LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Daughters of the American Revolution holds ceremony for upcoming anniversary


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On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This occasion provides Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) members, as descendants of the generation that secured American independence, the remarkable opportunity to celebrate the longevity of the democratic experiment for which our ancestors fought, not even knowing if the new nation would survive. Locally, the Acalanes DAR Chapter marked the upcoming anniversary with the dedication of a bronze marker at the Lafayette Memorial Veteran's Center on April 20. The ceremony included the Presentation of Colors by the VFW Post 8063 Color Guard, and remarks by Contra Costa Supervisor Candace Anderson.

The marker celebrates the brave Patriots who founded our nation and is a reminder of their courage and conviction. Members of the Acalanes DAR Chapter are descendants of more than 100 individuals recognized by the DAR as American Patriots. They are among the thousands of ordinary people who supported the cause by supplying the army from their farms, participating in local governance, signing an oath, or military service.

Seldom recognized for their contributions, women were among America's patriots, caring for the wounded, feeding the troops, and taking on the responsibilities of husbands and fathers away on military service. They boycotted British teas and fabrics, instead spinning and weaving their own materials, and concocting herbal teas. Women were particularly vulnerable to plundering and property destruction by invading troops. Two women, Sarah Scott and Elizabeth Anderson, are among the patriots of the Acalanes Chapter members. They were widows, managing their own farms, who furnished supplies for the army and risked retribution from British troops.

Acalanes Chapter member, Vanessa Crews, encourages local families to explore their own family histories in preparation for the upcoming 250th anniversary, saying, "I was amazed and delighted to learn about the role my ancestors played in founding the nation. More than 60% of Americans have ancestors who lived in America during the Revolutionary War; there could be a Patriot in your family too. The DAR has expert volunteers connecting women and their patriot ancestors."

DAR has 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service, and more. For additional information about DAR visit?www.dar.org.