Dear California Daughters,

Today, as I write this, Giving Tuesday is being celebrated across America on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It is a day that has evolved in communities to remind us to work together to donate service, money, and goods to our local communities.

As I think about it, I am so proud to say that every day is Giving Day for our Daughters, as we provide Service to America. I am amazed at your generosity as you tell me about your projects to schools, veterans, active military and their families, conservation, and historic preservation. The millions of hours that we donate each year are stunning.

Thank you for sending the great pictures and stories about your projects in support of the State Regent’s Project on “Bringing Back the Monarchs”. As we work on habitat restoration and education many of you are planting for the butterflies, providing home habitat, as well as habitat in local parks and providing educational programs to local schools and organizations. This officer was recently privileged to attend District X’s meeting in Arcadia and enjoy a delightful program by Susie Vanderlip, a writer, photographer, videographer, and “Monarch Butterfly Citizen Scientist. ” Susie is working with CSSDAR to make “The Story of Chester, the Monarch Caterpillar/Larva” book and DVD available as a part of our State Regent’s project. These are in demand for Pre-K thru 3rd grade classrooms to educate children on butterfly life cycle, as well as a wonderful way to tell the story to your children and grandchildren. We’ll have these available for purchase at the Christmas Tea on December 10th. What better way to support your local schools and our conservation project than to volunteer a program in your local classrooms? And I, for one, will be giving these sets to grandchildren under the Christmas tree.

Wonderful celebrations in honor of our Veterans and active military were held throughout California and your parades, luncheons, and special events are heartwarming to read about. This officer and HODAR Bob were invited to attend the Wounded Warriors Marine Corps Birthday Ball in San Diego. What a wonderful night. A special highlight was a parade of Marine Corps uniforms throughout the history of the Corps, beginning in the Revolutionary War period and continuing through the advent of women marines in today’s service. We were privileged to meet the Commandant of the Wounded Warriors Battalion and discuss the proposed Iwo Jima Memorial with him…we hope to have an announcement for you soon.

And don’t forget to join us as we celebrate 125 years of California DAR at the Victorian Christmas Tea in Glendora on December 10th. Reservations are still available through the WebStore.

My love and best wishes to each of you as you celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah with family and friends. We have so much to be grateful for in this wonderful country.

Soaring in Service to God, Home, and Country.

Bev Moncrieff
State Regent