Today's DAR
The momentum is building for our upcoming Virtual 130th Continental Congress, and I am thrilled to share a few details about several of the exciting “luncheon” events that await you–and what could be better than a luncheon with no calories? Many thanks to our hard-working National Chairs for arranging these opportunities for you to learn more about the important work of their vibrant committees:
Wednesday:
This year’s Patriotism Luncheon features an outstanding guest speaker: the first woman commissioned into the newly formed U.S. Space Force, Lt. Gen. Nina M Armagno. Highlights of the National Defense, DAR Service for Veterans and DAR Project Patriot committees’ activities will be shared and a new video of 200 Daughters who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces (but who did not appear in last year’s video) will air.
Thursday:
All are invited to join the Units Overseas committee on Thursday for “Daughters Do Lunch, International Style!" Participants will be touring our Units Overseas chapters by Vespa motorcycle, cruise ship and plane via Zoom! The chapters have shared fabulous "home movies" of their cities’ beautiful locations and monuments, as well as of members enjoying a delightful meal featuring their favorite food. And, as a bonus, those recipes will be provided as a gift to all participants. Yum – and mangia!
The Historic Preservation Committee also hosts its luncheon on Thursday, and will announce national winners at both the state and chapter levels of the Historic Preservation Project Contest. Keynote speaker Dr. Daniel Vivian will discuss how shared history can foster perspective and tolerance. Registration is required, although there is no cost to participate.
Friday:
The National DAR School Committee will host the reel-y exciting Hooked on DAR Schools Virtual Congress Event. This o-fish-al DAR School event will feature greetings and presentations by the five DAR School administrators, remarks by Kate Duncan Smith student representatives, state and chapter awards and the annual distribution of the Friends of the DAR School Fund. Catch the broadcast live on the KDS YouTube Channel.
Saturday:
On Saturday, the American Indians Committee will host its virtual annual Luncheon and online auction. The event will celebrate the achievements of the past year, as well as share special greetings from Bacone College, Chemawa Indian School and the Indian Youth of America. Speaker Dennis Downs, researcher on the Native American navigation system, will present a unique program titled "Tied to the Past: Trail Marker Trees and the DAR." The online auction will begin on Thursday at 8:00 a.m. EDT and close Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EDT, with proceeds benefitting the American Indians Fund in support of the committee’s various projects and grants.
All members are invited to the Junior Luncheon on Saturday, July 3. In addition to announcements of the 2021 Helen Pouch Memorial Fund distributions and recognition of Outstanding Junior Members and Pages, the 2021 Junior Luncheon will feature conversations with Outstanding Juniors from the past and a pre-recorded interview with the 2021 National Finalists. Traditional last-chance Junior Sales opportunities will also be offered through the DAR Store and Junior Auction.
In addition to these nationally sponsored events, many states and clubs are conducting events; workshops and presentations are also scheduled. I encourage you to visit the Virtual Congress Website to view the entire schedule. Please attend as many as possible from the comfort of your computer screen—we’re expecting you!
