Pittmann attends DAR National Convention, dedicates Tannatt Monument in Spokane

Julie Pittmann of Rosalia speaks at the 126th Continental Congress, the latest gathering of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Pittmann with the monument dedicated to General and Mrs. Tannatt, who secured the Steptoe Battle Monument in Rosalia in 1914.

Julie Pittmann of Rosalia, Washington State Regent, was one of more than 3,500 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution who convened in the nation’s capital in June for the 126th Continental Congress, the latest gathering of the longstanding service organization’s annual meeting.

Pittmann presented the State of the State Address and served as host for the Northwest Division Gathering. The Northwest Division includes Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming with more than 6,000 members. Pittmann received the National First Place award for Washington State’s Historical Preservation activities and Veteran Volunteer events.

Following Pittmann’s return from Washington DC, Spokane area DAR Chapters, Sons of the American Revolution and Civil War Reenactors dedicated a monument July 14 to General and Mrs. Tannatt, responsible for securing the Steptoe Battle Monument in Rosalia in 1914. The monument is located at Fairmount Cemetery in Spokane, at their burial site. It stands three feet high and lists the Tannatt’s accomplishments in Washington Territory. Greg Partch, Whitman County Historical Society president, was present and provided information about the Steptoe monument to the gathering.

The DAR Continental Congress is an annual gathering that has been held in Washington, D.C., since the organization’s founding. National, state and chapter leaders, as well as other members from across the country and around the world, meet at the DAR National Headquarters to report on the year’s work, honor outstanding award recipients, plan future initiatives and reconnect with friends.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit http://www.DAR.org.