Florida Keys Daughters of the American Revolution gear up for the season
The Florida Keys Daughters of the American Revolution have been busy stirring up patriotism and celebrating history lately. As well, three Florida Keys residents are headed to the Florida State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Fall Forum held annually in Orlando. Florida Keys chapter regents Kate Granger, Karen Kovarik, and Lesa McComas of the Upper Keys and Key West will represent the Florida Keys chapter of the DAR at the Sept. 24-26 event, which is 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 August 2, 1956, a DAR Resolution signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as Public Law #915 declared “… [September 17] begins seven days of celebration of the U. S. Constitution as an inspiration to freedom-loving people throughout the world. We celebrate by ‘Ringing Bells Across America’ 13 times for the original 13 colonies of the United States of America.”
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 October 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 October 21.
If anyone is interested in joining the DAR or signing cards for our troops and wants to attend the meeting, they should email floridakeysdar@yahoo.com.
