A local organization founded on the American Revolutionary War period continues to play an important role in preserving heritage and reaching out to younger generations.

The Daughters of the American Revolution Major Reading Blount Chapter of Washington provides scholarship opportunities for students through essay contests about American history and honors its members’ heritage, linked to those that helped ensure colonial victory during the American Revolution, according to Reid Solomon, the chapter’s regent. The group is made up of 33 local ladies, all of whom can trace their lineage back to a person who aided the American colonies in achieving independence from the British Empire.

“We’re dedicated to the daughters of our great society, who achieved so much for God, home and country,” Solomon said.

The chapter also provides aid in veterans’ observances, as well as helping area residents trace their lineage in hopes of joining the group, Solomon said. This year is the 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War, and the group will honor Vietnam veterans in several ways. Each member of the group will send out five thank-you notes to various Vietnam veterans, recognizing them for their service, for example.

“We honor all veterans, but this year, through December, we’re honoring (Vietnam veterans),” Solomon said.

The group hosts regular meetings throughout the year that feature programs encompassing various topics: American history and heritage; education and conservation of American heritage; patriotism, which includes recognition of veterans; and membership and administrative programs related to the organization’s bylaws and other issues happening on a national level within the organization, Solomon said.

Solomon said the group helps members of the community in researching their own heritage, to see if their lineage traces back to a person who aided the Continental Congress achieve independence.

“I’m proud to be a descendant of a military person from the American Revolution,” Solomon said. “Most everybody, if they can trace their lineage, they can find out if they have an ancestor who did something in that period of time. It’s an honor. I’m very patriotic, and I love my country, and I want to keep it as the United States is supposed to be. I feel like, through the DAR, that can help instill in the younger people, particularly, and the general public, that we need to be proud of our country. If (anyone) is interested (in tracing their lineage), they can contact us and we’ll help them.”

The Major Reading Blount Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution meets at the Brown Library at 10:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month, except for June, July, August and December. To submit a form to request help in researching your lineage, visit http://www.dar.org/national-society/become-member/membership-interest-form?ID=3064NC.