From left, Gayle Burrows, treasurer; Natalie Davis, secretary, Meegan Burton, chair; Jennifer Thomas, vice chair; Carolyn Caulkins, chaplain, and Jennifer Harvey, press
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution urges Americans to reflect on the United States Constitution during this month’s annual observance in honor this foundational document of national governance.
The DAR initiated the observance in 1955, when the service 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 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.
“We are so proud DAR led the way in making Constitution Week an official commemoration and our members enthusiastically promote the celebration annually in communities across the country by erecting community displays, sponsoring municipal proclamations, ringing bells and staging programs to raise awareness of the Constitution’s tenets and importance,” said DAR President General Pamela Rouse Wright. “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 and present.”
In Chattanooga, the five DAR Chapter Regents are members of the Chattanooga Regent Council. The Chattanooga Regent Council started Constitution Week with a proclamation from Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. The Constitution Week Proclamation was presented to the downtown library and will be publicly displayed.
DAR has been the foremost advocate for the awareness, promotion and celebration of Constitution Week, said officials. The annual observance provides opportunities for educational initiatives and community outreach, two mission areas of crucial importance to the National Society. 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 foundational liberties, said officials.
Constitution Week Proclamation