The nation's capital welcomed more than 3,000 members of one of its foremost service organizations this week with the arrival of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for their 117th annual Continental Congress.

Oscar and Emmy award- winning composer, pianist, conductor, and musical director of the Academy Awards Bill Conti performed during the opening night ceremonies.

Later that evening, the HBO Films/Playtone Production biographical miniseries John A dams was awarded the 2008 National Media Award. The National Defense Night keynote speaker was Dr. Robert Gates, United States Secretary of Defense.

Among the others honored by the DAR during the five- day convention were DAR Medal of Honor recipients Luther H. Smith, a member of the 332nd Tuskegee Airmen, and Brigadier General Susan J. Helms, NASA astronaut.

"It's inspiring to see so many daughters make the trip to Washington to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments during the past year in service to God, home, and country," said Linda Gist Calvin, president general. "The reports of our members' enthusiastic dedication to historic preservation, education, and patriotism make it clear that the DAR is playing an important role in cities and towns across the country."

In attendance at the Congress were Bonnie Glasgow, Christine Burnette, and Angela Cox of the Columbia Chapter. Glasgow serves as state regent. Burnette serves as chapter regent and national vice chairman of pages, and Cox serves as senior society president of the C.A.R. and National Page.

While at Congress, they attended events, committee meetings, and business sessions. The Chapter sponsored Junior American Citizens First Place Award recipient, Sagen Blackwell, who was honored for her work organizing the Carolina's Challenge for the Wounded Warrior Project. Angela Cox was honored as the South Carolina State Outstanding Junior and a finalist for National Outstanding Junior.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War.

With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. DAR is also the publisher of the award-winning magazine American Spirit. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.