Photo courtesy of Botetourt DAR
Saturday, Oct. 11, marked the 135th anniversary of the founding of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Botetourt County Chapter members celebrated the milestone by giving back to their local community. The annual National DAR Day of Service began 10 years ago in 2015 to coincide with the date of the organization’s founding, Oct. 11, 1890. Chapters across the nation united to carry out meaningful service projects in their communities, reflecting the DAR’s enduring mission to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
For their 2025 Service to America project, Botetourt County DAR members took donations of toiletries and other requested items to their October meeting which were taken to the Salem VA Medical Center. Guest speaker for the meeting was Lee Eames, the “Cherokee Medicine Man” and a member of the Central Appalachian Cherokee Tribal Council. He spoke on the healing powers of local plants and herbs which can be found in this area.
DAR is also a founding partner of the America250 America Gives initiative and DAR’s nationwide service event highlights the importance of volunteerism and giving back to the country as a way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation. America250 is the national U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission that is organizing the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the nation in 2026.
“DAR members have always had a passion for community volunteerism. When we designated Oct. 11 to focus on celebrating the date of our founding by giving back in local communities across America, we could not have dreamed of the impact we would make in just 10 short years,” said Ginnie Sebastian Storage, DAR President General. “As part of our organization’s mission to preserve the spirit of service of those who secured our nation’s independence and to promote American history, education, and patriotism, the National DAR Day of Service is one of our most important events when members nationwide celebrate our country by engaging in volunteer community service to improve the lives of all Americans.”
~ Botetourt DAR
