The DAR History Award Medal, presented by State Regent Debra Jamison and State Historian Adele Lancaster to Sandy Quinn, President of the Richard Nixon Foundation, honored the Foundation for its work to contribute to the greater understanding of American history through their management and oversight of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace. The Foundation’s support for programs and exhibits, like the one opened that day, as well as their efforts to manage the preservation of documents and material from the life and political career of our nation’s 37^th President, greatly reflect the meaning behind this award. The Richard Nixon Foundation is the first associated with a Presidential Library to have received the prestigious award.

February 15, 2013, was a beautiful day in southern California when nearly 300 patriots including former White House officials, friends and admirers of Richard Nixon, and California Daughters gathered at the Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace to celebrate Richard Nixon’s 100^th birthday and the official opening of the Centennial Exhibit – Patriot. President. Peacemaker.  The highly visual story-teller presentation features the most important and influential aspects of the 37th President’s life. The entire exhibit may be viewed on line through www.nixon100.org.

The noon-time program held in the White House replica East Room opened with 2^nd Lt. Savannah Moyer of Camp Pendleton singing the National Anthem followed by the Orange High School Concert Choir and Chamber Singers singing The Awakening. This was followed by a lovely three-course luncheon provided by White House Catering of Anaheim. Lunch included baby greens tossed with passion fruit-ginger vinaigrette, served in a rice paper basket, Norwegian salmon with potatoes au gratin and steamed baby carrots, concluding with a delicious tiramisu for dessert.

After lunch, Sandy Quinn, serving as Master of Ceremonies, introduced David Ferriero, Archivist of the United States who provided keynote remarks.  Congratulatory videos from Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, highlighting the contributions of President Nixon, preceded the presentation of the DAR History Award Medal to the Foundation. Bob Bostock and Frank Gannon, exhibit co-curators, remarked on the goals and development of the exhibit. Col. Jack Brennan, Military Aide to the President of the United   States, shared personal experiences and fond memories of his time with Mr. Nixon and offered a Toast to the President in honor of his 100^th birthday anniversary. The afternoon concluded with the Orange High School choirs singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

All attending the ribbon cutting ceremony, performed by representatives from local Boys and Girls Clubs, were invited to visit the new exhibit and others found in the Nixon Library, tour the Nixon Birthplace, climb aboard the presidential helicopter, and spend quiet moments at the gravesites of President and Mrs. Nixon.

Daughters were particularly proud to notice the DAR Historical Marker placed by the California Society in March 1993 to commemorate the birthplace and honor the patriotic service of Richard M. Nixon as well as to find a marker placed by the Mojave Chapter identifying the flagpole they had erected at the birthplace of President Nixon as a part of a Bicentennial Project, the same flagpole that was used to fly the NSDAR flag honoring Constitution Week this past September.

It was a wonderful day to be at the Nixon Library and Birthplace… a great day to be recognized as a California Daughter and member of the NSDAR!

Adele Lancaster
State Historian

Photos courtesy of Cynthia Allen, Susan Ellisor, Karon Jarrard, and Allen Prosser.