On January 1, 2026, an extraordinary and symbolic event took place—one that many may not yet realize captured the very spirit of our mission. As the clock struck midnight in Passaic City, New Jersey, a designated Victory Town rang in the New Year with the dramatic drop of a golden piñata. The celebration featured live bands, food trucks, and a vibrant community gathering that honored local history while affirming the town’s commitment to the America 250 commemorations. It was an exciting and meaningful way to celebrate the past while stepping confidently into the future.
Coincidentally, this moment also marked a significant milestone for W3R-US. After more than a year and a half of planning, this event reflected the realization of the Victory Town concept—an ambitious initiative designed to engage more than 200 communities along the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route. Even more important, it demonstrated how these towns can actively participate in and celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Because of this success, and many other important developments, I enter 2026—the year of America 250—with great enthusiasm and optimism.
Thanks to a grant secured in 2025, Brad Fay has successfully crafted a program that connects both large and small towns and cities to the historic trail, giving them the opportunity to become designated Victory Towns. This program has been critically important to W3R-US, particularly during a period when there has been no funding from the National Park Service for the past year and a half. I am pleased to report that this initiative has generated $43,700 in gross funds as we move into 2026. A portion of these funds will be available to support W3R-US operations—an important and encouraging development.
Because of these accomplishments, I remain very optimistic about what lies ahead.
We have also made a major commitment to extending W3R-US collaborations beyond our traditional boundaries, and this effort has been very successful. A key example is our newest board member—and now Vice President—Carla Clarke, who also serves as the National DAR Vice President for the Franco-American Committee. Her DAR work spans multiple jurisdictions and plays a vital role within DAR. Through her leadership, Carla has brought valuable new relationships, contacts, and partnerships to W3R-US that will greatly benefit us as we proceed through 2026.
Just before the end of the year, we hosted an outstanding Rochambeau Reception at the Maryland Veterans Museum featuring Dr. Iris de Rode days after she appeared in The American Revolution broadcast from Ken Burns on PBS. This event brought together DAR members at the local, state, and national levels, SAR members from Southern Maryland, and numerous political leaders. Celebrating the 300th birthday of Rochambeau, the reception highlighted Victory Towns, welcomed dignitaries from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, and generated $2,500 in support of W3R-US. It is gratifying to see states contributing directly to our operations, and I hope we will see more such events throughout 2026.
I would also like to call your attention to another new board member, Mr. Paul Blodgett. Paul has generously issued a challenge to W3R-US to match all donations and dues paid from Christmas through January 25, 2026, up to $5,000. I emphasize this because many members have not yet paid their dues, and most have not donated for either 2025 or 2026. This matching challenge is an easy and effective way to raise funds—at a minimum, please be sure your dues are current so we can take full advantage of this opportunity.
You have previously been notified that we now have a Rochambeau wine, with a Victory Town ale soon to follow. These exciting offerings will be available soon, and I will share additional details shortly.
Please note that Easter falls early this year, requiring us to schedule our April Board Meeting for April 10–11. The meeting will be held in New Jersey. While details are still forthcoming, I ask that you please mark these dates on your calendar now. Face-to-face, in-person meetings are vital to strengthening relationships, advancing our work, and addressing the important responsibilities we carry as a board.
An earlier board meeting also means an earlier nomination process for board members and officers. I am sharing this now so that if you know individuals who are qualified, committed, and willing to invest the necessary time, resources, and support to serve on a national board, you may submit their names for consideration. The nomination process will begin in mid-January.
As I close, I again remind you of the matching-fund opportunity for dues and donations and ask that you please confirm your availability for the April 10–11 National Board Meeting.
I will expand further on these updates in the coming weeks, and I thank each of you for your dedication as we move forward together into this historic 250th anniversary year for America.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Abell National Chair
