AMERICA CELEBRATES U.S. CONSTITUTION

DAR Promotes Constitution Week Awareness

WASHINGTON, DC – September 17 begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s 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 of 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 D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to (1) emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity;  (2) inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and (3) 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 a 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,” states 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, DAR Constitution Hall is the only structure erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America.  

A proclamation is an official public announcement, usually issued by mayors, governors, etc.

Constitution Week was initiated by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The DAR is a patriotic organization that encourages education and historic preservation in communities across America.

In 1955, the President General of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Gertrude S. Carraway, adopted a project to promote the observance of the U.S. Constitution with a memorial week beginning on the anniversary of the signing of this document, September 17. She asked DAR chapters, committees, and members to study, teach, and discuss the U.S. Constitution.

Caraway also encouraged members to invite their governors and mayors to issue proclamations celebrating the Constitution.

Constitution Week was officially declared by President Eisenhower on August 2, 1956. This was the culmination of a proposal the DAR sent through Senator William F. Knowland of California.

Yes. DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The inscription on the pediment reads,

“Constitution Hall – a memorial to that immortal document, the Constitution of the United States, in which are incorporated the principles of freedom, equality and justice for which our forefathers strove.” DAR Constitution Hall is the only structure dedicated to the U.S. Constitution.

• Provide local media with the Constitution Week press release and FAQ sheet.

• Encourage your local government representatives to issue a proclamation about Constitution Week.

• Ask the school principals in your community to observe Constitution Week by issuing a school proclamation encouraging staff to teach the Constitution.

• Urge children to study the Constitution with their personal proclamation pledge.

• Contact your local DAR chapter and invite them to give a program on the Constitution.