In August and September, Arizona DAR (ASDAR) and Gila Butte DAR Chapter (DAR) launched new administrations, led by State Regent Marilou Fellman and Gila Butte Regent Marjorie Nelson, respectively. The first official meeting was in August, as ASDAR’s Summer Workshop was held in Scottsdale/Fountain Hills. The State Regent outlined her two-year projects which include placement of a historical marker in Parker, AZ; funds for Honor Flight Arizona; and purchase of musical instruments for Rosie’s House, which provides instruments and lessons to underprivileged youth.
In September, Gila Butte Chapter’s committee chairs met to plan their community outreach and to learn about new national directions and contests. At the chapter’s first general meeting of the year, the program was “DAR 101” by Sarah Ziker, ASDAR Chaplain.
The chapter also commemorated Constitution Day in September with a wide variety of activities, in keeping with DAR’s historic connection to the establishment of Constitution Week: In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress with a resolution to establish a week devoted to observance of our bedrock document, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law in 1956. With assistance from Arizona Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard and piano accompaniment by Norma Griffin, Senior President, Children of the American Revolution, Gila Butte DAR celebrated with two bellringings at Renaissance Retirement community. In addition, DAR provided two school districts with materials and resources to assist them as they fulfill their legal responsibility to teach their students about the U.S. Constitution.
DAR is a national, women’s volunteer organization, whose motto is “God, Home and Country.” The Society has three objectives: preservation of history and historic places, education which ensures our nation’s future and patriotic endeavor.
Gila Butte Chapter meets in Sun Lakes and welcomes all eligible women. Women over 18 who can prove a direct bloodline connection to a patriot who gave service during the Revolutionary War are eligible. Genealogical assistance is available. For membership information, call 480-802-6993 or access the chapter website, gilabutte.arizonadar.org.