While the views had changed since the park was purchased by Congress in 1890 for its forests and fi elds, the corner of 14th and Pennsylvania was a beautiful and hospitable site for the hundreds of Ladies Auxiliary members who traveled to congratulate the new President. Across the street at the Freedom Plaza, a bountiful fountain sparkled and stones were etched with observations about the “City of Magnifi cent Intentions,” as Charles Dickens once referred to the town. At Friday evening’s gift


presentation banquet, the National President was beaming as she was escorted to the table by her brother, Paul Willis. A highlight of that evening, and Saturday’s banquet as


well, was Ernestine Dillard, whose soaring patriotic and religious melodies thrilled her audience. In addition to all of the tokens given by individuals, offi cers, Departments and Conferences to the National President for the year ahead, there was another important recipient in attendance. National President Cortina presented a $1,500 gift to Ann Mills Griffi ths for the National League of POW/ MIA Families. The nonprofi t is dedicated to securing the return of all prisoners, the fullest possible accounting for the missing and the return of remains of those who died while serving our nation in Southeast Asia. Griffi ths discussed the organization’s efforts and


The 2010-2011 National President is escorted into her ballroom “Picnic in Rock Creek Park” by her brother, Paul Willis.


C JANUARY 2011 5


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36