DAR urges citizens to celebrate Constitution Week Sept. 17-23
The tradition of honoring the nation's most important document, the U.S. Constitution, was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, the Daughters 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 915 on Aug. 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The aims of the celebration are to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, and preserving it for posterity; inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s heritage and the foundation for Americans' way of life; and encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
“Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document which is the safeguard of our American liberties,” said DAR President General Lynn Forney Young. “We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to reflect on our heritage of freedom and come together to celebrate America!”
DAR has served America for 124 years as its foremost cheerleader. In 1928, the Daughters began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, was commissioned to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is one of the only structures erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America.
Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has over 175,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 13 foreign countries. The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children, and programs for new immigrants. For more information about DAR and its programs go to www.dar.org or call 202-628-1776.
