Meet Lillian Pennington State President of the Alabama Children of the American Revolution (CAR)

By: Sandra Thompson

It is always wonderful to see our youth get excited about their history, and there is certainly none more enthusiastic than this year’s Alabama CAR state president, Athens’ own Lillian Pennington. Founded in 1895, the CAR is the nation’s oldest and largest patriotic youth organization. Anyone under the age of 22 who is lineally descended from someone who served in the Continental Army or gave material aid to the cause of freedom in the American Revolution can join. They have three parent organizations, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, and Sons of the Revolution.

The foundation of the organization rests on six basic principles and objectives: To acquire knowledge of American history; to preserve and restore places of historical importance associated with men and women who forwarded American independence; to ascertain the deeds and honor the memories of the men, women and children who rendered service to the cause of the American Revolution; to promote the celebration of patriotic anniversaries; to honor and cherish the Flag of the United States of America above every other flag; and to love, uphold, and extend the principles of American liberty and patriotism.

Lillian, a senior at Athens Bible School, became interested in the CAR when her mother joined the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). But it wasn’t until a trip to the Richards-DAR House Museum where she was served tea out of real china cups that she decided there might be a little more than she thought to this group and decided to get more involved.

Lillian feels it is her duty to show how wonderful our country is, she follows the CAR creed “I believe in the Children of the American Revolution as an organization for the training of young people in true patriotism and love of country, in order that they shall be better fitted for American citizenship. As a descendant of the Founders of my Country, I believe that my birthright brings a responsibility to carry on their work, and that as the boys and girls of 1776 took an active part in the War for Independence, so the boys and girls of today have a definite work to do for their Country. As a member of the Children of the American Revolution, I believe it is my duty to use my influence to create a deeper love of country, a loyal respect for its Constitution and a reverence for its Flag, among the young people with whom I come in contact.”

Brenda Winter, Senior President of the Alabama Society of the Children of the American Revolution says, “Lillian Pennington traveled with me and two other Daughters of the American Revolution to the ASCAR meeting (her first) February 2016. The state senior leaders of DAR and CAR praised this young seventh grader that day with high marks, stating she will ‘go places!’ Today in 2020-2021, Lillian has to her acclaim, Alabama State CAR President. Along the way, she has held other state offices under her leadership encased with enthusiastic love for God, home, and country. I am excited to be working with Lillian. Her ideas to promote patriotism surpass expectations. John Wade Keyes Chapter DAR supports her wholeheartedly; thus we are extremely proud of Lillian.”

For her state project Lillian is sponsoring a display case for our museum’s Revolutionary War exhibit. You can see her promotional video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvJhk4kptTc&feature=em-uploademail
This wonderful young lady is a perfect example of why our history will never be forgotten! Thank you Lillian, I am sure we are going to see great things from you in the future!
By: Sandra Thompson
Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum