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DAR National Headquarters
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Washington, DC 20006
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Daughters of the American Revolution Convene in Washington, D.C. 121st Continental Congress held in DAR Constitution Hall

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)  The nation’s capital will welcome more than 3,000 members of one of its foremost service organizations this week with the arrival of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for their 121st annual Continental Congress. Highlights of the week-long event will include welcoming respected keynote speakers and award winners during the gala evening ceremonies. Guest speakers for the opening night ceremonies will be renowned Abraham Lincoln scholar, Harold Holzer, who will be receiving the DAR History Award Medal, and Dr. Nido Qubein, President of High Point University, who will be receiving the DAR Americanism Award given to distinguished naturalized citizens.

On National Defense Night, an evening that honors our Nation’s military personnel and veterans, the keynote address will be delivered by General David Petraeus, US Army (Ret.), Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Holly Petraeus will also be honored during the ceremony with the first-ever President General’s Medallion for her lifelong commitment to supporting military families. Additional awards that evening will be presented to a former female combat photographer, the Army Nurse of the Year, and outstanding volunteers for veterans. During the week, the DAR will also honor the Outstanding Teacher of American History, exceptional high school scholars, as well as individuals dedicated to community service, conservation, lifelong leadership and patriotism.

"It's inspiring to see more than 3,000 members travel to Washington to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year to preserve the past, enhance the present and invest in the future," said Merry Ann T. Wright, President General. "Attendees show great enthusiasm to participate in seminars and workshops during the conference to enhance their work of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism back in their communities. The reports given at our Continental Congress make it clear that the DAR is playing an important role in cities and towns across America."

The DAR Continental Congress is a time-honored tradition that has been held in Washington, D.C. as the annual national meeting of the membership since the organization’s founding. National, state and chapter leaders as well as other members from across the country and around the world meet at the DAR National Headquarters to report on the year’s work, honor outstanding award recipients, plan future initiatives and reconnect with friends. The week-long convention consists of business sessions, committee meetings, and social functions, and is topped off with four formal evening ceremonies at which national DAR award winners are honored.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 170,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.orgor www.youtube.com/TodaysDAR.

 

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