[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLD ELYTON CHAPTER OF THE 
                  DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. SPENCER BACHUS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2013

  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, I 
want to extend commendations to the Old Elyton Chapter of the Daughters 
of the American Revolution. The members of the Old Elyton Chapter are 
guardians of our nation's cherished history of freedom and, through 
their educational initiatives with young people especially, are 
ensuring that there will be continuing respect and reverence for the 
democratic principles that are the foundation of America. Through their 
service, they fulfill the motto of the National Society of the DAR: 
God, Home, and Country.
  The Old Elyton Chapter has deep roots in Alabama. In fact, its very 
name is historical and is associated with the formation of the City of 
Birmingham. The chapter was organized by Mrs. J. Morgan (Kate Duncan) 
Smith and her daughter, Mrs. Samuel L. Earle, on January 4, 1913, just 
23 years after the formal organization of the National Society of the 
DAR.
  The chapter's 100th anniversary celebration falls on the 226th 
anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution by the Continental 
Congress. The selection of the date of September 17, which is highly 
significant to the origins of our great nation, was fitting for an 
organization whose own members trace their family heritage to the 
Patriots of the American Revolution.
  The Old Elyton Chapter has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to 
the principles of the National Society of the DAR, a volunteer women's 
service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism and preserving 
American history through the education of young people. Its purpose is 
drawn directly from its charter, which was incorporated by an Act of 
Congress in 1896: ``To perpetuate the memory and spirit of women and 
men who achieved American independence; to promote, as an object of 
primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of 
knowledge; to cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of American 
freedom; to foster true patriotism and love of country.'' The volunteer 
initiatives of DAR members include support for student financial aid 
and scholarships and donations to schools for the underprivileged.
  A major service project of the Old Elyton Chapter is its continuing 
support of the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School in Grant, Alabama. 
Established in 1924, it is the only K-12 school in the United States 
owned and operated by chapters of the DAR. Known as the ``Gem of Gunter 
Mountain,'' the school annually provides more than 1,000 children in 
the remote Appalachian area of Northeast Alabama with schooling, extra-
curricular activities, clothing, health care, daily nutrition through a 
free breakfast and lunch program, training in life skills, and a love 
of American ideals. It exemplifies the best principles of the DAR in 
action.
  The members of the Old Elyton Chapter of the DAR are proud supporters 
of our troops and veterans. They participate in many events honoring 
our veterans in the Birmingham area and remind us that we are able to 
enjoy the freedoms we have today only because of the sacrifices made by 
our men and women in uniform in the past and now in the present.
  Patriotism in the Birmingham community and the State of Alabama runs 
deep and the Old Elyton Chapter of the DAR has been an essential part 
of maintaining that tradition through many generations. Having 
completed one hundred years of vital service, it now prepares to embark 
on its second century of promoting American ideals and values. On 
behalf of the people of the Sixth District, let me congratulate the Old 
Elyton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and send 
best wishes and blessings to all of its members.

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