Paoli Battlefield Marker Will Celebrate American's 250th

MALVERN, PA — American's second oldest war memorial is at Chester County's Paoli Battlefield and the Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution will unveil a special marker at the Malvern site on Saturday morning.

DAR Pennsylvania State Regent Beth Watkins said, "In looking ahead to our nation’s upcoming 250th birthday, the DAR is preparing in a big way to celebrate this significant milestone anniversary. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, of which Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (PSSDAR) is a part, has set a goal to erect at least one America 250! Marker in each state."

Watkins explained the marker at the Paoli Battlefield America 250! Marker is the second of three markers expected to be dedicated in Pennsylvania this year.

"PSSDAR recognizes the exciting opportunity that our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary brings. The observance will provide opportunities for community involvement, positive public relations, and significant membership growth opportunities," Watkins said.

The DAR America 250! Patriots Marker project was established to raise public awareness of the men and women who achieved American independence. PSSDAR has purchased a beautiful post mounted bronze plaque for the Paoli Battlefield to recognize those who, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought courageously to found a new nation."

The Paoli Battlefield Historical Park and Paoli Memorial Grounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1817, a stone monument was erected on the burial mound of 53 American soldiers who lost their lives in the battle. It is the second oldest war memorial in the United States, according to the PSSDAR, according to Watkins.

"Honoring our Revolutionary War Patriots, the 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," the PSSDAR news statement said.

Malvern Borough has announced the event, inviting residents to bring a chair when they come on July 24 at 11 a.m., and noting refreshments will be available after the ceremony.

Listed participants are American Legion Post 668, Wayne, Emerald Pipe Band, Tom Herman, Paoli Memorial Association, Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund, Borough of Malvern, and the Great Valley Chapter, DAR.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women's service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War.

Today's DAR has over 189,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.

More information about DAR can be found here.

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