From left, Jessica Raz Mines Dumitru, Chief John Ross, regent; Marie Wingate, Judge David Campbell, second vice regent; Stacy Kehoe, Judge David Campbell, regent; Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger; Jan Elliott, Moccasin Bend, first vice regent; Barbara Fickley, Moccasin Bend Chapter, Regent’s Council chairman; and Joye Duke, Chickamauga Chapter, regent
The Daughters of the American Revolution initiated the observance in 1955, when the organization petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate Sept. 17–23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution, and on Aug. 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 inform people that the Constitution is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation of our way of life; and to emphasize U.S. citizens’ responsibility to protect, defend and preserve the Constitution.
DAR has been the foremost advocate for the awareness, promotion and celebration of Constitution Week. This annual observance provides opportunities for educational initiatives and community outreach, two mission areas of 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 the nation’s independence.
“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. No American history education can be complete without a thorough understanding of the impact the Constitution has had on the lives of American citizens past and present.”
One of the largest patriotic women’s organizations in the world, DAR has more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and in numerous foreign countries. DAR strives to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, community service, and more. For additional information about DAR and its programs, visit www.dar.org.
Constitution Week is to promote the education and study of the American Constitution. Free downloads of the constitution can be found online at http://constitutionbooklet.com/.
The five area chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution would like to thank Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger for his time, commitment to the constitution, and the Proclamation which is now on display at the downtown library.