Daughters of the American Revolution Convene for 135th Congress

The convention, which opened on June 24, serves as both a business meeting and a patriotic summit. President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage emphasized that the gathering provides a platform for members to share regional initiatives and reflect on the organization's three pillars: historic preservation, education, and patriotism. During the opening ceremonies, the society announced a $1 million endowment to the George Washington Foundation, establishing a permanent directorship for education.

Recognition of cultural and military contributions remains a central theme of this year's programming. Filmmaker Ken Burns received the DAR Medal of Honor for his documentary work on the American Revolution, while other honors were bestowed upon individuals for heroism and community service. A notable moment occurred during the opening night when a live bald eagle, Lincoln, flew through Constitution Hall during the national anthem, drawing significant applause from the attendees.

Looking toward the remainder of the week, the congress will shift its focus to National Defense Night on June 28. This session is slated to honor the legacy of September 11, 2001, with special recognitions for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and U.S. Army Colonel Marilyn Wills for her actions during the Pentagon evacuation. The event continues to serve as the primary annual forum for the 190,000-member organization to coordinate its nationwide charitable and educational outreach.