DAR Representative Appointed to Serve on Commission
Will Attend November 16 Meeting in Independence Hall

WASHINGTON, DC – Lynn Forney Young, Honorary President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), will attend the inaugural meeting of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission November 16 in Philadelphia, PA. Young is one of only 16 private citizens who were appointed by bipartisan members of Congress to serve as Commissioners alongside eight members of Congress and nine Federal Government officials on the Commission.

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission, established in July 2016, assumes the task of facilitating nationwide plans to observe the 250th anniversary of the United States. Leading up to the commemoration, this body will play a central role in shaping the anniversary narrative on a national level. Members of the group will solicit ideas about how to mark the anniversary, meet to develop a plan, submit recommendations for the consideration of the President and Congress, and assist with the execution of the approved itinerary.

“I am excited to join with my fellow Commissioners in Philadelphia and to begin work the important task of planning this historic commemoration,” said Commissioner Young. “We look forward to celebrating our nation’s incredible history and fostering a renewed appreciation for all of the Americans who founded our nation and ensured its progress through the generations.”

The Commission has already accomplished a number of critical initiatives designed to support a successful commemoration. Frank Giordano, President and CEO of the Philly POPS, was named Executive Director-designate by Commission Chair Dan DiLella, and the American Battlefield Trust was selected by the Department of the Interior to support the Commission’s administrative and fundraising efforts. The Commission intends to begin fundraising in earnest early in 2019.

Additionally while in Philadelphia, Commissioner Young will participate in a tree planting ceremony to introduce the DAR Pathway of the Patriots along the Schuylkill River Trail. The Pathway, a partnership between DAR, USA250, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, is a gift to the nation on behalf of the DAR, which will result in 250 new trees planted along the trail in memory of Revolutionary War patriots. Each of the 250 trees honoring individual patriots will be featured in a companion online resource in order to raise awareness of those who helped achieve American Independence.

DAR members and the public are encouraged to provide feedback and ideas for ways the nation can celebrate our 250^th anniversary. If you have suggestions or questions for Commissioner Lynn Young and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, please email [email protected].

For more information on DAR’s involvement with preparations for America’s 250^th Anniversary, visit www.dar.org/America250.

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The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 125 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.