dar essay contest winners 2023

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DAR announces winners of American History essay contest

The Libertad Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is proud to announce the winners of our 2023 American history essay contest.  

Many students in grades 5-8 competed, and the topic was about John Philip Sousa. It is evident that the students worked diligently researching this topic, as it was very difficult to choose one winner from each grade.  

The winners this year are Parker Davis, a fifth grader from Devers Elementary, Hutton Evans, a sixth grader from Liberty Middle School, Mason Matlock, a seventh grader from Liberty Middle School, and Jackson Harris, an eighth grader from Liberty Middle School.  

Congratulations to these 4 young men!  They will be recognized at DAR’s April 2024 meeting where they will each read their essays.

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American History Essay Changes

By janet westbrook posted 05-12-2023 11:31 am.

During an exciting first year of the Wright Administration, the American History Committee has looked for ways to improve the essay contests.   The biggest change is that essays will now be submitted electronically at each level beginning with the Chapter and so on all the way to National . Changes have been made to all essay contests forms and will be updated by July 1. The American History Essay Contest for grades 5 – 8 will now have a submission form as the title page, a new judging rubric, and a list of resources replacing the more formal bibliography. Completing the submission form will ensure no student will be disqualified based on the former title page. Students will also be able to submit an entry directly to a DAR chapter if their class or school is not participating. Chapters are encouraged to reach out beyond the schools to include their community libraries, YMCA, and other youth organizations. Our hope is this will increase chapter and student participation.

Related Content

American history essay and patriots of the american revolution essay contest winners.

Christy Hiatt Hiatt 07-07-2023 03:23 PM

Do we have any updates for the History Contest yet? We are a newer chapter hosting our fist contest and I'm having a hard time finding informaton, guidelines, judging criteria, etc. The pamphlet I found said to reach out to the chapter for more details so I appreciate anything that this Community can share.

Janet Calabrese 06-16-2023 07:24 AM

Hi Stephanie,

Hopefully they will be announcing all of the changes at Continental Congress. The new forms and process will not be available online until afterwards.

Stephanie Keaty 06-15-2023 08:34 PM

hi Janet - Will these changes be announced at Continental Congress? 

Janet Calabrese 06-15-2023 08:40 AM

I like the idea of being able to submit electronically. However, I am holding off on the whole rubric thing until I see what it is. Last year National used a rubric judging sheet for Good Citizens which was an absolute nightmare. My judges hated it. If the rubric for America History is anything like the one used for Good Citizens we are going to have a difficult time finding judges for either.

Karen Kreitzberger Polett 06-07-2023 08:58 AM

How will our Chapters guard against AI generated essays? 

Karen Bradley 05-13-2023 04:59 AM

This is fabulous…a wonderful change! I am a former national vice chair in charge of the contest and former national chair and know how many essays get caught for these types of things. Hopefully, this will make it simpler and will encourage more students to enter. 

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DAR 2023 Patriotic Essay Contest Winners

Posted By: Staff October 3, 2023

This fall, the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Gila Valley Chapter offered scholarships, at four different values ($600, $500, $400 and $300) to local high school students dual enrolled at Eastern Arizona College. These students needed to be currently taking general education classes without financial assistance from the GIFT program or the school district.

In order to apply for the scholarships, each student had to submit a patriotic essay based on the required topic: The U.S. Constitution guarantees citizens’ rights. Choose two of these rights and explain why they are important to you. This topic was written by DAR chapter members, Susan Syfert and Jean Reynolds. The reason for choosing an essay is to give the students an opportunity to express their own thoughts, regardless of how others feel.

Of the seven essays submitted at the end of August, the judges chose the top winners. All four students from Thatcher High School are Brooklynn Dorr, Kendyl Barney, Blake Kartchner and Wallace Haller. 

During the DAR Constitution Week program in September, Kendyl Barney read portions of her essay. Due to previous commitments, the other students were not able to attend. All four essayists will be guests on KATO’s radio talk show, Voice of the Valley with host David Bell, on October 27, from 8:30 – 9:00 AM. 

It is interesting to note that the freedom of religion was a right chosen by all four students. Below are highlights from the four essays regarding one of the two rights chosen.

BROOKLYNN DORR

SCHOO L : Thatcher High School Junior  PARENTS: Julee and Danny Dorr of Central 

EXCERPT from ESSAY:

Brooklyn begins her essay by stating, “The Constitution holds some of the most precious and vital rights in the world. One of these critical defining rights is that of suffrage, assuring citizens of representation through voting.” 

