Constitution Week coming in September

The tradition of celebrating Constitution Week was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) — a tradition that continues today as well.

In 1955, the DAR petitioned the U.S. Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by Congress and signed into law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Constitution Week commemorates the signing of the Constitution of the United States.

DAR has served America for 120 years as its foremost cheerleader. In 1928, the DAR began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, the architect who designed 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 U.S. Constitution.

Many people had to memorize the Preamble to the Constitution while in school, but for those who have forgotten, here it is again:

“We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and to our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Americans should read the Constitution. It is in encyclopedias, online and booklet form.

This article was submitted by the Isaac Van Wart Chapter, Ohio Society, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution