There have been lots of diaries over the past few years about revolution in this country – a taking back of our country from those that would destroy our rights. We have fought for those rights in marches, protests, letters and emails and telephone calls. There are many that wonder if we will make it…and more that want us to be a little less confrontational about our fight.  Yet I can not be less confrontational.
The fight for what this country means runs deep in my blood. So deep that – it goes back to 1634, but that’s a different diary.

In a quieter time in my life one of the loves of my life was genealogy. It has been placed on the back burner for the past 5 years.  Even more so the past 2 since the 2004 campaign cycles. During that time period I finally finished tracing my father’s family – direct line – to a Revolutionary War soldier.  A soldier from Conneticut that joined in 1775, served his year, then re-joined for the duration of the war.

So: I joined the Daughters of the American Revolution. Oops: the anti-conservative / anti-military crowd just freaked out. Well, too bad.

My experience with D.A.R.

  • This is an organization that is populated with women of many values and many political leanings.
  • First and foremost this is an organization devoted to the preservation of the history of the revolutionary heroes.
  • This is an organization that has worked constantly since the turn of the last century to provide immigrants with materials on how to become a U.S. Citizen – starting at Ellis Island.
  • This is an organization that works to care for our soldiers and veterans – veterans of all wars.
  • This is an organization that works to make sure that there are U.S. flags in any school room that wants them and can’t afford them.

The objections are that this organization supports the President of the U.S. I would suggest that as Commander in Chief, it is what they are bound to do. They do this not because of the person in that role, but because our founding fathers gave that person authority in the Constitution.

We as progressives or liberals or whatever we choose to call ourselves must accept that if we want the Constitution of the U.S. defended we can not change the roles designated within. We also need to continue to fight to get our elected officials to uphold the Constitution and rules. These rules provide for Censure or Impeachment if there are criminal acts by the President. It is their role but we can influence their role OR we can replace them as provided by the Constitution.

So while I thought it would be better to not attend my DAR meetings the past year because of other political activities – I was wrong. In 2 weeks I will go back and support the other women fighting for what our ancestors did so many years ago. As an act of patriotism, I will be fighting from within, as well as from without, as long as I can. If ever the need arises, I will join my ancestors, 4 of them, that fought for this country so many, many years ago in any way that defense of the Constitution requires of me.

Let Freedom Ring!

From the DAR – FAQ page:
Q. What is DAR?
A. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a lineage society that is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to patriotism, historic preservation, and education.

Q. Who can be a member of DAR?
A. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership. DAR defines a “patriot” as one who provided service or direct assistance in achieving America’s independence.

Q. Does DAR accept members who are minorities?
A. Yes. DAR has members of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

Q. Is membership limited to certain religious affiliation?
A. No. DAR is proud to have members from many different religions, including Catholic, Mormon, Jewish, Buddhist, and Islamic.

Q. How do I become a member?
A. First you must complete an application that includes your genealogical lineage and accompanying proof documentation. Detailed information can be found in the Become a Member page of the National Society section.

Q. Why does DAR have a lineal requirement for membership?
A. The DAR was founded in 1890 by four women whose common bond was the fact that each had fathers or grandfathers who were patriots of the American Revolution. The founders of the Daughters of the American Revolution sought to create an organization that would “perpetuate the memory and spirit of the women and men who achieved American independence.”

Q. Is DAR a political organization and does it lobby Congress?
A. No, the DAR is not a political organization, nor does it lobby. Because DAR has always been a staunch supporter of a strong national defense, this position has often been misconstrued to suggest that the organization is a political society. DAR is a patriotic society composed of members who subscribe to different political philosophies.

Check their website for more information on the Daughters of the American Revolution