Society Receives the DAR President Generals Medallion

3 years ago

"With deep appreciation and immense gratitude for your organization’s efforts in preserving the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider – including the incredible Centennial Commemorations held this past year – the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution seeks the opportunity to honor the Society of the Honor Guard during our upcoming 131st Continental Congress."

Former Society President Gavin McIlvenna was welcomed into the historic Constitution Hall of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) on July 2, 2022 during the National Defense Night ceremonies of their 131st Continental Congress where outgoing NSDAR President General Denise VanBuren presented the President Generals Medallion to the Society for their work in leading the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 2021.

NSDAR and all the chapters played a huge role in getting the word out on Centennial projects, news, and interacting with their communities to plant Never Forget Gardens across the United States and in Europe.

"I am humbled to be with you tonight to accept the President General's Medallion on behalf of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier....My personal thanks to Mrs. Judy Ekeler, the National Vice Chair for the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and your tireless efforts to help our two organizations work together towards one goal." - Gavin McIlvenna

Over the past few years DAR "opened your chapter doors and helped current and former Tomb Guards conduct over 260 education presentations on the history of the Unknown Soldiers buried on the plaza of the Memorial Amphitheater and the Sentinels who stand the eternal vigil." said McIlvenna. He also recognized the recent call for volunteers was sent to crochet poppies to be placed at the Stonehenge Memorial in Goldendale, Washington and help jump start the natural poppies of Never Forget Garden that having a hard time growing.

In October 2021 NSDAR President General VanBuren accompanied members of the Society as they conducted an historic pilgrimage following in the footsteps of the World War I Unknown Soldier from the cemeteries where unknown candidates were removed, to the selection site and final port of call in France.

NSDAR and the Society will continue to work together advancing the Never Forget Garden project.