WASHINGTON,DC—September 17 began the national celebration of Constitution Week. This is the 220th anniversary of the Constitution, one of America’s most important documents, and this is one of our least known official observances. Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those unalienable rights to every American.
The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance on Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to emphasize citizen’s 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 United States of America functions as a Republic under the Constitution, which is the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of the people. This landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution. Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.
“Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document which is the safeguard of our American liberties,” stated DAR President General, Linda Gist Calvin. “We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to reflect on our heritage of freedom.”
DAR has served America for 117 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 it is the only building 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 165,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries. DAR has long promoted patriotism through celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children and programs for immigrants. For more information visit www.dar.org.
Mayor Greg Mitchell signed the Proclamation for Constitution Week declaring September 17 – 23 as Constitution Week. The citizens of Picayune are asked to reaffirm the ideals the Farmers of the Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties, remembering that lost rights may never be regained.
He signed the Proclamation on September 4. PMHS NJROTC posted the flags on Goodyear Boulevard to celebrate this week.