ABOUT US
Patriotism
The Caloosahatchee Chapter, NSDAR, actively participates in many commemorative events, services, and activities for veterans. These include:
- Naturalization Ceremonies where flags, flag pins, flag bookmarks, and Pledge of Allegiance cards are distributed to new citizens
- Donating to Project Patriot for the United Service Organizations (USO) and military troops
- Wreaths Across America by donating dozens of wreaths for veteran’s graves
- Supporting veteran sponsors for Honor Flights and then welcoming the veterans home when they return
- Participate in activities that honor our first responders and 9/11 heroes
- Providing packages for women veterans through the Women Supporting Women in Military Service program
- Honoring Vietnam veterans yearly with a recognition luncheon
- Continued registration as a Commemorative Partner with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration
- Providing flag tributes as often as needed
- Performing flag plantings for veterans’ graves
- Providing historical information about the Flag of the United States of America
History
The Caloosahatchee Chapter, NSDAR, is passionate about the local area and chapter history. Fascinating guest speakers often provide unique and interesting discussions about the history of Fort Myers and the greater area. Many members share their historical connections with modern-day events and locations. The chapter looks forward to participating in activities that include:
- Recognizing outstanding American women
- Remembering women in American history
- Participating in American history programs
- Recognizing National American Indian Heritage Month each November
- Participating in the ‘Adopt an Object’ program through the DAR museum
- Organizing an informational booklet about prominent citizens who are buried in the old City of Fort Myers Cemetery
- Cemetery cleanup work is performed as needed
- Remembering our chapter history through presentations, scrapbooks, and monthly remembrances
- Providing national defense information at every meeting
- Recognizing and encouraging historic preservation in the local area and presenting an annual historic preservation award
Education
The Caloosahatchee Chapter, NSDAR, is engaged in a variety of programs and activities for local students ranging from elementary school to high school. The chapter is involved with local and chapter history as well. The chapter initiates and participates in activities by:
- Volunteering in local community classrooms
- Awarding DAR Good Citizens Awards each year
- Sponsoring an annual essay contest
- Awarding a yearly scholarship to a Florida Gulf Coast University student
- Promoting literacy through tutoring and reading assistance
- Funding and donating American history books to schools and Friends of the Library
- Collecting funds for DAR schools and scholarships
- Providing American Indian history at every meeting
- Providing conservation tips at every meeting
- Supporting Earth Day and Arbor Day every year
- Working with school children to plant trees and to learn conservation efforts
- Participating in the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
- Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, Summer Butterfly Count, and Mapping Invasive Species programs
- Providing support and awards for Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) students
- Working with local wildlife rescue groups to better understand our environment