Local Don José Verdugo Chapter members of the California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution gathered together recently in San Ramon, California for its 108th Annual Conference celebrating service and 125 years as part of the National Society DAR. Some 400 state daughters, honorary state and national members and guests were in attendance participating in meetings and attending special events including a moving national defense luncheon and program by Veteran’s PATH, an organization assisting veterans suffering from PTSD.

Don José Verdugo DAR members and guests had more reason to celebrate when member Elaine La Marr’s granddaughter, Heidi Annalisa Kielpinski, escorted by her grandfather Donald La Marr, was presented as one of 10 debutantes during the celebratory dinner. California DAR established the debutante presentation in 1964 to encourage membership in DAR; this tradition serves to introduce young women who are eligible to become DAR junior members of the California state society. Any woman 18 and older who can prove bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in the American independence effort is eligible to become a member of DAR. To learn more call (818) 249-5472.