For the right to vote, she wrote, “Voting is the fundamental language of a successful democracy.  Through voting, citizens can have a say in the actual makeup of the nation’s political leadership and even the very structure of the government itself.  It is a paramount way for all people, in all walks of life, regardless of economic status, to be given equal representation.   Perhaps the founding fathers valued this so much because they didn’t benefit from this same right; they sacrificed so much so that we do not have to experience tyranny the way that they felt they did.  The constitution underscores this indispensable right and points at the universal truth that the people should have power in their government.”

“As I am a senior in high school and am nearing the time in which I will be able to vote myself, this right has become more real and personal to me.  I have recently reflected upon the impact that this right makes for me in my own life and how critical it is for our nation to continue on in great strength.”

Brooklyn concludes her essay by stating, “On the whole, the Constitution contains numerous vital rights that are so pivotal to its continuation and strength. I value these rights deeply, and it is my conviction that my life and the United States as a whole, would not stand the same without them.”

KENDYL BARNEY

SCHOOL: Thatcher High School Junior PARENTS:  Kristin and James Barney

EXCERPT from ESSAY:  

Kendyl begins her essay with, “America is a country built on freedom. These freedoms have given Americans the ability to be who they are and feel safe while doing so.” 

“I choose the right to protect myself against any sort of persecution and dangers that comes my way, which is very important to me. The right to bear arms gives me comfort and peace that not only my country protects me, but I can protect and defend myself in the presence of danger.  I believe that the right to defend one’s self with arms is one of the best ways to stay safe as long as it is not being used for any sort of terrorist actions.  Now this does not stop bad and dangerous things from occurring, but it provides that extra wall of protection from those bad and dangerous acts.”

“Without this right, higher authorities could take control over the many minorities, and I believe it could cause a collapse in the structure of all of our rights.  Authorities of all kinds know defense is a great tool when used properly. With the ability to bear arms, I believe that, not only am I safe, but the freedoms and rights of our country are safe as well. Being able to defend myself and my beliefs, religious and not, physically and verbally, makes my everyday life so much more peaceful and free.” 

She concludes her essay by writing, “These rights and freedoms of our Constitution make me proud to be an American.  I will continue to defend my beliefs and passions, including my country, with all my heart.”

BLAKE KARTCHNER

SCHOOL: Thatcher High School Senior PARENTS:  Britni and Derek Kartchner

EXCERPT from ESSAY: 

Blake begins by stating that “We often take our rights for granted in the United State of America. We are blessed to live in a country founded by wise men who sought to protect the right they hold most dear in their hearts. Written in 1787, the Constitution of the United States lives on.”

“Our founding fathers observed that governments have become tyrannical throughout history by first taking away the freedom of speech.  Consequently, they plainly wrote that the government should not tamper with the freedom of speech.  I am grateful that I can make my voice heard in political turmoil and unrest. It is becoming increasingly important that everyone makes their voice heard.”  

“For democracy to work, everyone must raise their voice and proclaim their political views.  Freedom of speech only becomes meaningful to use as we use our voice.  I have noticed that I have become more committed as I have expressed my feelings.  Consequently, I am more inclined to act.  Our country has only progressed when people have raised their voices lobbying for change.  Despite the changes that have occurred, we are still far away from perfection.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to raise my voice to better our country for future generations, including my future children and grandchildren.”

He concludes his essay by writing, “Our rights only become meaningful when we take the time to develop an appreciation for them by using our rights. I call on each citizen of the United States to decide what rights matter most to you.  Then, like the founding fathers, use those rights to help our great nation progress to what the founding fathers envisioned it becoming.”

WALLACE HALLER

SCHOOL: Thatcher High School Senior PARENTS:  Annie and Eric Haller

Wallace begins with, “Individuals across the nation have analyzed and studied the Constitution, accumulating controversial ideas on different issues that correlate with the rights stated in this crucial document. Amidst these contradictions, an essential cornerstone must remain in tact to contain the already fragile democracy and uphold the value of this manuscript in the United States.” 

“Religion has been a fundamental and necessary aspect of people’s lives for countless generations. The way the world, as it is now, functions and flows, is molded and shaped around the history that stems from the beliefs of ancient civilizations and empires.”

