There are two documents of great importance to American history: the Declaration of Independence, which forged our national identity, and the United States Constitution, which set forth the framework for the federal government which functions to this day.
While Independence Day is a well-recognized and celebrated national holiday in July, fewer people know about Constitution Week, an annual commemoration of the historic document that upholds and protects the freedoms central to our American way of life.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) initiated the observance in 1955, when the service organization petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate Sept. 17–23 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.
DAR has been the foremost advocate for the awareness, promotion and celebration of Constitution Week. 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.
A good habit for all Americans is to take the time to read the Constitution of the United States at least once a year. You can find it here: archives. gov/founding-docs/ constitution-transcript. - Contributed