Fort Payne DAR promotes Constitution Week at Naperville Libraries, September 17-23
Report by Sara Dore
The Fort Payne Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution urges Americans to reflect on the U.S. Constitution during this annual observance in honor of this foundational document of national governance.
“There are two documents of paramount importance to American history: the Declaration of Independence, which forged our national identity; and the U.S. Constitution, which set forth the framework for how the federal government functions to this day,” said Fort Payne Regent Wrenne Jakubiak. “While Independence Day is a well-recognized and beloved national holiday, fewer people know about Constitution Week, an annual commemoration of the living document that upholds and protects the freedoms central to our American way of life.”
Constitution Day is recognized annually on Sept. 17.
The NSDAR initiated the weeklong observance in 1955, when the service organization petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate September 17–23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution Week.
Congress adopted the resolution, and on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915. The goals of the celebration 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.
Annually, Fort Payne sponsors displays at all three Naperville libraries. While geared toward children, the exhibit offers something for everyone to encourage 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.
“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this powerful document, which has enabled our democracy within a republic for more than two centuries,” Jakubiak added. “We hope all Naperville area residents will learn more about the Constitution and its immense impact on our nation.”
One of the largest patriotic women’s organizations in the world, DAR has more than 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more.
For more information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org.
