DAR members win awards at TSDAR State Conference

Three members from Colonel George Dashiell Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) attended the Texas Society DAR State Conference in Houston March 11-13. All three were State Committee Chairmen and presented their reports while there. Shirley Bland, Genealogical Records; Neva Jo Brooks, DAR Genealogy Preservation; and Mae Bruce, Program. Over 800 members and guests attended the Conference.

The Chapter received State awards including Membership Gain, Service to Veterans, Genealogical Records, Genealogical Research, Genealogical Preservation, American History Programs and publicity, Outstanding Chapter Junior, with additional individual awards for the three members who attended.

The Chapter presented a beautiful framed print of “Prayer at Valley Forge”, the classic painting of a fully uniformed George Washington on bended knee, in prayer beside his handsome white horse which was donated for use as a fundraiser for the State Regent’s Project, and by holding a live auction, it raised $6200. This was a fantastic result, because the painting is now going to be placed in the Fisher House M.E.DeBakey Veterans Center in Houston. All those families who will be using the Fisher House will have the opportunity to enjoy this painting. The State Regent’s project which will receive those funds is to Preserve and Protect the 183 year old “Registro”, which is Stephen F. Austin’s records of the “Old Three Hundred”. The Original records will be preserved in a beautiful wooden case for protection, while a replica will be provided for public research and study. This project is handled in cooperation with Texas Land Office Commission.

One of the most outstanding speakers at the conference was Lt Col James Megelles (Ret), who was the most decorated member in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division WW II. He is now 92 years old, and is still a popular speaker on military events. He authored the memoir book “All the Way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe”.

Another speaker was Anita Perry, First Lady of Texas, who spoke on the little-known stories of how previous governors had made this Governor's Mansion into their private home.

The members voted to approve resolutions regarding the following:

AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS: TSDAR encourages the continued volunteer spirit of the giving of one’s time and talents to enhance the lives of others.

CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES: The TSDAR will revere, and encourage others to respect the immense sacrifices made by our founding fathers and the patriotic Americans who followed, so as to preserve our freedoms at all costs.

FLAG ETIQUETTE: The TSDAR shall make every effort to inform the general public, family and friends, of this relatively new form of flag etiquette and to encourage its use.

TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN: The TSDAR commends the coalition headed by the National Trust for Historical Preservation for their efforts to protect the original monument of the Tomb of the Unknown.

The Conference delegates Reaffirmed The following Previous Resolutions: 1) TSDAR encourage and support efforts to secure U S borders and ports 2) NSDAR be aware and inform others of the attack on our religious freedom.

3) TSDAR as individuals, continued to support all policies that support the American military 4) The TSDAR recognize that America also is at war against the overlooked threat of domestic terrorists, and encourage responsible citizen participation in the battle against terrorism. 5) TSDAR block any movement or legislation which would surrender any portion of the USA to any country, government or organization.

This annual State Conference will next meet in Dallas in March 2011.