Daughters from across the nation and around the world have given the first official Gift to the Nation in honor of the United States Semiquinncentennial (a coined word for a 250 year anniversary)!
The National Society has committed to fund the purchase, planting and ongoing care of 76 trees in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia in honor of the Spirit of ’76 that inspired our ancestors to declare their independence. These trees will be planted over the upcoming years in order to mature in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States in July 2026. Daughters from across the nation and around the world have given the first official Gift to the Nation in honor of the United States Semiquinncentennial (a coined word for a 250 year anniversary)! The National Society has committed to fund the purchase, planting and ongoing care of 76 trees in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia in honor of the Spirit of ’76 that inspired our ancestors to declare their independence. These trees will be planted over the upcoming years in order to mature in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States in July 2026.
Jim & Peggy Freeman at the White House
One of the many highlights throughout the week is to honor chapters with the most Service to America hours of volunteerism. So far in 2017,
Daughters have contributed over 740,000 hours to historic preservation, education and all things patriotic–bedrock principles of the DAR! Always in service mode, Daughters are encouraged to donate a book to the Service to America Book Drive. The Oakleaf Club of Greater Washington D.C.’s Books for Kids Program for military families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center will be the recipients.
During Continental Congress, some membership success stories were highlighted in order to inspire other chapters. Interviews with chapter regents were conducted throughout the week. Participants were nominated by their state Regents. 
Regent, Philadelphia Winn Kitty Watters’ interview
Ten Daughters, one HODAR (husband of DAR), and one pending member from Philadelphia Winn Chapter are in Washington DC for the weeklong festivities, from June 25-July 1, 2017. In attendance from Philadelphia Winn Chapter: Regent Kitty Watters, First Vice Regent Ann Story, Second Vice Regent Connie Rifkind, Past Regent Peggy Freeman, HODAR Jim Freeman, Past Regent Lydia McGill, Historian Randi Minor, Cynthia Davis, Renee Weilbrenner, Recording Secretary Valerie Craft, Ruby Craft, pending member Cinda Foglesong.
For more information about DAR please visit the Philadelphia Winn website: www.philadelphiawinn.georgiastatedar.org
