But We Don't Look a Day Over 110

Happy birthday to us,
Happy birthday to us,
Happy birthday National Society Daughters of the American Revolution...
Happy birthday to us!

October 11, 2007 marks the 117th birthday of the NSDAR.

Founded by Mary Desha, Eugenia Washington, Ellen Hardin Walworth and Mary Smith Lockwood, the objectives of the NSDAR remain the same today as they did at that first meeting:

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…";

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.

And while we're on the subject of birthdays, let's remember that 2007 also marks the 35th birthday of California's Districts. The idea of a district system was presented at the annual state conference held in March 1972, and State Vice Regent, Mrs. Arthur F. Strehlow, was the first coordinator of districts. The first Director of District VIII was Jane Nore of Achois Comihavit Chapter, who served from 1972-1974.

Perhaps someone with a long memory can tell us about the first District VIII meeting?

Let's have a piece of cake today and celebrate our wonderful organization!