Craig Valley Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution held its annual Awards Presentation & Christmas Tea on Dec. 13 attended by 21 members and guests. Held in the fellowship hall of the New Castle Christian Church decorated for the season, tables were adorned with pink cherry blossoms while the menu included chocolate cherry scones, cherry bon bons, and Cherry Blossom green tea.
Attendees learned Japanese Cherry trees have been the symbol of our Nation’s Capital since 1912. To preserve this treasured and beautiful symbol of Washington, D.C. and in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the National Society DAR recently made a transformative two million dollar gift to the National Mall Trust’s Cherry Tree Endowment, ensuring the iconic cherry trees will last and bloom for generations to come.
Special guest Karen Finch, Director of Virginia DAR District VII, presented a program on the Burning of Norfolk, a pivotal event in the colonies’ fight for Independence 250 years ago.
A celebration of Daughters’ accomplishments was the focus of the occasion, beginning with the introduction of the 2025 DAR Good Citizens Award winner, McKenna All.
McKenna was selected by teachers and staff at Craig County High School for her dependability and volunteerism. She has served as class president for four years and is also Beta Club President. She plans to attend college on a pre-law track and work toward becoming an environmental lawyer. At the tea, McKenna received a certificate, pin, graduation cord, and monetary gift. She will also serve as Grand Marshal in the county’s July 4, 2026, Independence Day Parade.
The DAR Good Citizens award is given by DAR chapters across the country to high school seniors who exhibit qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. McKenna is the 17th Craig County High School senior to receive this recognition.
The chapter welcomed two new members, who each hung their patriot symbol on the lighted Patriot Tree which has become part of the chapter’s traditions. Naomi Conner’s membership honors her patriot, Nathaniel Cochran, and Jane Henderson is a descendant of patriot Isbell Pendleton.
Accomplishments of the past year were reviewed, with every month marked by activities, parades, bell-ringings, or anniversaries. Four members received certificates for reporting a high number of volunteer hours, and two members were congratulated on receiving the title of nonagenarian. Gerlene Sizer and Patsy Johnson celebrated their ninetieth birthdays in 2025.
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is one of the most inclusive genealogical societies in the country and encourages women to serve their communities, particularly in the areas of historic preservation, education and patriotism. It boasts over 190,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the United States and internationally. Any woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. For information visit www.dar.org.
Craig Valley Chapter currently has thirty members, five Associate Members and several prospective members. Contact Regent Tina Crawford, 540-864-6216, for information and assistance to identify your American Revolution Patriot.
McKenna All: Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It
There are many things that go into the making of a good citizen. Good citizens are focused on building a community as both a just leader and as a servant of their community. They perform their civic duties and responsibilities with pride and honor for their country. They treat others with respect, often encouraging their neighbors to do so as well. Good citizens keep America’s world and government spinning.
It took much collaboration and time to create the Constitution and the system of government that we have, but it couldn’t have happened if not for the kind of people that keep the American spirit alive today. When our forefathers drafted the Declaration of Independence, they envisioned a free nation where the rights of the people were upheld by the people – placing the responsibility of governance on each of us as good citizens. Our best example of a good citizen can be taken from those same men and women: our Patriots.
The Patriots of the American Revolution were more than good citizens; they were great citizens. More than just leading our people to freedom, they gave their lives for it. More than just completing their civic duties and responsibilities, they created them. More than developing a community, they fought for the ability to have one. The Patriots even managed to earn respect as soldiers and pioneers from the people they freed us from. These men and women cared deeply for the citizens of their country and thus built a democracy for them. It’s our job as citizens of the U.S. to protect and uphold the values that our predecessors devoted their livelihoods to.
Democracy demands participation. To have our government, we must elect officials to operate it. To elect officials, we must nominate candidates. To have candidates, we must vote for them. A democracy of quality also requires that officials listen to the needs of the people they represent.
A good citizen understands these basic principles. They will be seen at the polls when it comes time to vote, and they teach their peers about the importance of voting on your own behalf. They will follow along with alterations in legislation and obey the law, alongside motivating others to do the same. If the good citizen sees a problem with a law, they will congregate with other dissenters and push for change. Perhaps they might even run for office or help another campaign if they see fit for the community.
These people keep democracy thriving by participating in the governmental process and exercising the rights allotted to them by our founding fathers – it is the cycle of caring for our brothers, sisters, and generations yet to come. If we wish to accomplish this, we must take it upon ourselves to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors.
America is supported by a foundation of cooperation, honesty, compassion, courage, and responsibility for all of our neighbors and children. This foundation is the image painted by the Patriots, and we’ve got to emulate their brushstrokes to achieve similar results.