Louis Joliet Chapter members participate in virtual DAR National Convention

Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution from around the globe recently gathered online for the 130th DAR Continental Congress.

Local participants included honorary chapter regent Cyndi Valencia of Crest Hill, second vice regent Lynda Freebus of Shorewood and recording secretary Bobbie Today of Joliet. They are all members of the Louis Joliet Chapter, according to a news release from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Valencia was recognized by the National Committee on Commemorative Events as an Outstanding State of Illinois Volunteer honoring Vietnam Veterans, the release said.

Two Louis Joliet Chapter Daughters were recognized at the 130th Continental Congress as 2021 graduates of the Members Training Course. These were Mary Erhardt and Bobbie Today, just two of the 99 graduates from North Central Division Illinois, the release said.

The Louis Joliet Chapter was also awarded a certificate by the North Central Division for the National American Heritage Committee for Outstanding Chapter Participation, the release said.

The chapter was also awarded a National certificate for Outstanding Activities in Support of Veterans by the Service for Veterans Committee, the release said.

The DAR Continental Congress is an annual gathering of approximately 3,000 members. The event is traditionally held in Washington, D.C. Only twice since the organization’s founding in 1890 has it been held online, the release said.

Leaders from national, state and local chapters and members from the U.S. and throughout the world, gather “to report on the year’s work, honor outstanding award recipients, plan future initiatives and reconnect with friends,” the release said.

Last year’s week-long virtual event had more than 75,000 views online, the release said.

For more information, visit DAR.org and louisjolietdar.weebly.com.