Dear California Daughters,
It’s December—the most wonderful time of the year!
It’s also a challenging time with decorating, year-end tax planning, finding that perfect present, preparing all the favorite holiday dishes, making those lists and checking them twice. To quote Dr. Seuss, “How did it get so late so soon?”
As we experienced with our own beautiful classic Craftsman house headquarters, vintage buildings require extra care and effort to preserve them. President General Lynn Young has led us in a grand celebration of the 125th anniversary of our Society. At the last Continental Congress, for the final year of her administration, the Guardian Trust campaign kicked off. One of the Young Administration scriptures comes from 1 Timothy 6:20: “Guard that which is committed to thy trust.” In that spirit, the goal of the campaign is to establish a permanently restricted fund to support the preservation, restoration, and conservation of our historic home in Washington, DC, as well as to fund the immediate restoration needs of Constitution Hall. All of us are being asked to consider a donation, regardless of size, to create this lasting gift that will help care for our treasured property. Please consider a pledge or donation to this project. This campaign will end in June 2016, but the Guardian Trust will receive gifts well into the future. For additional information, please go to members.dar.org and click on Guardian Trust Campaign. In the next issue of American Spirit, check out the presentation on the campaign. “What Our Founders Built, We Must Preserve.” Help preserve our national landmark.
My Jerry and I will spend Christmas in Indiana with my family. We wish for you the things you won’t find under your tree or in your stocking but will find within your heart: remembrance of happiness past, hope for happiness to come, fellowship and love, acceptance of sorrow and gratitude for joy, but most of all the peace that passes understanding.
As we enjoy all the festivities of this month, I wish for you the joy that whatever holiday you celebrate brings: Happy Kwanzaa, a Wise Winter Solstice, a Happy Chanukah, a Merry Christmas!
So—Celebrate America! Celebrate Service! And Celebrate the Reason for the Season!!
Carol Oakley Jackson
California State Regent