National Society Daughters Of The American Revolution also known as the DAR is an organization that preserves the history of the American Revolutionary War. Among preservation DAR also aids local communities, provides schools with supplies, supports military families, and teaches values and principles that align with early American beliefs and traditions.
October 11th DAR celebrated their 125 years in existence. Founded in 1890 within the bustling Washington DC area, the DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical service organization comprised of women who volunteer to promote patriotism, education for children, and sharing history. The DAR moto is God, Home, and Country.
The organization hosts approximately 180,000 current members, 3,000 chapters through out the United States. Through their existence, DAR has had over 950,000 members through their organization. Four women were responsible for the birth and advancement of the DAR. Eugenia Washington 1840-1900, Ellen Walworth 1832-1915, Mary S Lockwood 1831-1942, and Mary Desha 1850-1911. The SAR, Sons of the American Revolution had already been founded in 1889 and voted in 1890 to exclude women from their membership. Infuriated that women and their contribution to the war were being diminished Mrs Lockwood and her gal pal’s shot back with vigor and thus is how the DAR began. The DAR has grown leaps and bounds surpassing the SAR by milestones in membership.
Regent member of the Estudillo Chapter in Hemet, Heather Ferguson an 18 year member of DAR states that the belief in God, Country, Home, and Military Service are some core beliefs that she holds dear. Following her grandmother, she joined the DAR in Oct 1998. 2016 marks the 76th year of the Estudillo Chapter in Hemet.
Flag honoring was Octobers main topic for discussion within the walls of the Estudillo Chapter. Flag day became official on June 14, 1777. Each color of the flag has a different meaning. Red depicting valor, zeal, and honor. White showing innocence, and purity. Blue demonstrating vigilance, perseverance, truth, heaven, and justice.
Perusing, Ferguson also spoke of how difficult it is to see the current disrespect of the flag within society. The efforts of those who have given their lives to protect what the flag stands for almost in vain. Patriotism is one of DAR’s main beliefs. Promoting respect and flag honor is one aspect of patriotism the DAR strives for.
DAR believes that teaching respect to the younger generation is a very important task. As it is with our children that our history lives on. Offered to the children of DAR or SAR members, is CAR, Children of the American Revolution.
The member process for DAR is that a woman over 18 years old who can prove a blood linage to anyone who served and aided in the gaining of American Independence is eligible for entry. Documentation is needed to prove the lineage to the Patriot that served. There are registrars that help and aide in the process of helping applicants find their Patriot link.
The Next DAR meeting is Nov 15th at 140 North Bueno Vista Street, Hemet, CA 92543
DAR.org
USflag.org
