Submitted by Craig Valley DAR
Craig Valley Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution received state honors at the 130th Virginia DAR conference held in Williamsburg. The chapter received the top state award for Outstanding Americanism Enrichment in the Community. This award recognized the chapter’s work to promote patriotism in the community during 2025. Multiple activities included the annual Craig County Independence Day Parade, a scavenger hunt for “A Revolutionary Day in New Castle” to kick-off the county’s celebration of America’s 250th, recognition of the 250th anniversaries of the Army, Marines & Navy, and honoring Craig County veterans at Veterans Day.
The Virginia state conference was a celebration for both Virginia and the United States of America, which are 250 this year. Members representing Craig Valley chapter included officers Tina Crawford, Chapter Regent, Margaret Hines, Vice Regent and past Chapter Regent, and Diane Givens, Treasurer and past Chapter Regent. Ms. Hines also provided piano music for the closing session and Ms. Givens served as teller during the Saturday business session. Nichole Allen served as a Conference Page, providing support throughout the conference. Other Craig Valley members in attendance were JoAnn All and Linda Allen.
Craig Valley Chapter’s annual meeting was held March 28, 2026 when Cheryl Hutchison Parker was welcomed as a recently approved member. Her ancestor and patriot, Adam Lugar, was a Hessian mercenary hired by the British crown to fight the colonists. Once in America, however, he chose to support the patriots’ cause and fought valiantly in the American Revolution. Following the war he settled in the lower Sinking Creek valley. Many Craig County families are descendants of Adam and his wife Anna Margaret Clapp Lugar.
To mark Women’s History Month, members shared a brief story about their Most Admired Woman. Members shared stories of living legends like Dolly Parton and historical women like Abigail Adams, Harriet Tubman and Mary Draper Ingals. There were also lesser well-known women but each deserving admiration such as Mary Lemist Titcomb who invented the Bookmobile, Ruth Hannah Walden who was a missionary to Nigeria, and Irena Sendler, a Polish nurse who saved approximately 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.
One member chose her ancestor patriot’s wife, who became a camp follower (one who cooked and laundered for the military troops) following her husband’s draft into the military. They had six children, the last born a few months following her husband’s untimely passing. Many members chose their mothers, mother-in-law, or grandmother, speaking of their kindness, wit, and ability to endure hardships, all being important role models. One grandmother was a real-life “Rosie the Riveter” who helped the WWII effort in the 1940s.
In 2026, chapter activities will focus on the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of its independence. The fifth annual Craig County Independence Day Parade will be held on Saturday, July 4 with step-off at 10 am. Dedication of a new America 250 Patriot Marker in the Craig Courthouse yard is planned to take place prior to July 4.
For more information on how to become a Daughter of the American Revolution, visit https://www.virginiadar.org/craig-valley-chapter or contact Regent Tina Crawford 540-864-6216 for assistance in identifying your American Revolution Patriot.
