Area chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution are joining with chapters throughout the state of Mississippi to celebrate Constitution Week Sept. 17-23.
There are two documents of paramount importance to American history: the Declaration of Independence, which forged our national identity, and the United States Constitution, which set forth the framework for the federal government that is still in use today.
The Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those inalienable rights to every American.
The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started more than 60 years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law No. 915 on Aug. 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Purpose
The aims of the celebration are to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity; to inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and to encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
“The framers created a Constitution that translated into law the ideals upon which our nation was built,” said DAR President General Ann Dillon. “Their vision was so forward thinking that their words still guide us today.”
DAR has been the foremost advocate for the awareness, promotion and celebration of Constitution Week. This annual observance provides innumerable opportunities for educational initiatives and community outreach, two mission areas of crucial importance to the National Society’s work. By fostering knowledge of and appreciation for the Constitution and the inalienable rights it affords to all Americans, DAR helps to keep alive the memory of the men and women who secured our nation’s independence, whose bravery and sacrifice made possible the liberties we enjoy today.
Schools use Constitution Week as a time for students to study this document which is the safeguard of our American liberties. Many DAR chapters make presentations to schools to assist teachers in sharing information about the Constitution.
Other ways DAR recognizes Constitution Week is with displays at local libraries, requesting Constitution Minutes as Public Service Announcements through the media and Bells Across America. Churches, schools, courthouses, fire houses, veterans’ homes, city governments and individuals are annually encouraged to ring any type of bell on Sept. 17 at 3 p.m.
MSSDAR State Regent Cindy McNamara, on behalf of the 77 MSSDAR chapters, thanks Gov. Phil Bryant and mayors throughout Mississippi who have signed proclamations declaring Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week.
To learn more about DAR, go to mississippiDAR.org.
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