Continental Congress never disappoints, and this was a very special year. After two years of Online Congress, our Society met together in the newly restored Constitution Hall for business meetings and evening events. Committee events, club meetings, shopping – there was something for everyone! This was also the year that the bus tour from Tennessee attended Congress, and fifty-five enthusiastic members and friends had a fabulous week, led by Nannette Feeback, Andrea Chaney, and Jen-Marie Pera. Among other special activities, they stopped at the Woodrow Wilson Library in Stanton on the way to Washington.
Our bus group and all Tennessee Daughters had a very special opportunity on Tuesday, as State Regent Cecile Wimberley, Vice President Charlotte Reynolds, 2nd Vice Regent Nannette Feeback, and Historian Felicia Hix participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Tennessee was proud as National Chair Dianna Callaway presided over the American Heritage National Awards Presentation. Tennessee was proud that eleven national awards were presented to Tennessee Daughters! Sandra Harris, Mary Ruden, Carol Berning, Barbara Bullard, Mary Crenshaw, Marie Wingate, Sharon Elliott, Helen Moore, Sharon Linden, and Lorrie Davis McCullough were all honored for their winning entries at the event. Sandra Harris, Hatchie Chapter, was also chosen as an Evelyn Cole Peters Award winner.
Tuesday evening, 100 Tennessee daughters met together at The Army and Navy Club for a night of relaxation and a delicious dinner. Honorary Regent Nancy Hemmrich graciously sponsored the Tennessee Society, and all enjoyed a wonderful evening in the elegant, private club.
Wednesday evening Opening Night was as spectacular as always with the United State Marine Band starting the night. It was exciting to watch Vice President General Charlotte Reynolds enter amid all of the fanfare at every official event! At the business meeting on Thursday, Tennessee Daughters were proud to watch Aubrey Williams, DAR Magazine Committee Chair, give her report from the stage of Continental Hall. That evening, we were delighted to hear the All-American DAR Chorus, which included several Tennessee members.
The Commemorative Events Committee Awards Presentation showcased Tennessee Daughters and Chapters. Marilyn Childress, Cavett Station Chapter, was honored as the Vietnam Veterans Outstanding Tennessee DAR Member. The Ocoee, Chestuee, and Alexander Keith Chapters were awarded First Place for a Multi-Chapter Event in the Southeastern Division, and representatives of each chapter attended.
On Friday, members were proud to hear of our accomplishments as State Regent Cecile Wimberley gave the Tennessee report. At the same meeting, Honorary State Regent Judy Chaffin nominated Mrs. Wimberley for the office of Vice President General. We had to wait until Saturday to find out the results of the election, but how exciting it was to hear that Cecile not only was elected, but that she had the highest number of votes cast! She was installed on Sunday, as was Carol Teeters as State First Vice Regent.
Saturday evening was one of the most beloved events of the week – National Defense night. In addition to wonderful award recipients, our own Jackie Utley was honored as the National Outstanding DAR Service for Veterans Award winner.
These are just a few of the Tennessee highlights in a very busy and exciting week. Continental Congress is an event that all members should try to experience in person, but we can also attend virtually by watching the recorded business and evening sessions on the national website. Please plan to attend Continental Congress next year – it will be a week that you will never forget!
With love,
Emily
