WASHINGTON, DC – The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution reminds Americans that the United States Constitution was ratified 287 years ago.
September 17-23 is Constitution Week, an observance initiated in 1955, when DAR leaders petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate that week of each year to honor this foundational document of our government. Congress adopted the resolution, and on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915. The celebration’s goals are threefold: to encourage the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787; to remind the public that the Constitution is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation for its way of life; and to emphasize U.S. citizens’ responsibility to protect, defend and preserve the U.S. Constitution.
“DAR made history when we led the way to establish Constitution Week as an official commemoration. Today our members promote the celebration by erecting community displays, sponsoring municipal proclamations, ringing bells and staging programs.” said DAR President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage. Mrs. Storage is a Virginia Daughter from Fredericksburg, Va. and is beginning her three-year administration. She concluded, “As we embark on America’s 250th anniversary, we encourage all citizens to join us in celebrating this powerful document that is so important to American history and to reflect on the impact the Constitution has had on the lives of American citizens past, present and future.”
DAR has been the foremost advocate for the awareness, promotion and celebration of Constitution Week. 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 freedoms.
Ladies from the local DAR chapter, Craig Valley, will lead Bell Ringing ceremonies at Craig County High School on September 17 and provide related lesson plans and accessories to teachers.
One of the largest patriotic women’s organizations in the world, DAR has 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more. For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org. For information about Craig Valley Chapter, write craigvalleychapternsdar@gmail.com.
-Submitted by Craig Valley NSDAR
