DAR celebrates America and Arizona at State Conference

Gila Butte Daughters with State Regent Gillian Morse and President General Lynn Young (seated center).

Gila Butte Daughters with State Regent Gillian Morse and President General Lynn Young (seated center).

Toni Bolling Lutter

On May 6-9 Gila Butte Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) attended the Arizona DAR State Conference held in Scottsdale. State Regent Gillian Morse, a member of Gila Butte Chapter, welcomed DAR President General Lynn Forney Young.

The State Conference is the Society’s annual business meeting, with 41 state chapters in attendance, and representation from more than 50 national and state committees. It is an opportunity to celebrate successes and to plan for the future.

Mrs. Young was the keynote speaker at the Friday night banquet, where she spoke about the DAR’s history of service. During 2013, DAR members reported 4,760,314 hours of volunteer community service, not including their DAR responsibilities. Mrs. Young noted that Miss Eugenia Washington, one of the Founders of DAR, said, “We want a society founded on service.”

The Young administration’s three-year goal is to report 10 million volunteer hours during her three-year term under a national project called Celebrate America! which coincides with the National Society’s 125th Anniversary.

State Regent Gillian Morse, who is an Honorary Regent of Gila Butte Chapter, presided as state awards, prizes and scholarships were announced. The Vietnam 50th anniversary lunch featured speaker Col. Patricia Little-Upah, U.S. Army (Ret.). Her topic was: “Reflections of a U.S. Army Nurse.” Col. Little-Upah was awarded the DAR Distinguished Service Medal.

Morse also announced four winners of the State Regent’s Scholarships. During Morse’s two-year term, scholarships will be awarded to Arizona graduating senior women planning to attend Arizona colleges and universities throughout the state.

Gila Butte Daughters currently serving the State Society include Nancy Andrews, Barbara Bayley, Jane Chiles, Julia Forrest, Janice Hood, Jude Mente, Betty Wells, Mary Wolf and Gila Butte Regent Barbara Hugus. Toni Bolling Lutter serves as State Corresponding Secretary.

Gila Butte Chapter meets in Sun Lakes and welcomes new members. For membership information call 602-430-6048 or go to the Gila Butte chapter website gilabutte.arizonadar.org.