Wednesday,
September 17, begins the national celebration of Constitution Week in the
United States. The weeklong
commemoration of America’s most important document is also one of our country’s
least known official observances, and the local chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution (DAR) is working to increase awareness in our community.
On
Wednesday, September 17, at noon, church bells and town sirens will sound for
30 seconds to commemorate the 221st anniversary of the signing of
the Constitution. Brownsville will
join cities and towns across America in “ringing for freedom” on this day.
The
purposes of this celebration are to (1) emphasize citizens’ responsibilities
for protecting and defending the Constitution; (2) inform the people that the
Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage; and (3) encourage the
study of the historical events leading to the framing of the Constitution in
September 1787.
“Constitution
Week is the perfect chance to read and study this great document which is the
safeguard of our American liberties,” DAR Constitution Week Chair Nell Fox
said. “We encourage all citizens
to take time next week to reflect on our heritage of freedom.”
The
DAR Chapter is also providing local schools with instructional and reference
materials to incorporate in class discussions about the Constitution.
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. The DAR has
long promoted patriotism though commemorative celebrations, memorials,
scholarships and activities for children.
The David Craig Chapter, NSDAR, will celebrate the 100th
anniversary of its founding in Haywood County in 2009.