Local C.A.R.s Attend National Convention

Local C.A.R.s Attend National Convention

Jack and Pete Lake of the Byrd Settlement Society were elected as voting delegates to the National Convention of the Children of the American Revolution which was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, April 15--17, 2011. The National President, Benjamin A. Hinckley, of Texas presided at the convention. The Senior National President is Ann Taylor Schaeffer of the District of Columbia.

Jack and Pete Lake, members of the Byrd Settlement Society, attended the convention. The young people were accompanied by Thad and Morgan Lake. They traveled by plane and had an opportunity to tour points of interest in the nation's capital.

"I hope more members from our society will come next year," said Pete Lake. "We would have a lot of fun."

During the convention, National Officers for the 2011--2012 C.A.R. year were elected, reports of State Presidents and National Chairmen were given, local society awards were made, and the Nation's Outstanding C.A.R. Society for this year was announced. Convention activities also included a candidates' campaign party, the Awards Banquet and dance, and a party honoring the outgoing National President.

Newly elected National Officers as well as State and Senior State Presidents were installed at ceremonies at Mount Vernon following a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of George and Martha Washington. The Annual Pilgrimage included a wreath-laying ceremony at Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Byrd Settlement Society received the Gold Merit Award, the highest level of recognition for a local society. National Corresponding Secretary Sagen Blackwell of South Carolina recognized the Byrd Settlement Society for their creative program on quill pens. Patsy Johnson, Senior leader, presented the program to the group last September.

The Children of the American Revolution is the oldest patriotic youth organization in the United States. Membership is open to anyone who is under the age of 21 and who is a lineal descendant of a person who rendered aid to the cause of American independence. For further information, contact C.A.R. National Headquarters, 1776 D Street NW, Room 224, Washington, DC 20006-5303, e-mail hq@nscar.org, or visit the Web site at www.nscar.org.