Regent Velda Jo Bradley was hostess for the October meeting of the Okemah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Oct. 20 at Pepino’s Restaurant in Okemah.
After the opening ritual and business session, chapter member, Judith Drennan, gave a most inspiring program, “Diversity in DAR,” on her experience as a DAR member and what being a member of DAR means to her.  
Judith DrennanIn 1889 the Sons of the American Revolution, a hereditary fraternal organization, was founded to perpetuate the memory of the founders and patriots of the American Revolutionary War and to promote patriotism and friendship among its members.  At this time there were women who also wanted to become members of this organization, but they were denied membership and told to start their own organization.  And that they did, when four brave and ambitious women, two single ladies and two widows, stepped up to the occasion in 1890, and founded the Daughters of the American Revolution.  
In 125 years the DAR has grown to the present 180,000 members with 3,000 chapters in 50 states, far surpassing the 33,000 members of the SAR.  
Members came from many backgrounds and included Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, Lillian Gish, Ginger Rogers, and Margaret Chase Smith. Present members include Laura Bush, Roselyn Carter, Bo Derek, Elizabeth Dole, and Janet Reno. It is said that one out of ten women in the United States is a prospective member.  
Promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism is the mission of DAR, and its membership includes women who have donated over one million five hundred hours of civic work to their cities, states, country, and veterans so far this year.
While researching for her presentation Judith Drennan became more excited about being a member, and her enthusiasm was certainly inspiring.  The Okemah chapter’s membership is growing, and plans for future activities to support veterans and our communities are being made to make the Okemah chapter a winner.