WASHINGTON — The nation's capital welcomed more than 3,000 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently for the organization's 117th annual Continental Congress.

In attendance from the John Guild chapter of the DAR in Jackson were Lorilee Short, Morgan Lake, Pamela Johnson and Shirley Young. They attended several events, including the Florida-Missouri Show Me Sunshine Tea, the National Vice Chairman's Dinner, the National Defense Luncheon and the Junior Luncheon. Johnson served as a vice chairman House Committee Tiers E-J and attended a meeting of the DAR Speakers Staff, where she received a certificate for the division with the most programs presented.

Oscar- and Emmy-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 Adams" was awarded the 2008 National Media Award. The National Defense Night keynote speaker was Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

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 Brig. Gen. Susan J. Helms, a NASA astronaut.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history and support better education. For more information, visit www.DAR.org.