WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) concluded its 134th Continental Congress on June 28, 2025, marking a week of commemorations, awards, and civic engagement that spotlighted extraordinary contributions to education, military service, and American history. Over 4,000 DAR members and guests gathered at DAR Constitution Hall, adjacent to the National Mall, to honor both historic legacies and contemporary achievements.
Founded in 1890, DAR is one of the largest patriotic women’s service organizations in the world, with 190,000 members across 3,000 chapters globally. Its annual Congress brought together community leaders, military heroes, educators, and youth from across the U.S. and beyond.
National Defense Night Recognizes Service and Sacrifice
The final evening, National Defense Night, featured keynote speaker Gina Bennett, a retired CIA analyst and the first to raise formal concerns about Osama bin Laden. Bennett received the DAR Patriot Award for her distinguished service in national security and her advocacy for women in intelligence.
DAR also celebrated its $1 million cumulative contribution to the Military Women’s Memorial, recognizing decades of support. In a surprise moment, Phyllis Wilson, President of the Memorial, honored DAR President General Pamela Wright with the Woman of Valor Award for lifetime dedication to U.S. servicewomen.
The evening also spotlighted the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-female WWII unit. Col. Edna Cummings (ret.) and MSgt Elizabeth Helm-Frazier (ret.) were both awarded the DAR Medal of Honor for their advocacy to preserve the battalion’s legacy.
Netflix’s The Six Triple Eight received the DAR Media and Entertainment Award, further amplifying the battalion’s overlooked story.
Honoring Excellence in Education and Youth Leadership
On June 26, DAR presented the Outstanding Teacher of American History Award to Dr. Jennifer Bratyanski, an educator at Providence Day School and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Winners of several essay contests, including the Patriots of the American Revolution High School Essay Contest and the DAR Good Citizens Award, were celebrated for outstanding academic and civic contributions. This year’s history essay prompt honored lesser-known women-led tea parties of the Revolutionary era.
Spotlighting Public Service and Cultural Diplomacy
At the Opening Night Ceremony on June 25, keynote speaker Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, addressed preparations for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Among the awardees:
- Chuck Leavell, longtime Rolling Stones keyboardist and environmentalist, received the President General’s Medallion.
- Kali Reis, Indigenous boxing champion and Emmy-nominated actress, was honored with the Founders Medal for Education. She also celebrated her recent DAR membership, tracing lineage to Primus Slocum, an enslaved man who fought in the Revolutionary War.
- The Circolo Culturale Filippo Mazzei and Italian artist Luciano Massari were recognized for advancing the legacy of Filippo Mazzei, an Italian patriot and ally of Thomas Jefferson.
- Jeff Callaway, founder of Ethan Almighty’s Blessings Inc., received the Community Service Award for advocacy in animal welfare.
The event concluded with the installation of Ginnie Sebastian Storage as the 47th President General of DAR, who will guide the organization through America’s semiquincentennial celebrations.
A Lasting Legacy of Patriotism and Service
“As part of our mission to promote history, education, and patriotism, it is our pleasure to spotlight individuals who shape our nation’s future while honoring its past,” said President General Storage. “From CIA analysts to high school students, these honorees inspire our continued work across every state and community.”
