These are the membership eligibility requirements as set forth by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in the most recent (1999) handbook. Eligibility "An applicant for membership must be no less than 18 years of age. She shall prove lineal blood line descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence. She must provide documentation for each statement of birth, marriage, and death. This shall include the applicant's birth certificate naming her parents. This applies to "new ancestors" and to previously accepted lineages for which documentation was not required at the time of acceptance." Acceptable Service "The National Society accepts service, with some exceptions, for the period between 19 April 1775 (Battle of Lexington) and 26 November 1783 (withdrawal of British Troops from New York)." Some examples of qualifying service are: Signers of the Declaration of Independence Military Service, such as participation in: Army and Navy of the Continental Establishment State Navy State and Local Militia Coast Guard and Privateers Military or Naval Service performed by French nationals in the American theater of war. Civil Service (holding office under authority of the Provisional or new State Governments) such as: State Officials County and Town Officials such as: Town Clerk Selectmen Juror Town Treasurer Judge Sheriff Constable Jailer Surveyor of Highways Justice of the Peace Patriotic Service, which includes: Members of the Continental Congresses, State Conventions and Assemblies. Membership in Committees made necessary by the War, including service on committees which furthered the cause of the colonies from April 1774, such as Committees of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety, committees to care for the soldiers' families, etc. Signer of Oath of Fidelity and Support, Oath of Allegiance. Members of the Boston Tea Party. Defenders of Forts and Frontiers, and Signers of petitions addressed to and recognizing the authority of the Provisional and new State Governments. Doctors and nurses and others rendering aid to the wounded (other than their immediate families). Ministers who gave patriotic sermons and encouraged patriotic activity. Furnishing a substitute for military service. Prisoners of war or refugees from occupying forces. Prisoners on the British ship "Old Jersey" or other prison ships. Service in the Spanish Troops under Galvez or the Louisiana Militia after 24 December 1776. Service performed by French nationals within the colonies or in Europe in support of the American cause. Those who rendered material aid, such as furnishing supplies with or without remuneration, lending money to the Colonies, munitions makers, gunsmiths, etc. Those who rendered material aid, in Spanish America, by supplying cattle for Galvez's forces after 24 December 1776. Those who applied in Virginia for Certificates of Rights to land for settlement and those who were entitled to and were granted preemption rights. Those who took the Oath of Fidelity to the Commonwealth of Virginia from October 1779 to 26 November 1783. For More information on qualifying service, or becoming a member of DAR, please contact us. To become an associate member of the Sasebo Chapter we need : a copy of your original application papers. a letter stating you are a member in good standing from your chapter. For complete information on becoming an Associate member - please Contact us.