Patriotism Luncheon and the Texas Tea.

While you are exploring Headquarters today, don’t miss the DAR Period rooms, located throughout Memorial Continental Hall. Check the schedule to find out when each room will be hosting its open house for a chance to meet and learn from some of the knowledgeable women from each state. The President General’s Reception Room will also be open for a rare viewing today from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Stop by and take in this magnificent space.

If you cannot be with us this evening in Washington, D.C., please participate in Congress virtually, where you can view the live streaming video of the evening ceremonies and business sessions on the Congress Website, view photos from Congress events and read the daily Congress Herald. Also, follow along with Continental Congress social media via Facebook and Instagram.

Make it a great day, and I’ll see you (live or online!) at tonight’s Opening Ceremony!