History is a family affair with the Holmes family of Holliston.

When your parents are members of the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution, it’s no surprise that their three daughters would follow in their footsteps. 

According to Jackie Holmes, that’s exactly what happened. All three of their daughters has served as state president of the Children of the American Revolution (CAR), with their youngest, Taryn, serving currently. “My mom and dad are members of our C.A.R. parent organizations, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution. My mom learned of Children of the American Revolution when I was about 3 years old and she filled out our membership applications for my sisters and me. We have been active ever since,” said Taryn, a freshman at Holliston High School.

In the 11 years since she first joined CAR, she has held too many offices to count.

“I have held many of our state officer and chairmanship positions, which helped to prepare me to be the state president today,” she said.

And her involvement does not stop there.

“I have been involved with the Jason Russell Society for five years. The original society we joined was inactive and we wanted to be active, so we transferred to the Jason Russell Society,” she said. 

Taryn’s involvement in the CAR and Jason Russell Society keep the high-schooler busy, and proud.

 

“Since joining, we have been awarded the Second Most Outstanding Society in the Nation in 2018 and in 2020 out of about 560 societies around the world.

I am serving as the Jason Russell Society President as well. Holding both of these offices keeps me very busy,” said Taryn.

Taryn explained that there are three levels of leader ship in these organizations and at the beginning of every CAR year, officers announce contests based on their chosen themes. The national president, who is based in Ohio, chose Pets for Vets, Inc, with the theme “Support or Brave and Noble Patriots.”

“Everyone rallies to raise awareness and funds to support this project. Each State President also has a theme and project. My theme is ‘The Red, the White, & the Blue Of It!’,” she said.

Taryn explained, “C.A.R. was founded in 1895 by Harriett Lothrop, a Massachusetts native and author. We are learning about our C.A.R. roots here in Massachusetts and how the meaning of our national colors tie into C.A.R. values. Her home was The Wayside: Home of Authors located in Minute Man National Historical Park. I was fortunate to meet with the museum technician at the park who showed me C.A.R. curated items and the Lothrop Flag.”

The flag around with her project revolves, is a 20-foot, 20-star flag.

“Mrs. Lothrop loved to entertain and host parties and she loved to surprise her guests. She draped this flag across her sun porch and as she revealed it, small paper flags would flutter from the folds of the flag down to the guests. 

“Patriotism is an important part of C.A.R. and I could not think of a better item for my state project funds to assist in its restoration and preservation while honoring our roots,” said the 12-year Holliston resident.

Anyone interested in contributing to her flag restoration project, can email [email protected]. 

“Donations are always welcome,” she said.

Those with family lineage to a patriot who served in the American revolution can join CAR, DAR, or SAR, depending on age. Visit www.nscar.org or www.massachusettscar.weebly.com for more information.