WASHINGTON, DC – The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is truly honored to celebrate the life, the talent and the legacy of world-renowned opera singer Marian Anderson on the upcoming 75th anniversary of her historic concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. We join with all Americans in paying tributeto her memory and commemorating such a pivotal event in the struggle for racial equality.

On April 12, 2014, the DAR will host a concert at DAR Constitution Hall, presented by the Washington Performing Arts Society (WPAS), which pays tribute to Marian Anderson and that momentous 1939 event. “Of Thee We Sing: The Marian Anderson 75th Anniversary Celebration,” will be an all-star concert hosted by the celebrated American soprano Jessye Norman and will feature an extraordinary 300-voice choir and many other talented artists. For more details on the concert, visit www.wpas.org.

“The Daughters of the American Revolution is so pleased to honor Marian Anderson and the historic concert that was a transformative moment in making America a better place for us all 75 years later,” said DAR President General Lynn Young. “We are proud to host the ‘Of Thee We Sing’ concert in DAR Constitution Hall. We thank the Washington Performing Arts Society for including us in this important event to celebrate the talent, strength and courage of a truly remarkable and inspiring woman.”

DAR welcomed Marian Anderson to DAR Constitution Hall numerous times after 1939 and has joined with Ms. Anderson’s family and others at DAR Headquarters on several occasions to celebrate her life and legacy. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is a venue used by numerous, diverse groups of all musical styles who bring major entertainment to the Washington, D.C. area.  Moreover, DAR enthusiastically welcomes all women who can trace their lineage to someone who contributed to American Independence to become members and encourages and celebrates diversity in the organization.

To those across the country who join us in honoring Marian Anderson, the DAR is proud to demonstrate that change is possible. The Daughters of the American Revolution would like to express deep gratitude to Ms. Anderson and all those who have worked for the goal of equality. America, and the DAR, is a better place because of their dreams and their sacrifices.

For more information on the DAR and Marian Anderson, please visit the Marian Anderson Page on DAR Public Website.

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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 177,000 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.