The Story Behind the Pin
From bold symbols to meaningful details, every State Regent’s pin has a story—and a purpose. We celebrate the creativity and causes behind each unique creation. Call us pin-spired!
New Mexico: Remember & Celebrate/Dedication. Ancestry. Remembrance. A Legacy of Service, Patriotism, and Heritage.
New Mexico
Deborah Robb, State Regent
Inspiration
My State Regent’s pin was designed to represent the New Mexico State Organization and, most importantly, the Daughters who make it strong. The four interwoven loops symbolize our four districts, while the 16 blue stones represent New Mexico’s 16 chapters. At the center is a single diamond representing the individual Daughter—the heart of our organization. I wanted the design to show that while our chapters and districts connect us, it is each individual member, with her talents, service, and dedication, who makes DAR shine. The intertwined design also reflects the way we support and work together across our state while honoring the unique contributions of every Daughter.
Purpose
Proceeds from my State Regent’s pin go toward preservation work at Fort Stanton, a 240-acre site in Lincoln County with over 170 years of New Mexico and American history behind it. Founded in 1855 as a U.S. Army post to protect settlers and trade routes, it was staffed in part by Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry, who played a big role in developing the fort. Over the decades, it has worn many hats: military post, tuberculosis sanatorium (one of the largest in the Southwest, from 1899 to 1953), a World War II internment site for German internees, and later a correctional facility. Each era left its own mark, and together they make the site’s history incredibly rich.
My State Regent’s Project is focused on the historic hospital, built in 1936 during the New Deal era and once one of the most advanced medical facilities in New Mexico. With the exterior restoration completed, we are replacing the entrance doors with historically accurate replicas. Thanks to generous support, we have raised and donated $10,000 to fund that work. We’re now raising additional funds to restore the ceiling tiles at the site’s Episcopal church, continuing our broader preservation efforts there.
North Carolina: Spreading Our Wings in Service to God, Home, and Country.
North Carolina
Cricket Crigler, State Regent
Inspiration
North Carolina actually has two State Regent pin designs during my administration: the eagle and the cricket, with the cricket offered in three different sizes.
My State Regent’s theme is Spreading Our Wings in Service to God, Home, and Country, so the eagle was a natural symbol for my administration. The eagle represents strength, courage, patriotism, and service, while its outstretched wings remind North Carolina Daughters that when we spread our wings together, our service can reach far beyond our individual chapters and communities.
The second design is much more personal and a little whimsical. Because I am known as “Cricket,” we created a cricket pin in three different sizes. Each can be worn individually, but when all three are worn together, they form a charming little grouping: a “symphony” of crickets. I love the symbolism: Each cricket is distinctive on its own, just as every Daughter brings her own talents and gifts to DAR, but together they create something even more special—a symphony of service.
Purpose
The eagle pin supports my three State Regent’s Projects, which are centered on the idea of “home.” In Western North Carolina, we are supporting the construction of a Fisher House in Asheville that will provide a home away from home for families of veterans receiving medical care. We are also helping with the preservation and repair of our beautiful NSDAR National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. It is quite literally our DAR home, and I believe we have a responsibility to help preserve it for the Daughters who will follow us. Our third project supports Crossnore Communities for Children, a North Carolina organization that provides hope, stability, education, and a sense of home for children and families.
The cricket pins have an additional and very special purpose. For the first time, proceeds from the sale of a North Carolina State Regent pin are designated to support the DAR Schools.
Rhode Island: Illuminating Our Revolutionary Past, Blazing a Path for Our Future.
Rhode Island
Dymond Bush, State Regent
Inspiration
The pin for the Bush administration is a lantern containing a single candle, symbolizing Rhode Island’s distinction as the first colony to declare independence. The yellow topaz flame represents the yellow stars on the Rhode Island state flag. The five blue sapphires across the bottom of the lantern represent the ocean, as Rhode Island is the Ocean State, and each sapphire represents one of Rhode Island’s five counties.
Purpose
The State Regent’s Project encompasses the three DAR mission areas of historic preservation, education, and patriotism in addition to supporting outreach and expansion efforts of the Rhode Island State Society. Funds raised will go toward supporting scholarships for college students studying in a history-related field; grants for teachers; book donations to elementary and high school students and U.S. service members stationed overseas; classroom civics kits; and supplies to clean the gravestones of American Revolutionary War Patriots, with a goal of cleaning 250 gravestones in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. P
Deborah Robb, New Mexico State Regent
Cricket Crigler, North Carolina State Regent
Dymond Bush, Rhode Island State Regent
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
