DSDI July meeting will be virtual gathering because of COVID-19

As we protect ourselves and others, DSDI has decided to cancel this year’s Annual Congress in Philadelphia. Although we were scheduled to convene July 3-4, as we do every year, the City of Philadelphia has declared that all July 4celebrations in the city will be virtual ones because of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Therefore, DSDI members will meet virtually July 1 at 7 p.m. EDT to conduct Society business, including treasury, new members, scholarships and elections. Find more information on our website: https://www.dsdi1776.com/ under Members Only area.

DSDI Philadelphia host and hostess Gene and Carol Mayhew plan to roll over much of this year’s meeting to next year’s July 4 celebrations. All Bell Tappers will be contacted. All Tappers will move forward one year. DSDI will waive the requirement that Tappers be under age 18, so no one will lose their opportunity to tap the Liberty Bell. DSDI Member Shirley Hunter Smith has promised to speak next year about the Signers’ wives. By then she may have lots more information uncovered.

Although it is disappointing for all of us to miss a celebration in Philadelphia, DSDI wants all of us to be safe and healthy. “We regret that we cannot gather in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed, but we concur with the need for safety in this difficult time for our nation,” said DSDI President-General R. Bruce W. Laubach.

We hope to hear from all DSDI members through our Virtual Meeting July 1. Please share your email address so we can reach you. Send to [email protected].