Communities across the country will pause this week to celebrate the U.S. Constitution, as the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) lead observances for Constitution Week beginning Tuesday, September 17.
The celebration marks the anniversary of September 17, 1787, when 39 delegates signed the Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Nearly 170 years later, in 1955, DAR successfully petitioned Congress to set aside a week each year to honor the historic signing. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially signed Constitution Week into law on August 2, 1956.
The Col. David Love Chapter of DAR in Monticello took part in the national observance, joining thousands of other chapters in honoring the Constitution through educational and community events. One of the hallmark activities, Bells Across America, took place on September 17, when bells across the nation will ring simultaneously at 4 p.m. CDT.
In addition, schools, libraries, and community centers will feature Constitution-themed displays throughout the week. “This is a time to reflect on the freedoms and responsibilities the Constitution guarantees all Americans,” said LeAnne Burch, Regent of the Col. David Love Chapter.
For more information about local Constitution Week events, residents can contact Burch at 870-723-0583 or Chapter Registrar Louisa Smith at 870-723-3560.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit women’s service organization founded in 1890. Its members trace their lineage to individuals who helped secure American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today, DAR includes more than 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the United States and abroad. Members collectively donate millions of volunteer hours each year toward historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
With over one million women having joined the organization since its founding, DAR continues to carry out its mission of service while celebrating the nation’s founding principles.
