Michigan DAR Members Attend 135th Continental Congress In Washington

Four delegates from Midland’s John Alden Chapter joined nearly 5,000 members at the 135th Continental Congress in Washington, D.C. The annual Daughters of the American Revolution gathering celebrated patriotic service, recognized national award recipients, and commemorated the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Four representatives from the Midland-based John Alden Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution traveled to the nation’s capital. These individuals united with a massive delegation of approximately 5,000 attendees for the 135th Continental Congress, which serves as the premier annual assembly for the historic service organization.

The multi-day national convention features a comprehensive agenda comprising official business sessions, specialized committee forums, and formal social gatherings. The landmark event culminates in elegant evening ceremonies designed specifically to recognize and honor outstanding national award recipients for their exceptional contributions to community service and patriotism.

The specific delegation representing the John Alden Chapter featured prominent local leaders. Attendees included Chapter Regent Julia Lauless, a distinguished military veteran, and Karen Miller, who fulfills critical state-level roles as the Michigan State Chair of the Rosamond Haberle Scholarship and Michigan State Vice Chair of Public Relations & Media.

Additional participants from the regional contingent included Colleen Lauless, who serves as an Associate Member of the John Alden Chapter alongside her role as Vice Regent of the Detroit Chapter. Lynn Schiel, who holds the distinguished title of Honorary Past Chapter Regent, completed the dedicated delegation.

The John Alden Chapter secured significant recognition during the national assembly through multiple prestigious accolades. The organization named Lynn Schiel the National Outstanding Volunteer Information Specialist, marking a major individual achievement for the regional chapter during the annual ceremony.

The chapter also earned the first place distinction within the East Central Division for its 2025 Chapter Brochure. Furthermore, the group secured the third place National Winner designation for Outstanding 2025 Commemorative Event, honoring their curation of The American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit at the Midland Mall.

Delegates Julia Lauless and Karen Miller actively participated in voting sessions during the convention. Various members also accepted crucial volunteer responsibilities throughout the proceedings to ensure the operational success of the massive national gathering in Washington.

Julia Lauless managed operations within the Insignia Pop-Up Shop during the convention. Meanwhile, Lynn Schiel contributed her expertise to the House Committee and delivered a specialized presentation at the Membership Forum, while Colleen Lauless executed duties as Assistant Chief Page for the Congress Herald.

President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage emphasized that the Continental Congress remains a venerable tradition for members to unite, honor national heritage, share collaborative strategies, and review annual service achievements. Storage noted that chapters nationwide are actively highlighting revolutionary figures during this historic 250th American anniversary year.

Storage affirmed that national service defines the core objective of the Daughters of the American Revolution organization. The President General expressed profound inspiration regarding the arrival of thousands of dedicated members at the historic Washington headquarters to advance preservation, education, and patriotism.

The Opening Night Ceremony on Wednesday, June 24, prominently highlighted the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. The organization presented the DAR Media and Entertainment Award to the highly praised PBS documentary titled “The American Revolution,” created by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt.

The assembly separately honored Ken Burns for his remarkable 50-year career dedicated to historical filmmaking by presenting him with the prestigious DAR Medal of Honor. This award recognized his lifelong commitment to documenting the foundational narratives of the United States.

The National Defense Night Ceremony paid tribute to American military personnel and veterans while featuring a solemn commemoration of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The event recognized groups dedicated to preserving victim memories, supporting families, and fostering remembrance through public service.

The organization presented the President General’s Medallion to several entities during the event. Honored recipients included the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the New York Medical Examiner’s Office/World Trade Center DNA Identification Office, VOICES – Center for Resilience, and the 9/11 Day organization.

The DAR Continental Congress operates as a traditional annual convention convened consistently in Washington, D.C., since the initial establishment of the society in 1890. The global headquarters welcomes organizational leaders to review annual progress, distribute honors, organize future projects, and renew professional relationships.

History of the DAR Continental Congress

The Daughters of the American Revolution established their annual convention in 1890 to serve as the supreme governing body of the national society. For well over a century, the organization has regularly gathered at its historic headquarters in Washington, D.C., to sustain its foundational mission of historical preservation, educational promotion, and patriotic celebration.

The national headquarters complex, which includes Memorial Continental Hall and Constitution Hall, represents one of the largest property complexes managed entirely by women worldwide. Over the decades, the convention has evolved into a massive global forum where thousands of delegates represent international chapters, ensuring that the legacy of those who secured American independence remains actively preserved for subsequent generations.

FAQs

What is the DAR Continental Congress?

The DAR Continental Congress is the annual national convention of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Held in Washington, D.C. since 1890, the event brings together national, state, and chapter leaders to report on yearly service initiatives, present awards, and plan future preservation and educational programs.

Which awards did the John Alden Chapter win in 2026?

The chapter received first place in the East Central Division for its 2025 Chapter Brochure and third place nationally for Outstanding 2025 Commemorative Event for its traveling exhibit at the Midland Mall. Additionally, member Lynn Schiel was named National Outstanding Volunteer Information Specialist.

Who received the DAR Medal of Honor at the event?

Filmmaker Ken Burns received the prestigious DAR Medal of Honor during the Opening Night Ceremony on June 24. The award recognized his 50 years of exceptional historical filmmaking, alongside a media award for his PBS documentary series focused on the American Revolution.