[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 139 (Thursday, October 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 24, 2002

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 100th 
Anniversary of the Minisink National Society Daughters of the American 
Revolution and the 85th Anniversary of the Beaverkill National Society 
Daughters of the American Revolution.
  The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) was 
founded on October 11, 1890. Objectives: Historical--to perpetuate the 
memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American 
Independence; Educational--to carry out the injunction of Washington in 
his farewell address to the American people, ``to promote, as an object 
of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of 
knowledge, thus developing an enlightened public opinion...'' and 
Patriotic--to cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of American 
freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, and to aid in 
securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty.
  Nearly 786,000 members have joined the NSDAR since it was founded. 
There are now over 170,000 members in chapters in all fifty states, the 
District of Columbia, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Mexico 
and Japan. Membership is open to any female applicant who is 18 years 
or older and who can prove a direct blood line from an ancestor who 
aided in the War for Independence either in military, civil or 
patriotic service between the dates of April 19, 1775 and November 26, 
1783.
  The Beaverkill Chapter was organized in 1917 and the Minisink Chapter 
was founded in 1902. Both chapters belong to the New York State 
Organization, which has approximately 7,300 women aged 18-100+ in 144 
chapters across the State working to meet the DAR Objectives.
  The New York State Organization is responsible for maintaining 
historic sites within New York State such as the Hervey Ely House and 
the Madam Brett Homestead, organizing a pilgrimage to Valley Forge and 
locating, transcribing and publishing previously unpublished genealogy 
source records. Moreover, each year, the State and local chapters award 
scholarships to college bound young women who exemplify the American 
Spirit and who are looking to attain a higher education with a view to 
their becoming better prepared for life and citizenship.
  The work of the Daughters of the American Revolution is and will 
continue to be invaluable. Best known for their work in collecting and 
indexing unpublished genealogical material and source records and 
assisting prospective members in tracing their lineage, the Daughters 
of the American Revolution does so much more. Whether it is their work 
to preserve national landmarks and buildings of historical importance 
or their dedication to promoting education, patriotism and an 
appreciation for American history, the Daughters of the American 
Revolution are an American treasure.
  Once again, congratulations to the Minisink and Beaverkill Chapters 
as they celebrate their momentous anniversaries.

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