Help sought in breaking world record

Being part of a world record to hopefully be recognized by Guinness could be a few pen strokes away if the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have their way.

DAR is currently trying to collect 10,000 letters to go to active duty service members and these are needed in one month time in order to set the Guinness World Record title.

Malta’s Barb Wiebe is Vice Regent of DAR’s North Eastern Region. She has been a part of DAR for 10 years – and once held the North Eastern Region’s Presidency – following in several of her family's footsteps with the organization.

“We do a lot with scholarships and hold many writing contests as well,” Wiebe said. “We also hold Constitution Week once a year here in Phillips County. We have a small chapter (in the North Eastern Region) and we are really spread out. We have members in Fort Peck, Billings, Havre, Opheim, but our most active members are in Malta and Glasgow.”

Wiebe said that the letters should include thanking military personnel for their dedication to the U.S., for serving in the military and for their patriotism.

“It’s a way to say thanks,” she said. “If you have any personal things to say, that is fine too, but (DAR) doesn’t want any negative stuff in the letters.”

Every letter must contain a greeting (e.g. Dear Solider or Dear John Smith) an d original message of support or appreciation and a closing (e.g. Love, Thanks, Sincerely) along with a signature. Each letter should be placed in an unsealed envelope. All letters must be original submissions and no form letters or templates may be used. The letters should be handwritten and include the sender’s return name and address on the outside of the envelope. Letters need to be left open and dropped off by May 10 at the Phillips County News, the Hi-Line Retirement Center or with Wiebe by contacting her at 654-4771.

The enveloped letters will leave Phillips County and head to DAR’s state office. In July, the letters will then be sent to the National DAR office and an official Guinness World Records adjudicator will open and inspect random samples for verification that all the criteria has been met.

“If local schools or 4-H groups want to participate, that would be great,” Wiebe said. “We feel like this is a really nice thing to do for our active military personnel.”

For more information on the world record attempt visit the DAR website at http://www.DAR.org/WorldRecord.