“By granting individuals the freedom to practice their religion without constraints, citizens of the United States are able to strengthen their own individual identities as well as grow their community by allowing a way for people of the same belief to gather and build relationships with each other.  The ability citizens of the United States have to express their religion, whether or not they choose to practice one, not only upholds their basic principles of individual freedom but also contributes to a more tolerant, diverse, and unified society.”

Wallace concludes his essay by stating, “The Constitution of the United States demonstrates the idea of individual liberty and democracy. Even now, over two hundred years later, this document continues to shape our nation. In the midst of debates surrounding ideas that stem from this document, the principles of freedom serve as the foundation that holds the United States together. Protecting the personal growth and prosperity that comes from upholding our freedoms is vital to illuminate a path to a united and stronger nation.”

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For further details and deadlines, please contact our chapter regent .  , dar scholarships.

For details on some of the National scholarships offered, go to the NSDAR Scholarship page .  To access the DAR Scholarship Committee's online scholarship application portal,  click here .  DAR members should notify their chapter of their participation.  Entrants who are non-DAR members must be sponsored by a DAR Chapter. Please contact the regent for more information. 

The California State Society DAR (CSSDAR) scholarship for Native Americans is awarded annually. Contact the Chapter Regent to notify her of your application and follow the detailed directions on each form below. 1.  American Indians Committee California Indian Scholarship Information 2. American Indians Committee California Indian Scholarship Application 3. American Indians Committee California Indian Scholarship Financial Need Form

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DAR and non-DAR members are invited to participate in the Constitution Week Poster Contest. So, grab your favorite art tools and plan your project!  All entries must be received by the chapter regent by January 1.  Please inform the regent before beginning.

• The winning poster will be printed in the spring of 2024 and offered for sale at the DAR store.
• For this year's theme, the poster should illustrate/celebrate the spirit or meaning of the U.S. Constitution. .
• For the most recent Constitution Week Poster Contest Guidelines and form, please contact the Regent.

DAR American History Essay Contest

Chapters may reach out to students in the community and do not need to go through just the schools; libraries, church and youth organizations can also participate, but please stay within the state of your chapter.

One essay at each grade level can be selected as the chapter winner and forwarded to the state competition .  DAR chapters will then send the winner's essay, title sheet found in forms, and three judges sheets also found in forms, by email to the State Chairman American History for state competition.  For more information, please visit the NSDAR's  Essay Contests  webpage.  This contest is conducted without regard to race, religion, sex, or national origin.  

The TOPIC for 2023-2024

“The Stars and Stripes Forever" --- On May 14, 1897, John Philip Sousa played his new march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”  This song would become the national march of the United States on December 11, 1987. Imagine it is 1897 and you are a newspaper reporter for The Philadelphia Times. Your newspaper editor has asked you to write an article about the new song performed that day. Your article needs to tell about Sousa’s life and the story behind the song. It is the first performance of the song, so make sure your article includes thoughts about the music and how the audience reacts to what was seen and heard that day.

Title of Essay:  Stars & Stripes Forever Length 300-1,000 words (depending on grade level, please check forms) Please note that the entire essay must be the student’s original work. This includes all research, writing, and editing, which must be done by the student only and not by a parent, teacher, tutor, or other helper. Essays not following these guidelines will be disqualified.

AMERICAN HISTORY CONTEST FLYER (AHC1004)  AMERICAN HISTORY CONTEST INFORMATION  (AHC1000) AHC Study Guide - Contact your local DAR Chapter AHC JUDGE'S SCORING SHEET (AHC1001) AHC Electronic Contest Submission Form (AHC1008) - DAR USE ONLY (available at State level) American History Committee Essay Contests Cover Sheet and Signature Form (AHC1009) - DAR USE ONLY (available at State level)

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Deadlines for Essay Contests: Schools to Chapters: November 6 Chapters to District: December 4 Districts to State: January 2 States to Divisions: February 15 Divisions to National: March 15

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Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School Essay Contest

In 2021, NSDAR established a new high school-level essay contest focused on figures of the American Revolution, in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. 

The contest is open to students in grades 9th -12th in public, private, or parochial schools, or those who are in registered home school programs. All grades will be judged together, with one chapter winner chosen to move on to the next stage of judging .  This contest is conducted without regard to race, religion, sex, or national origin.   For more information, please visit the NSDAR's  Essay Contests  webpage.  Please contact your local DAR Chapter for more resources and to let them know you'd like to participate.

The TOPIC for 2023-2024: 

Students are encouraged to use primary sources (i.e., immediate, first-hand accounts such as letters, diaries, speeches, or newspaper reports) for their research. Lesser well-known figures are acceptable, but subjects must have been actual participants, i.e. not fictionalized.

