The Florida Keys Daughters of the American Revolution are busy stirring up patriotism and celebrating history.
Three Florida Keys residents headed to the Florida State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Fall Forum held annually in Orlando. Florida Keys chapter regent Kate Granger, Karen Kovarik and Lesa McComas of the Upper Keys and Key West represented the Florida Keys chapter of the DAR at the Sept. 24-26 event, which focused on learning.
The state’s new regent is Debbie Duay, a genealogist, who has given free and paid seminars in genealogy in the Keys at the request of the Florida Keys DAR. Duay’s theme for the year is “Creating a Buzz through Community Service,” with the intent of inspiring Florida Daughters to take ideas and knowledge back to their chapters and communities.
DAR’s objectives are historic preservation, education and patriotism, and local members annually provide college scholarships to students graduating from local high schools.
Celebrating Constitution Day Friday, Sept. 17, DAR members rang bells in Key West at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and in Tavernier at Burton Memorial Church in honor of the constitution.
On Aug. 2, 1956, a DAR Resolution signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as Public Law No. 915 declared Sept. 17 should begin seven days of celebration of the U.S. Constitution as an inspiration to freedom-loving people throughout the world. The DAR celebrates “Ringing Bells Across America” 13 times for the original 13 colonies of the U.S.
Several DAR members attended the South Florida regent’s council constitution week luncheon on Sept. 18 as well.
The Keys DAR chapter is to have its first meeting of the season on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 10:30 a.m. outdoors in Marathon, with the location to be shared with members. Members will sign holiday cards to mail to deployed military troops. Also to be discussed is the local DAR’s plan for its National Day of Service on Thursday, Oct. 21.
Anyone interested in joining the DAR or signing cards for our troops may send email to floridakeysdar@yahoo.com.
