For over 130 years, the Daughters of the American Revolution has carried the torch of patriotism. Love of country was the purpose; ancestors who fought for freedom was the bond that connected women to unite to form an organization that honored heritage and worked to ensure a bright future for our children. Patriotism is the foundation of the many DAR activities that take place in local communities across the country.
Dr. Elisha Dick Chapter, NSDAR, members demonstrate their love of country through a multitude of patriotic endeavors they pursue, including:
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Offering support to America’s service personnel in current conflicts abroad and at home through care packages, thank you cards, and other needed items.
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Participating in naturalization ceremonies.
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Sponsoring special programs promoting the Constitution during its official celebration week of September 17–23.
CONSTITUTION WEEK
During Constitution Week (September 17-23 annually), Dr. Elisha Dick Daughters help lead a celebration at City Hall in Alexandria, VA with the city’s mayor, members of the Town Council, reenactors, members of S.A.R. (Sons of the American Revolution) and C.A.R. (Children of the American Revolution), and dozens of local school children. Chapter members also participate in “Bells Across America” by ringing bells in at 4 p.m. on September 17th (Constitution Day).
FISHER HOUSE, OPERATION DEPLOY YOUR DRESS, SEMPER K9, BOULDER CREST FOUNDATION, & FINAL SALUTE
- Fisher House – Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military & veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital. Our chapter has offered monthly meals to those at the Ft. Belvoir Fisher House. Additionally, proceeds from one member’s Etsy patriotic bingo games go directly to support veterans and active-duty members and their families staying at Fisher Houses across the globe.
- Operation Deploy Your Dress (ODYD) – This is one of our State Regent’s Projects. Being able to be able to attend military balls is an important part of military life. ODYD’s primary goal is to improve the quality of life of military families by offsetting the high cost of attending formal military functions, especially for junior servicemembers. Our chapter members have graciously donated dozens of gently used formal wear garments and accessories for military partners as a way of saying thank you for the partners’ own sacrifices.
- Semper K9 Assistance Dogs – This is another of our State’s Regent’s Projects. Combat veteran-founded and operated, Semper K9’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for wounded members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families by providing them custom-trained service dogs free of charge to disabled veterans. Dr. Elisha Dick Chapter, NSDAR, members are pleased to help support these veterans who have given so much in service to our country.
- Boulder Crest Foundation – This is the third of the State Regent’s Projects. The foundation believes that there is no greater mission than helping combat veterans, first responders, and their families rediscover hope, purpose, and a future that is truly worth living. Our chapter is grateful to be able to help combat veteran suicide through our donations to Boulder Crest.
- Final Salute – In honor of Veteran’s Day, and our own chapter’s veterans, we donated $500 to this worthy cause in 2023. Our chapter is dedicated to supporting organizations that are working to eliminate homelessness among veterans, especially female veterans.
HONOR FLIGHT GREETINGS
America felt it was important to build a memorial to the service and the ultimate sacrifice of her veterans, and the Honor Flight Network believes it’s equally important that these veterans actually get to visit and experience THEIR memorial. Our chapter agrees. We are honored to join this organization which has flown over 300,000 veterans from 125 hubs here to Washington, DC to visit their Memorials at no cost to the veterans. Members have greeted at Ronald Reagan Airport and at local hotels, as veterans come to and return home from DC.
NATURALIZATION CEREMONIES
Our chapter proudly attends many local naturalization ceremonies throughout the year and enjoys handing out flags and welcoming our country’s newest citizens.
OPERATION GRATITUDE
DAR encourages chapters to give back to their communities in honor of the anniversary of the organization’s founding on October 11, 1890. For the second year, the chapter focused efforts in support of Operation Gratitude (OG), a nationwide organization that provides citizens opportunities for grateful Americans to support active-duty military and first responders. In 2023, Dr. Elisha Dick Chapter, NSDAR, members donated funds and goods totaling more than $1,500. We look forward to supporting OG in the future.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
REMEMBER the Fallen. . . HONOR those who Serve. . . TEACH our children the value of Freedom.
On December 14, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Dr Elisha Dick Chapter will be helping Alexandria National Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans by laying Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.
Please help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Day, or inviting your family and friends to attend with you.
Thank you so much for supporting the Dr Elisha Dick Chapter and Wreaths Across America!