Patriots of the American Revolution DAR Essay Contest Suggested Reading Resources (these are a few suggestions of the many resources available):       Liberty’s Daughters: The Revolutionary Experience of American Women, 1750-1800 by Mary Beth Norton       The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution: Forgotten Black Heroes by William Cooper Nell       Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts       Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick       Bernardo de Galvez: Spanish Hero of the American Revolution by Gonzalo M. Quintero Saravia       John Adams by David McCullough       Patriot Hero of the Hudson Valley: The Life and Ride of Sybil Ludington by Vincent T. Dacquino

PATRIOTS ESSAY CONTEST FLYER PATRIOTS ESSAY INFORMATION  (AHC1002) PATRIOTS JUDGE'S SCORING SHEET  (AHC1003) American History Committee Essay Contests Cover Sheet and Signature Form (AHC1009) - DAR USE ONLY (available at State level)

DAR Good Citizens

Each year the Santa Monica Chapter, NSDAR, honors a local high school senior with the DAR Good Citizens award recognizing an individual who exemplifies by demonstration, the qualities of a good citizen: dependability, service, leadership and patriotism! 

This program is open to senior-class students enrolled in accredited public or private secondary schools that are in good standing with their state boards of education. Along with the honor of the award, the recipient receives a DAR Good Citizens pin and certificate. This student is then eligible to enter the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Contest. 

Have your school's counselor contact our chapter for instructions and deadlines.  For more information, please visit the DAR Good Citizens  webpage.

GOOD CITIZENS FLYER

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and Junior ROTC (JROTC) Awards

Every Spring, our chapter presents  ROTC medals to outstanding high school and college cadets in the local area.  For more information, please visit the NSDAR Medals webpage.

Outstanding DAR Service for Veterans Award

This award is presented to a DAR member in recognition of her outstanding care given to veterans in any of the following areas: Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, state veterans facilities, nursing homes, shelters, and outpatient clinics. The Outstanding Veterans Volunteer has given more than her time. She has made meaningful contributions to veterans through creative and resourceful outreach.

Outstanding Teacher of American History

The Outstanding Teacher of American History contest honors full-time teachers of American history, government, or civics for grades five through twelve.  Our chapter's nominee won the national competition to become the NSDAR 2021 Outstanding Teacher of American History.  See more in our NEWS webpage.

Photos courtesy of NSDAR

National society daughters of the american revolution, california state society daughters of the american revolution.

The content contained herein does not necessarily represent the position of the NSDAR. Hyperlinks to other sites are not the responsibility of the NSDAR, the state organizations, or individual DAR chapters. For questions or comments, please contact the webmaster .

Content Updated: April 3, 2024, 10:11 pm

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DAR Announces Winners of American History and Patriots of the American Revolution Contests

Posted by Paso Robles Press | Mar 2, 2023

Three local Students are winners if the annual contests

PASO ROBLES — The El Paso de Robles Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has announced the winners of the American History and the Patriots of the American Revolution essay contests for 2022. 

The American History essay contest is open to students in the 5th through 8th grades in all accredited schools in North County. The topic of the American History contest this year was “Imagine that you are a delegate during the 1775-1776 Second Continental Congress. Which colony are you from and what will be important for you to accomplish for your colony?” 

The entries are judged by grade level. The winners of the contest are:

• 6th grade: Matilda Meacham, daughter of Kimberly and Stacey Meacham, who attends St. Rose Catholic School in Paso Robles
• 8th grade: Pearl Ojeda, daughter of Joanne and Jesus Ojeda, who attends Templeton Hills Seventh Day Adventist School in Templeton. Matilda also won the District VII award for 6th graders.

The Patriots of the American Revolution essay contest is open to students in the 9th through 12th grades. Only one winner is selected. This year’s topic was “select a figure from the era of the American Revolution (1773-1783). Discuss how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was and his/her contribution to the founding of s new nation.”  

This year’s winner was Katherine Nicholson, daughter of Jed and Cynthia Nicholson, a 9th-grade student at Templeton High School. Katherine also won the District VII award. 

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DAR announces American History Essay Contest

Students enrolled in fifth through eighth grades are invited to enter the 2023-2024 American History Essay Contest sponsored by the Barrington-based Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). The contest reflects the organization's values of historic preservation, education, and patriotism by inviting students to think and write creatively about historic U.S. events, specifically those related to the American Revolution.

