DAR America 250th Patriot Marker unveiled
By DANIELLE REID
The Patriot
Another historic event occurred at the Wilderness Road Regional Museum in Dublin, VA on Sunday, September 24th when over 50 people attended the unveiling of the DAR America 250th Patriot Marker.
The Museum is the former home of Revolutionary War Veteran Adam Hance, who planned the Village of Newbern. The marker honors SWVA Revolutionary War Patriots and recognizes the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War. The Wilderness Road Museum, along with Preston’s Smithfield Plantation in Blacksburg, are the only two homes still standing of Revolutionary War Veterans used as public museums and located in Southwest Virginia.
The DAR America 250th Patriot Marker reads: “This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American independence. These Patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation. 1775 – 1783.” The Marker is presented by the Roanoke Valley Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Visitors were welcomed by dozens of participants dressed in Colonial costumes, representing all classes of society from that period of our nation’s history. They were treated with a welcoming song and additional tunes played by Andrew Meeks on the bagpipes. Meeks is part of 18th Century Living History: Fincastle Company. Jeff Briggs, Justin DiProsperis and Dean Ferguson of Roanoke participated as re-enactors.
VFW Post 776, Radford, Presented the Colors; while the Pledge of Allegiance was led by DAR’s Mill Mountain-Valley of Virginia C.A.R. Society Reorganizing, with Wendy Warren, Regent of the Colonel Preston Chapter and Deborah Davis, Sr. Society President.
The C.A.R. youngsters who led the Pledge were: Harley Meade and Benjamin Meade of Elliston; Christine Hebdon of Blacksburg; and Marcy Warren of Roanoke.
C.A.R. stands for National Society Children of the American Revolution and is dedicated to training tomorrow’s leaders to be good citizens, serve our country and preserve our nation’s history. Education, history and patriotism are fundamental keys to helping these young members gain valuable leadership experience. They participate in conducting meetings, following parliamentary procedures and standard protocol, serving as delegates and speaking before groups at local, state and national conferences.
Dana Jackson, Harvey-Howe-Carper American Legion Post 30 led the Prayer of Gratitude and Cindy Higgins, Regent Roanoke Valley Chapter DAR gave welcome remarks and introduced the guest speaker, Laurie P. Nesbitt, Virginia State Regent, DAR.
Regent Higgins acknowledged the dozens of participants and DAR Chapters who worked together for the celebration. Members of the Count Pulaski DAR Chapter and their Regent, Peggy Hemmings, for their enthusiastic support of this endeavor, Pulaski County Board of Supervisors, Fincastle Resolutions Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, The New River Historical Society Board, Pulaski County -Virginia 250 Committee, The Fincastle Company for their living history demonstrations, Ron Green – HODAR for Vickie Green of the George Pearis Chapter DAR who made the sturdy custom sign post and helped to install the marker Members of the Count Pulaski DAR Chapter and their Regent, Peggy Hemmings, for their enthusiastic support of this endeavor, Andrew Meeks who is playing his bagpipes, The members of the Roanoke Valley Chapter DAR, LeAnn Fetherolf Turbyfill, 41st State Regent and current Vice President General at the national level.
“We also have with us Daughters from George Pearis Chapter, Col. William Preston Chapter, Botetourt County Chapter, Alleghany Chapter, Craig Valley Chapter, Fort Chiswell Chapter, Floyd Courthouse, and Fort Lewis Chapter.”
Higgins continued, “On July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The time leading up to this historic milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
DAR has created an opportunity to raise the visibility of our Revolutionary War Patriots – create interest in who they were and enthusiasm for what they accomplished – with the challenge to place at least one America 250! Patriot marker in every state.”
Guest speaker Laurie P. Nesbitt, Virginia State Regent, DAR acknowledged that the Wilderness Road Regional Museum is a site that celebrates stories of unknown Patriots and brings more awareness to the events and contributions of lesser-known people who helped to secure the nation’s independence – and it deserves recognition.
The DAR America 250th observance provides an exceptional opportunity for community involvement. DAR chapters will work to leave a lasting impact on their communities through meaningful local projects and events during this anniversary. It also offers a chance to help Americans explore their family histories and discover the roles their ancestors played in founding the nation and shepherding its progress through the generations.
