Sen. Barbara Bailey’s commitment to military and veterans’ issues and support for higher education was honored today with the Distinguished Citizen Award from the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, received the award during a formal ceremony in her hometown, which is among the communities served by the DAR’s Governor Isaac Stevens Chapter.

“Senator Bailey is a stateswoman who is a leader on the issues before the Legislature for all of Washington State,” according to DAR leaders, who cited the 10th Legislative District senator’s qualities of honor, service, leadership and patriotism.

As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and a member of the Senate budget committee Bailey was instrumental this year in approving the first-ever reduction in tuition at state-run colleges and universities; she also has worked year after year to protect and expand state-level education benefits for veterans and members of the military.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution,” said Bailey. “This organization does so much for communities across our country, promoting volunteerism and service with an eye on the past and the values that make our country great.

“In many respects the Daughters of the American Revolution is an organization that inspires me,” Bailey said. “Its members demonstrate that we can come together as Americans with a common purpose. We are focused on our future by educating our children and espousing values that are timeless.”

The National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, was formed in 1890 and is headquartered in the nation’s capital. The organization is dedicated to the preservation of American history, promoting patriotism, and championing education.