This year's essay topic is as follows:

On May 14, 1897, John Phillip Sousa played his new march, "The Stars and Stripes Forever." This song would become the national march of the United States on Dec. 11, 1987. Imagine it is 1897, and you are a newspaper reporter for The Philadelphia Times. Your newspaper editor has asked you to write an article about the song being performed that day. Your article needs to tell us about Sousa's life and the story behind the song. It is the first performance of the song, so make sure your article includes your thoughts about the music and how the audience reacts to what is seen and heard that day.

Depending on the student's age group, essays may be 300 to 1,000 words. All grade five, six, seven and eight students in a public, private or parochial school, or those who are home schooled, are eligible to participate. One essay at each grade level will be selected as the Signal Hill Chapter winner. All winners will be recognized at a DAR Youth Awards event, hosted by the Signal Hill Chapter in early 2024. Winners will go forward in competition with the potential for a national award. Essays must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

For information about the essay contest and its requirements, contact Signal Hill Historian Kat Nosal, via email at [email protected].

The Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR, was chartered 50 years ago in Barrington, in 1972. NSDAR is a volunteer women's service organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Due to fund-raising efforts throughout the year, the chapter contributes financially to several 501 (c) (3) organizations whose missions support that of NSDAR.

NSDAR provides more than $1.5 million in scholarships annually. It is the largest group of participants in support of Wreaths Across America. Through its various programs and initiatives, NSDAR strives to increase the awareness of men and women who achieved American independence, including those of diverse backgrounds.

Since its founding in 1890, over one million women have joined both nationally and around the world. Membership in NSDAR is open to any woman, aged 18 and over, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution.

For information about the Barrington-based chapter, visit: signalhilldar.com .

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Chester County DAR History Essay contest…

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Chester county dar history essay contest winners announced.

WEST CHESTER—The Chester County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution announced the winners of the 2022American History Essay contest. Each year, nationwide, students in grades fifth through eighth grade are given the opportunity to compose an essay and have it presented, through their schools, for evaluation.  This year’s topic is:  The Second Continental Congress met from May 10, 1775 – March 1, 1781, and included delegates from all thirteen colonies. This Congress was instrumental in shaping what was to become the United States of America. Imagine that you are a delegate during the 1775-1776 Second Continental Congress. Which colony are you from and what will be important for you to accomplish for your colony? Judging guidelines included historical accuracy, adherence to topic, organization of material, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, neatness, and that the essay is the student’s own work.

The CCDAR 2022 recipients of the American History Essays Award:

• Lucas Yates, a 5th grader at the Unionville-Chadds Ford Virtual Academy

• Lillianna Yates, a 7th grader at Charles F Patton Middle School

• Prisha Hallur, an 8th grader at Charles F. Patton Middle School

Congratulations to Lucas Yates who was selected the Pennsylvania state winner for the fifth grade and is advancing on to the Eastern Regional level.

In 2021, The National Society of the DAR established a new high school-level essay contest focused on figures of the American Revolution, in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. The contest is open to students in grades 9 through 12. The topic was “Select a figure from the era of the American Revolution (1773-1783). Discuss how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was and his/her contribution to the founding of a new nation.”  The evaluation criteria were the same as the American History Essays contest. Congratulations to CCDAR winner Suhan Neema, a 12th grader at Unionville High School who presented an essay on Deborah Sampson.

During the meeting winners were given a certificate, medal and monetary award by Elberta Clinton, Chair, American History Essay Awards. In attendance were administrators and instructors from the Unionville/Chadds Ford School District and the Chester County Intermediate Unit:  Amy Jenkins of Unionville High School,Steve Dissinger of Charles F. Patton Middle School, Mark Slider, Mr. George Tzanakis and  Shannon Brown (all associated with online learning for the Chester County Intermediate). Kenneth Hemphill, an Open Spaces Advocate, reviewed the Crebilly Farm open space status. Lucas and Lillianna Yates were active in this initiative. Steve Grabicki, Director of Operations for State Senator John Kane presented the students with certificates of achievement.

The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), headquartered in Washington D.C., is a non-profit, non-political service organization that honors both men and women whose sacrifices made our country free. Members are direct descendants of a Patriot who furthered the cause for American independence. They may have fought, swore an oath to the new nation or provided supplies/financial support.

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Meet Some of our Outstanding Congress Honorees!

