Toni Bolling Lutter
When Gila Butte DAR commemorated its 15th anniversary in September, the celebration was one of five historic events commemorated that day. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is committed to three objectives: historic preservation, education and patriotism.
Historic preservation permeates DAR committees and projects. Currently, there is a two-year commemoration of World War I, with particular emphasis on American participation and efforts during the war. Life on the homefront is the focus of DAR youth contests in essay and in art. Gila Butte Chapter is digging into its genealogy to find and honor family and friends who served America in World War I.
Other preservation efforts include the Genealogical Records Committee which collects, preserves and increases the already-vast records in the Washington, D.C., DAR Library. By finding and digitizing the holdings of unpublished genealogical source materials and making those same records available publicly through an online, every-name index, the Society provides an invaluable service to genealogists worldwide.
DAR historic preservation accomplishments include the following: More than $500,000 was contributed to the construction of the WWI Memorial. The Arlington Women in Military Service Memorial was conceived by a DAR member and funded in part by DAR contributions. The walls and ceilings of the U.S. Capitol Building hold permanent works of art commissioned by DAR. Throughout the nation, cemeteries and gravesites are located and restored.
In the heart of Valley Forge National Park is the National Patriots Bell Tower erected by DAR and dedicated to the patriots who won and established American freedom. Major contributions of funds helped to restore Independence Hall in Philadelphia, as well as the Statue of Liberty.
Gila Butte Chapter meets in Sun Lakes and welcomes eligible women to join in celebrating and commemorating American history. For membership information, call 480-802-6993 or go to the chapter website, gilabutte.arizonadar.org.