Local leaders present America 250 Proclamations to Fielding Lewis DAR Chapter
As the U.S. prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, the Fielding Lewis Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is helping bring the significance of this historic milestone to Cobb County.
In support of America 250, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners and the cities of Marietta and Smyrna have issued official proclamations recognizing the country's Semiquincentennial anniversary. These proclamations are being presented to the Fielding Lewis DAR Chapter by Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin, Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, and Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton to support local America 250 awareness and encourage community participation in America 250 activities. Chapter Regent Melissa Tanner is accepting the proclamations on behalf of the chapter, accompanied by fellow DAR members.
"The America 250 commemoration is a special opportunity to celebrate our nation's founding and inspire future generations to carry forward the ideals that have shaped the United States for 250 years," said Tanner. "We are so grateful for the support of our local leaders as we honor the patriots who secured our independence and we celebrate this historic milestone."
On July 4, the Fielding Lewis DAR Chapter will participate in Marietta's annual "Let Freedom Ring" Fourth of July parade, which is expected to feature over 100 entries and attract an estimated 30,000 spectators.
"Our DAR chapter members are excited to be creating a special parade entry to celebrate America 250," said Tanner. "We've had so much fun bringing this idea to life, and we can't wait to be part of a celebration that honors our history and brings people together."
Founded in 1904, the Fielding Lewis DAR Chapter is one of Georgia's largest DAR chapters. The chapter was organized in Marietta by Ellen Lovell Crosby, a descendant of Revolutionary War patriot Col. Fielding Lewis and his wife, Betty Washington Lewis, the only sister of President George Washington.
The Fielding Lewis DAR chapter has been active for over 122 years through local historic preservation, education and patriotic service projects. Recent chapter initiatives include the placement of an America 250 Patriots Marker at Marietta National Cemetery, care packages for active-duty military personnel and veterans, cemetery preservation efforts, annual Constitution Day celebrations on Marietta Square, recognition programs for local students and support for military-affiliated students through the VECTR Center at Chattahoochee Technical College.
The National Society DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women's service organization founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. Over 1 million women have joined the organization since its founding. DAR members are descendants of those who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War.
Membership is open to women age 18 and older who can prove lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background. The National Society DAR is leading America 250 commemorative efforts nationwide from the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in 2023 through the 250th anniversary of the Treaty of Paris in 2033.
For more information, visit www.FieldingLewis.com.
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