The Story Behind the Pins

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!

Colorado: Honor the Legacy

COLORADO

Carrie Klein, State Regent

Inspiration

Honor the Legacy was chosen as the Klein Administration theme to embody the idea that each Daughter joined the DAR to honor Patriot ancestors and to memorialize their names, stories, and contributions made in support of our nation's independence, while ensuring future generations understand the magnitude of those efforts. The pin features 13 stars (representing the original 13 colonies) in the shape of a laurel wreath, a traditional form symbolizing honor and victory. The red, white, and blue ribbon celebrates our patriotic Society.

Purpose

Proceeds support the creation of a new research portal to access the extensive and historic DAR Library collections. This new portal will allow both DAR members and the public to access resources, identify new avenues for membership, and keep our Patriot ancestors’ stories alive.

Florida: Come Rain or Come Shine, Florida Cares

FLORIDA

Kim Zeman, State Regent

Inspiration

The symbol is an umbrella or parasol — representing shelter from the hottest sun and a refuge from the storm. Beyond protection, umbrellas symbolize togetherness. We are all in DAR together. Friendship is an important component of successful chapters and provides a cozy shelter from life’s rainy days. And if your chapter members are friends, they will want to come to meetings and participate in activities. Parasols are also considered lucky charms and symbols of prosperity. My umbrella is also a tribute to my non-DAR grandmother. She would have been in the DAR if she’d had a Patriot ancestor, but, alas, there are none to be found in her line. She was involved in many organizations in her community, including the PTA, the women’s club and her local historical society. She also belonged to the Eastern Star, and whose state symbol was a parasol. The umbrella reminds me of her; she taught me about being involved in organizations that were of service to others.

Purpose

Come Rain or Come Shine, Florida Cares supports the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes program, which assists caregivers of wounded warriors and their families by providing support, resources, and respite. The State Regent’s Project also supports Soldiers Freedom Outdoors, an organization helping military and veterans heal from the hidden wounds of war, as well as the conservation, preservation, and digitization of more than 4,000 items in the DAR Americana Collection, including manuscripts, diaries, letters, and artifacts.

Idaho: Serve with Passion

IDAHO

Julie Riendeau, State Regent

Inspiration

The flame is the central symbol of this administration. It represents knowledge, resilience, transformation, and the idea that light grows stronger when shared. The pin features a flame made of three distinct shapes: the outer flame, inner flame, and center stone. Together, they symbolize DAR’s three pillars of historic preservation, education, and patriotism, and may also be interpreted as God, Home, and Country. More personally, the design reflects the power of each individual Daughter as the “spark” that ignites collective purpose. The graphic and jewelry design were created in collaboration with the State Regent’s brother, an architect, to capture the motion and layered meaning of the flame.

Purpose

Funds generated through the pin and related fundraising jewelry first support the creation of an outdoor classroom at the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy in Pierce, Idaho, benefiting at-risk youth by providing a space where education, nature, and personal growth intersect. Beyond that initial goal, the pin also helps lay the foundation for establishing the first Idaho State DAR Scholarship, designed as a lasting legacy to support Idaho students for generations.

Indiana: Enduring Promise

INDIANA

Elaine Sholty, State Regent

Inspiration

The Indiana DAR State Regent’s pin features “Lady Victory,” the iconic symbol of the Hoosier State. She is placed proudly atop the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Monument Circle in Indianapolis, located at the very center of Indiana. The 19 stars surrounding her are from the Indiana State flag, celebrating Indiana as the 19th state.

Purpose

The Sholty State Regent’s Project, Enduring Promise, completes a DAR Trilogy of Honor recognizing Indiana’s MIA veterans from the Vietnam War (51), Korean War (195), and now World War II (1,500), with an individual brick honoring each service member. According to the National League of POW/MIA Families, this public placement of all MIA names in one place representing an entire state is one of a kind. It honors those still missing and affirms to their families that we will always remember their devotion to our nation.

Maryland: Our Legacy of Liberty

MARYLAND

Elizabeth Deering, State Regent

Inspiration

My pin was inspired by the State Regent’s Project, Our Legacy of Liberty, which involves planting 13 certified Liberty Trees and installing plaques across Maryland to commemorate the Semiquincentennial and honor all those who fought for American Independence. The seedlings come from a scion of the last surviving original Liberty Tree in Annapolis. The 13 clear crystals symbolize the 13 original colonies, while the eagle represents liberty. The larger red, white, and blue crystals represent our nation’s Flag, and honor God, Home and Country, as well as historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

Purpose

Proceeds support the purchase of trees, planting materials, and the placement of 13 plaques approved by the Office of the Historian General. P