Last weekend it was my privilege to attend the Tennessee Society Children of the American Revolution summer packet meeting. Led by State President Laurel Vaught and Senior State President Suzanne White, this was my first C.A.R. state meeting. I really didn’t know what to expect. What awaited me was a fun filled morning, listening and learning about the 2019-2020 plans for the organization from an exceptional group of young people.
Much like the membership lineage requirements for DAR, the C.A.R. is for “any boy or girl under the age of 21…who is lineally descended from a man or woman who, with unfailing loyalty, rendered material aid to the cause of American Independence.” This wonderful youth organization is a great place for our children and grandchildren to learn more about our ancestors’ service to America and our Nation’s history.
During the meeting I learned that the National Theme for 2019-2020 is “Foundations of Freedom” and Mackie Storage, National President and daughter of our NSDAR Organizing Sec. General Ginnie Storage, has picked two goals to go with her theme. The first is to raise funds for a reproduction desk for Ferry Farm, George Washington’s childhood home. The second is to highlight leadership development opportunities for C.A.R. members. We also learned that Laurel has selected Heroes & Horses, a therapeutic horse riding program for veterans as her state project. Located in Lenior City, TN, Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding provides veterans hour long equine therapy sessions. Her goal is to raise $2,500 to cover 250 sessions for veterans. You can learn more about both the national and state projects during our fall workshops.
Attendees learned ways that their local societies can participate in various national committees, and I was impressed with the cleverness in which several of the chairmen presented their materials. From skits and power points to a craft designed to help members understand early printing methods, participants quickly learned how they could get more involved. Now is definitely the time to sign up your children and grandchildren. With the pending 125th Anniversary, the National Society Children of the American Revolution will be rebating the application fee back to the local society for applications submitted and verified from July 4, 2019 – Feb. 28, 2021. What a fantastic way to help support your local C.A.R. society.
In Service,
Cecile
