Patriotism

Enhance Patriotic Appreciation

During the American Revolution, women in the United States supported the war effort in many ways. That tradition of service was and continues to be an important aspect of service for the Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution.

During the Spanish-American War in 1898, Illinois Daughters collected books, clothing, sheets, and pillow cases, and provided entertainment and raised funds for hospital purposes. One Illinois chapter even sent two nurses to minister to the sick. Chapters also looked after the needs of families of soldiers.

In 1918, Illinois Daughters contributed a fully equipped ambulance to the War Department in response to a need during World War I. Chapters assisted with blood drives and supported the American Red Cross.

During World War II, the Illinois DAR continued its tradition of service by selling War Bonds, planting victory gardens, again raising funds for ambulances and relief work, and making bandages.

The Illinois DAR continued to support military members during the Vietnam Conflict and the Gulf Wars. Chapters collect personal care items to send to troops overseas and to recovering soldiers at hospitals. Other successful projects include Stand Down for Homeless Veterans, and Project Patriot.

In June 2011, Illinois DAR dedicated a statue to honor women veterans on the grounds of the Brehm Library in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Another important part of Illinois DAR is the support of the Reserve Officer Training Corps. Each year, Illinois chapters present medals to outstanding ROTC and Jr. ROTC students in high schools and colleges throughout the state.

Our members not only support our men and women in uniform, but also the men and women who used to wear a uniform. Our members routinely visit veterans in nursing homes and VA hospitals, bringing them gifts and entertaining them with games, songs, and other performances.

Whether we are distributing flag codes, flags, and other patriotic literature to students, celebrating Constitution Week in our communities, supporting troops and veterans, or attending naturalization ceremonies to support our nation's newest citizens, Illinois Daughters diligently work to enhance our nation's patriotic appreciation.