WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Inaugural Committee has once again requested the use of the Daughters of the American Revolution bronze eagle lectern for the nationally televised Inaugural Luncheon, which will follow President Barack Obama’s oath of office ceremony on January 21, 2013.

President Barack Obama gave his luncheon remarks from the eagle lectern at the 2009 Inaugural Luncheon. The DAR eagle lectern was also used at the 2005 Inaugural Luncheon of President George W. Bush. The historic lectern is original to the Society's headquarters building, Memorial Continental Hall, and was frequently used at early prestigious DAR ceremonies. It was presented to the Fourteenth DAR Continental Congress in 1905 by the now-disbanded Flintlock and Powder Horn Chapter of Rhode Island as a pledge of “loyalty to the organization, and in the interest of purity, patriotism and peace.” Now residing in the President General's Assembly Room, the DAR eagle lectern has a beautiful patriotic design which the Inaugural Committee saw as perfect for this momentous occasion.

The DAR is honored to receive this third request from the Inaugural Committee and to serve the Inauguration ceremonies in this way.

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The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, a worldwide service organization with nearly 3,000 chapters, is devoted to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. With more than 170,000 members, it has been one of the nation's most active service organizations since its founding in 1890. In just a few examples: Daughters provide financial support for scholarships, fund schools for underserved children, and volunteer time to local programs such as literacy tutoring. Members contribute thousands of hours of volunteer time in the nation’s VA hospitals each year as well as provide support and encouragement to active military personnel through various programs. In communities across the country, local chapters distribute thousands of U.S. Flags each year, and welcome thousands of new citizens. For more information on the work of the DAR and how to become a member, visit www.dar.org.