Pictured left to right back row: SAR Color Guard Bill Baran, Keith Hugus and President Steve Miller; front row: State Chair Nancy Zales, Regent Lesley Baran and Toni Bolling Lutter
Toni Bolling Lutter
On September 19, Gila Butte Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Arizona Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) teamed up at Renaissance Retirement Community to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution with two bell ringings. The first program was held in Independent Living, and a second followed at the new Assisted Living and Memory Care facility.
The program began with the Arizona SAR Color Guard posting the flag of the United States and included patriotic music and a history of the Constitution signing; September 17, 1787, when delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the new Constitution, the bells in Philadelphia called citizens together to hear the news. Each year, DAR chapters around the world sponsor bell ringings in commemoration.
September 17-23 is Constitution Week. In 1955, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress with a resolution; this week of observance for the foundation of the American form of government was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 2, 1956.
Gila Butte DAR meets in Sun Lakes and welcomes women over 18 who can prove direct bloodline lineage to a patriot of the American Revolution. Interested women are urged to call 480-802-6993 for information or go to the chapter website gilabutte.arizonadar.org.
SAR is the largest male lineage organization in the United States. It is a patriotic, historical and educational non-profit that seeks to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom; an appreciation for true patriotism; a respect for our national symbols; the value of American citizenship; and the unifying force of e pluribus unum. Membership information is available at azssar.org.