Q: Who’s your favorite Founding Father or other American hero? In what ways might you be like them?
Lynn: George Washington has to be my favorite. I admire his selflessness, and how he always put service above self. Every day, I strive to be just like him and continue to hold service as a top priority.
Q: What is the strongest national pride you’ve ever felt?
Lynn: In June 2019 at our national convention, members of the DAR broke the Guinness World Record for letters written to active duty men and women. The goal was 10,000 letters, but our members ended up writing over 100,000. I was blown away in the moment knowing that when our members are asked to do something, they do it with all their hearts. I felt proud to be representing this outstanding group of Americans.
Another moment that sticks out is when I was invited to participate in the World War II Monument commemoration of D-Day. My father flew two missions on D-Day, so this memory really holds a special place in my heart. I even had the opportunity to place a wreath on the monument to honor the WWII veterans. It was a very special moment for me.
Q: What is your favorite American saying or quote? Why does it inspire you?
Lynn: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – President John F. Kennedy
I was raised to believe it is our privilege and responsibility to be engaged in our community to make it better than it was when it was founded. We all have that responsibility to work together to improve our community. Engagement is a civic process: exercise that right and be educated about it.
Q: What is a unique viewpoint from your home state that you’re excited to bring to this nationwide project?
Lynn: Being a Texan is ingrained in me. For me, pride in Texas translated into pride in the United States. We are all Americans no matter how long our families have been here. I recognize that I am no more American than someone who just took their oath of citizenship yesterday. Every citizen should feel that sense of pride as we continue our journey towards a more perfect Union. Our Founding Fathers laid the groundwork, but they were not perfect. If we work together, we can improve.
Q: What was your first brush with democracy?
Lynn: One day when I was little, my mom took me out of school to go to a presidential rally for a candidate that was trailing behind in the polls. I was too young to fully grasp what was going on, but the enthusiasm and pride I felt being surrounded by energized Americans was unforgettable. I remember the excitement I felt about getting to vote in my first presidential election one day.
Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for America in the next 250 years?
Lynn: When I look back to the Bicentennial, I remember what a divisive time it was for our country. We were coming off the Watergate scandal, race riots and the Vietnam War. Along came the Bicentennial and suddenly we all were united. Every home flew the American flag, mailboxes were painted red, white, and blue – there was so much pride.
My biggest hope is that our nation can feel that sense of pride again in 2026. That our nation can unite behind the principles our country was founded on and work together to educate ourselves and our neighbors and encourage more civic engagement.
Lynn Forney Young has been engaged in preserving and promoting our nation’s history for decades. She has been an active member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for more than 40 years, recently serving as the organization’s first President General from Texas.
To learn more about Lynn and other members of the Commission, click here.
America’s Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
A new contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.