KING OR PRUSSIA, PA — A fusion of generations, cultures, and histories will unfold this April at the 127th Annual State Conference of the Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (PSSDAR). The Conference will take place from April 25th to 27th at the Alloy Hotel, King of Prussia, uniting nearly 450 members from distinct chapters statewide, including Chester County, Great Valley, and Jeptha Abbott Chapters.
Under the stewardship of Pennsylvania State Regent, Marguerite Fritsch, the Conference symbolizes their mantra; “Love of Service to God, Home, and Country.” Fritsch’s love for the Daisy flower, a beacon of hope and love, mirrors the selfless service its members bestow upon their communities and nation. The Conference will spotlight Fritsch’s state project entailing the restoration and preservation of the historic Old Swedes Cemetery, home to over 700 past souls, including John Morton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and 11 Revolutionary War veterans.
The Conference’s agenda revolves around a series of workshops, business sessions, and committee meetings, all promoting PSSDAR’s core values: Education, Historic Preservation, and Patriotism. The Welcome Dinner will facilitate networking among old friends and new acquaintances.
A focal point on Friday will be the American Indians Breakfast. Elizabeth Steward Garner, DAR National Chair of the American Indians Committee, will address the audience, shedding light on the committee’s work to preserve American Indian heritage and support education through scholarships. Garner, an active member of NSDAR and a descendant of John Sackett, an American Revolution veteran, hopes to expand scholarship opportunities for more Native American students.
The Project Patriot luncheon later that day supports the United Service Organizations’ (USO) noble mission of providing comfort care for our country’s armed forces. PSSDAR members, participating in the “Rucksacks to Backpacks” initiative, will donate backpacks filled with essential school supplies for the children of military families.
Speakers at the event will include USO’s Jenna Price and Peggy Whitcomb, National Chair of DAR Project Patriot. Raised in a Navy family and a Naval Reserve member herself, Peggy brings a heartening personal connection to the organization’s work, and her leadership exemplifies DAR’s dedication to honoring and supporting our troops.
On Saturday, PSSDAR’s 500-strong Junior contingent will host a luncheon to showcase their yearly projects and achievements. Sarah Brooks, National Chair, Junior Membership, will address the gathering, sharing the Juniors’ accomplishments nationwide. A cancer survivor and CEO of Louisiana Fire Extinguisher, Brooks and her husband have raised millions of dollars for women needing uncovered health services.
The Conference will climax with a State Banquet on Saturday evening, graced by performances from the Avalon String Band. The 127th Annual State Conference vows to remain true to the enduring values of PSSDAR – promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through children’s education.
The 2024 Conference Chair Teri Fischer and General Chair Susan Gillette Meer, among several distinguished guests, add to this special gathering’s significance. Embodying a blend of the past and present, this conference offers an enchanting journey through the spectrum of culture, history, and education, leaving one eager to explore the possibilities of tomorrow. For more information, go to www.dar.org.
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