The Major James Kerr Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) marked its 50th anniversary on Dec. 2, 2023, celebrating half a century of service to the local community through projects in historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
Since the chapter’s founding in 1973, its members have made significant contributions to Kerrville and surrounding areas.
Their recent accomplishments, beginning in September 2023, include distributing information during Constitution Week at local schools, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, cleaning historic tombstones in Ingram, and sending cards and holiday greetings to military personnel as part of DAR’s Project Patriot Program.
The chapter also hosted a luncheon at the Inn of the Hills to honor veterans as part of its anniversary celebration.
During the event, several distinguished individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to veterans. Regent Dawn Collum presented the Hannah White Arnett Medal to William R. Sole, President of the Hill Country Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), and the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award to the Kerr County Historical Commission.
Local veterans advocates, including Sarah Hill Kocurek, Director of the Hill Country Veteran Center, and Kerrville VA Medical Center representatives, were also honored.
Mayor Judy Eychner issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 7, 2023, as Major James Kerr Chapter, NSDAR Day, while Judge Rob Kelly presented a Commissioners Court Resolution recognizing the chapter’s five decades of service.
Throughout the chapter year, which runs from September to May, members have donated supplies to the Hill Country Veterans Center and Kerrville VA Hospital, participated in patriotic celebrations such as George Washington’s birthday, and attended state and national conferences.
The chapter also won the Texas Challenge for Units Overseas at the 2024 TXDAR State Conference for the second consecutive year.
In addition to their many activities, the Major James Kerr Chapter has remained dedicated to recognizing Vietnam veterans, supporting local students through essay contests, and promoting conservation efforts in the Hill Country.
The chapter welcomes new members and encourages women interested in community service to join its mission.
Membership is open to any woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information, contact the Major James Kerr Chapter at [email protected].
The Daughters of the American Revolution is one of the world’s largest women’s service organizations, with 190,000 members across 3,000 chapters in the United States and beyond. DAR promotes historic preservation, education, and patriotism through various programs, including scholarships, veteran services, and community outreach.
