On National Defense Night during the 135th Continental Congress, President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage announced that DAR chapters across the world would commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 through a new initiative: the DAR Month of Service.

Building upon the National DAR Day of Service—observed annually for the past decade on October 11, the date of the National Society’s founding—the DAR Month of Service is a collaborative effort of the America 250!, Commemorative Events, and Service to America committees. Between September 11 and October 11, all members are encouraged to participate in service projects in the spirit of America 250! and share how they are making a difference in their communities.

Daughters might choose to participate in 9/11 Day meal-packing activities occurring on September 11 across the country. (DAR is a founding member of the 9/11 Day National Commemoration Committee and a collaborative partner in the federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.)

Or they might choose another community service project that ties into the DAR mission areas of historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Chapters are particularly encouraged to select projects showing gratitude to veterans, active-duty personnel, and first responders to commemorate the 9/11 anniversary. These types of projects also align with the Service to America Committee’s DAR Salute to Service initiative, explained National Chair Jennifer Pond. Projects done in service to the DAR Project Patriot, DAR Service for Veterans, and National Defense committees are spotlighted through the DAR Salute to Service, and in 2026, chapters will have the opportunity to report directly to the Service to America Committee on these projects.

“Service to America is not a veterans thing, right?” Pond said. “Service to America is literally the system through which people can capture all of the kindness and volunteer work they do in the community.”