DAR members’ love of country is evident in the multitude of patriotic endeavors they pursue, including:
Public Outreach
- Constitution Week: DAR sponsors special programs and public service announcements during the week of September 17-23 to help inform and educate the public about this document which is fundamental to our society.
- Naturalization Ceremonies: From San Francisco to New York, DAR chapters participate in naturalization ceremonies for new citizens, by welcoming them, providing flags, leaflets, manuals, and moral support.
- Flag and Flag Codes: DAR provides thousands of American flags to schools, governmental bodies, military establishments, and civic organizations throughout the country. A booklet, "Flag Code of the United States of America," is published by DAR and distributed free to schools and organizations.
- DAR Manual for Citizenship: In 1921, DAR compiled and published this guide distributed to American immigrants at Ellis Island and other ports of entry. More than 12 million copies of this book were given free to those seeking American citizenship. The manual is now provided online.
- World War II Memorial, Washington, D.C.: DAR contributed more than $500,000 toward the construction of this memorial on the National Mall.
- Women in Military Service Memorial, Arlington, VA: Conceived by DAR member, General Wilma Vaught, and funded in part by contributions from DAR, this memorial honors all women who have served in the military.
- Valley Forge Memorial Bell Tower, Valley Forge, PA: DAR erected a memorial bell tower at the Washington Memorial Chapel in the heart of the Valley Forge National Park. The tower houses a carillon of 80 bells. Dedications and memorial plaques honoring America's military cover the interior of the tower.
- Vietnam War Commemoration: DAR is a commemorative partner with the The United States of America Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration, established by Congress, to "thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war (POW) or listed as missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans."
Patriotic Awards
- DAR presents two prestigious awards to American citizens for outstanding contributions to the nation. The DAR Medal of Honor is awarded to native-born American citizens and the Americanism Medal is awarded to naturalized citizens.
- Each year awards are given to honor those working with veterans. They are:
- Outstanding Veteran Volunteer
- Outstanding Youth Volunteer
- Outstanding DAR Service for Veterans Award
- Community Service Awards are presented on local, state, and national levels to individuals and groups who have contributed to their communities in an outstanding voluntary, heroic, civil, or benevolent manner, or who have participated in or organized community activities.
- DAR Distinguished Citizen Medals are awarded to emergency first responders, emergency health responders, active duty military and veterans of the armed forces, and citizens who have contributed to the defense and security of the nation, state or local community in an exceptional manner.
- DAR Good Citizens Awards and Scholarships recognize and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.
- DAR Youth Citizenship Medals foster among schoolchildren a greater appreciation of the qualities of citizenship that Americans must possess if our country is to remain sovereign and independent. These medals are presented to children in grades 5-11 who are dedicated to honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. The medal may also be awarded to youth service and patriotic organizations or members who fulfill these qualities (such as scouts, police cadets and other community service organizations).
- Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and Junior ROTC Medals are awarded to student cadets of outstanding ability and achievement in high school, college, or university ROTC programs of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
- DAR Outstanding Cadet Medals are awarded to student cadets who distinguish themselves through outstanding leadership, honor, courage, service, and patriotism in a non-ROTC, or non-JROTC military-affiliated cadet program funded by a school or private organization, or a cadet in a police or fire department volunteer training program.
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Eligible programs include, but are not limited to, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Civil Air Patrol, National Defense Cadet Corps (NDCC), American Cadet Alliance (ACA), Young Marines, National Middle School Cadet Corps (NMSCC), U.S. Navy League Cadet Corps, Joint Military Cadets of America (JMCA), United States Cadet Corps, or police and firefighting cadet training programs.