National, state and chapter Daughters of the American Revolution leaders, as well as other members from across the world, met at the DAR national headquarters June 26 to July 3 to report on the year’s work, honor outstanding award recipients, plan future initiatives and reconnect with friends.

Those in attendance included more than 3,000 delegates representing the membership of 190,000 Daughters from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and many international chapters. Since its founding, the DAR has promoted historic preservation, education and patriotism and those objectives are reflected in all of the events of DAR Continental Congress.

Estrella Registrar Deborah Rauch was in the Arizona box at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., July 2, along with other Arizona members awaiting the arrival of Arizona Regent Morgan Elliott. State Regent Elect Sallie Lovorn also attended with Sallie Lovorn, who was sworn in and received the Regent’s Sash July 3 from outgoing State Regent Morgan Elliott during the installation ceremony.

The Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress is a time-honored tradition that has been held in Washington, D.C. as the annual national meeting of the DAR membership since the organization’s founding in 1890. Not to be confused with the United States “Congress,” the DAR national meeting is named after the original Continental Congress, which governed the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.

The week-long convention consists of business sessions, committee meetings, social functions and is topped off with formal evening ceremonies opening night, education awards night and national defense night. These evening ceremonies, held in the historic DAR Constitution Hall, mix pomp and circumstance with award presentations and musical entertainment.