Opening Night of  the 131st Continental Congress is fast approaching! If you are planning to attend our “welcome home” Congress, which kicks off in a gala celebration on June 29 in Washington, D.C., I encourage you to register online at the Congress Website before the online deadline of June 1. (You may still register on-site during the week of Congress, but you will save $50 on the member registration fee and $75 on guest registration if you do so online before June 1.) Your early, online registration also helps to ensure that we have an accurate estimate of attendees for what is shaping up to be a large Congress attendance!

Need more incentive to finalize your plans to join us? I’m thrilled to share highlights about just a few of the outstanding award winners and speakers who will be featured during our evening ceremonies. Of course, we may have a few surprises in store for you, too – but here is a high-level overview of just some of our honorees:

Opening Night – Wednesday, June 29

Carlos Del Toro – Americanism Medal

The Americanism Award will be presented to Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy. Del Toro, born in Havana, Cuba, immigrated to the United States in 1962, and joined the U.S. Navy upon his college graduation. His naval career spans 22 years and numerous tours of duty and positions, including Commanding Officer of the guided missile destroyer USS Bulkely.

David Rubenstein - DAR Medal of Honor

The DAR Medal of Honor will be presented to David M. Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, in recognition of his outstanding Patriotic Philanthropy. Rubenstein co-founded The Carlyle Group in 1987, which now manages $301 billion from 26 offices around the world. His philanthropic endeavors have included transformative gifts to many national treasures, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and many more. He is the owner of several copies of rare American documents which he has loaned long term to the U.S. Government for appreciation by the public.

Education Awards Night – Thursday, June 30

Education Awards Night will feature several honorees, including American History Essay contest winners from 5th-8th grade and the new high school essay contest winner. The DAR Good Citizen Award will also be awarded to two outstanding young people demonstrating the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. DAR will honor the Outstanding Teacher of American History of the year and the State and National Outstanding Junior members. Entertainment will be provided by the DAR All American Chorus.

Historic Preservation Night – Friday, July 1

David Ferriero – DAR History Award Medal

The DAR History Award Medal will be presented to David Ferriero in recognition of his leadership as the Archivist of the United States. Holding the position for 12 years prior to his retirement in 2022, Ferriero oversaw the transformation of the National Archives into a leader in digital records management and increased transparency in the spirit of open government. NARA programs under Ferriero’s tenure increased public engagement through online catalogs, social media, expanded access to museums, and grew civic literacy initiatives. 

National Defense Night – Saturday, July 2

Hershel “Woody” Williams – DAR Medal of Honor

The DAR Medal of Honor will be presented to Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams. Also a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Williams joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 and saw action in the Pacific Theatre. Williams distinguished himself on February 23, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, where he fought for hours under heavy fire and minimal cover to eliminate Japanese positions. His unrelenting determination on the battlefield helped neutralize this strongly defended Japanese strongpoint and ensure American victory. President Harry Truman presented him with the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1945; Williams is also the recipient of a Purple Heart. After his service, he joined the U.S. Department of Veterans affairs and was a public servant for 33 years.

Commander Billie J. Farrell – Margaret Cochran Corbin Award

The Margaret Cochran Corbin Award for distinguished service by women in the military will be presented to Commander Billie J. Farrell, the first woman to command the USS Constitution, the U.S. Navy’s oldest commissioned ship, built in 1797. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 2004, Commander Farrell’s navy career has spanned 18 years, beginning as an electrical officer and transitioning to a navigator, weapons officer and combat systems operator on several ships before becoming an executive officer of the USS Vicksburg. She was assigned to be the first female commander of the Constitution in 2022.

Pat Scannon – Founders Medal for Patriotism

The Founders Medal for Patriotism will be presented to Pat Scannon, M.D., Ph.D., in recognition of his work as the founder of Project Recover and his commitment to repatriating Americans missing in action since World War II. Project Recover, formerly The BentProp Project, was founded by Scannon in 1994 and seeks to find the aircraft of serviceman missing in action using the latest science and technology and honoring their sacrifice with their families.

These are just a few of the award winners that will be joining us at the 131st Continental Congress. Make sure to visit the Congress Website Honorees page to learn about more all of our Congress award winners. But please remember – June 1 is the last day to register online for the 131st Continental Congress with reduced fees.

Go to the Congress Website to learn more about all that this year’s conference will offer, including the schedule of events and a preview of some of the national award winners. I am so anxious to welcome you home after three long years away – and trust me: it is going to be an amazing reunion!

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