In my new release, The Lacemaker, I dedicated the book to a female patriot in my family lineage and am bursting my buttons that I could do so! The centuries since Susanna Thorne Hightower lived have left little about her though I long for a diary or letters. She has such a novel-worthy name! George HIghtower is the patriot that opened the door for me to realize a long held dream and join the DAR. My grandmother became a DAR member in the 1950’s but I have not been able to follow in her footsteps till now and join the Berea-Laurel Ridges Chapter here in Kentucky. With the release of my most patriotic book to date, my involvement with the DAR seems heavensent.
Early in December I had my new member induction and pledge. Then the day before Christmas I received my pins from Hamilton Insignia. New members wear a ribbon and three pins though state pins are available, too, in addition to many others that make wonderful gifts.
Why did I recently join the DAR, you might ask? Instead of being some outmoded, frivolous organization, I was struck by their commitment to veterans, their dedication to preserving history, and their involvement in many projects that are both patriotic and practical and enrich the lives of so many nationwide and around the world. There are many facets to the DAR I’ve not yet discovered but I’ve begun a wonderful journey and am very thankful for the accomplished, devoted women in my chapter as well as state and national.
I’ve put the DAR museum in Washington DC on my bucket list. And I’m heading to the state convention in March here in KY. Hope to see any fellow KSDAR members there!