From: Connie Anderson and Diane Bringman
Columbus
Sept. 17 begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The week-long 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 inalienable 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 Aug. 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The aims of the celebration are to:
–Emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity.
–Inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s heritage and the foundation for our way of life.
–Encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
The Joseph Hart Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution invites you to participate in the annual Bells Across America event to celebrate Constitution Week. Bells will be rung simultaneously in all 50 states. Churches, fire houses, schools, municipal buildings and individuals are encouraged to ring bells for one minute at 4 p.m. Sept. 17.
Local schools will also have the opportunity to use the Constitution Week kits sent to them by our local chapter.
