BY BRIAN HERNALSTEEN
Special to the News-Mirror
The Daughters of the American Revolution organization is starting a new chapter that will cover the Mansfield and Kennedale area, with the focus being to give back and serve the surrounding community. {{more}}
?This is a service-based chapter. I am looking for an opportunity to reach out to women who have the same desires to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism in the community,? said Lorna Rankin, organizing chapter regent. ?I see Mansfield as a community that is already working together. You already have so many organizations helping one another to achieve a goal that will serve the community, and I think the DAR is another organization to come right alongside these organizations and continue that work.?
As of now, Rankin is the only member of the Mansfield chapter. But she is looking to change that Thursday night.
Rankin will hold the first chapter gathering at the Harvesting International Food Bank at 7 p.m. Thursday. In that meeting, potential members will be given guidelines on how to join DAR and learn more about the organization and how it provides for the community. DAR is active in historic preservation, promoting events that get school children interested in American history and supporting those schools through donations and volunteer work.
To become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, you must be at least 18 years of age, a woman and be able to prove that you are a direct bloodline descendent of someone that supported the American Revolution. DAR has more than 180,000 members nationally and 3,000 chapters in all 50 states.
?The DAR gives out scholarships, participates in parades, visits VA hospitals and gives thanks to veterans for their service,? Rankin said. The new chapter is looking to set an agenda at its first gathering Thursday night, and that includes activities and service projects the group is looking to complete in January and February.
Daughters of the American Revolution
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19
International Harvesting Food Bank – 150 S. 6th Ave., Mansfield, TX
