Recognizing American Patriots

District Daughters support American veterans and Veterans Administration (VA) institutions throughout the state by offering many hours of volunteer service and providing financial support. Additionally, care packages, phone cards, letters, and cards are sent to servicemen and servicewomen abroad, in support of DAR Project Patriot.

Celebrating Our Heritage

Commemorative events such as observation of Constitution Week each fall, celebration of George Washington’s birthday, Founders Day, participation in local parades, and annual events such as Wreaths Across America at veterans cemeteries are important to District Daughters to promote patriotism and honor our past.

Outstanding citizens are recognized through Community Service Awards, Outstanding Teacher of American History Award, Junior Reserve Officer Corps (JROTC) Medals, Americanism Awards, and NSDAR Medals of Honor.

We are also gearing up for the upcoming Semiquincentennial of the United States with America 250!. As explained on the NSDAR website, "The National Society has established the America 250! Special Committee to plan DAR’s involvement and maximize its visibility during our nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. Much like the 1976 Bicentennial celebration, this observance provides an exceptional opportunity for community involvement, positive public relations and – most important – membership growth throughout DAR."

Naturalization Ceremonies

The Americanism Committee was established in 1919 to provide information to new immigrants and applicants for citizenship. Today, this committee participates in naturalization ceremonies each month at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse.

At monthly ceremonies District Daughters welcome over of 1000, applicants for citizenship from around the world. District Daughters welcomed a total of 1,580 applicants for citizenship. Immediately following the ceremonies, DCDAR members distribute American flag lapel pins and Pledge of Allegiance cards (American’s Creed on reverse) to the newly naturalized citizens. It is truly a privilege to be such an integral part of these naturalization ceremonies, and the presiding judges have publicly recognized the contributions and continuing presence of the DCDAR.

Flying the Flag

According to the U.S. Code Title 4 Chapter 1 § 6, the flag should be displayed on all days, but especially on:

  • New Year’s Day, January 1

  • Inauguration Day, January 20

  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, third Monday in January

  • Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12

  • Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February

  • Easter Sunday (variable)

  • Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May

  • Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May

  • Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), last Monday in May; On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon out of respect for veterans who have died, and at full-staff from noon until sunset because “the Nation lives,” according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

  • Flag Day, June 14

  • Father’s Day, third Sunday in June

  • Independence Day, July 4

  • National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27

  • Labor Day, first Monday in September

  • Constitution Day, September 17

  • Columbus Day, second Monday in October

  • Navy Day, October 27

  • Veterans Day, November 11

  • Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November

  • Christmas Day, December 25

  • such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States

  • the birthdays of states (date of admission)

  • on state holidays