WASHINGTON, DC - More than 4,000 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution will convene this week in the nation’s capital for the 133rd Continental Congress, the latest gathering of the longstanding service organization’s annual meeting. The week-long convention consists of business sessions, committee meetings, and social functions, and is topped off with formal evening ceremonies at which national DAR award recipients are honored.

At the Opening Night Ceremony, Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress will receive the DAR History Award Medal. The National Defense Night Ceremony, celebrating our nation’s military personnel and veterans, will welcome Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. Other national awards will be presented during the week to outstanding individuals celebrating excellence in historic preservation, education and patriotism.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Continental Congress provides a way for members to come together and sparkle with each other, celebrating our country’s distinct history from the national level down to their individual communities,” said Pamela Rouse Wright, President General. “We are excited that 4,000 dedicated Daughters come together in our nation’s capital at DAR Headquarters to celebrate their service and accomplishments for the organization. While reflecting on the past year’s successes, Daughters also plan how DAR can continue as an even better patriotic service organization in the years to come.”   

The DAR Continental Congress is a time-honored annual gathering that has been held in Washington, D.C. since the organization’s founding. National, state and chapter leaders as well as other members from across the country and around the world meet at the DAR National Headquarters to report on the year’s work, honor outstanding award recipients, plan future initiatives and reconnect with friends.

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The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the Patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.