Fort Payne Chapter Report
The two most important documents in American history are the Declaration of Independence that forged our national identity, and the United States Constitution which created the framework for the federal government that is still in use today. While Independence Day is a beloved national holiday, Constitution Week is not as well known. This week is an annual commemoration of the living document that upholds and protects the freedoms central to our American way of life with the annual celebration beginning on Tues., Sept. 17, 2024.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) initiated the observance in 1955 when the 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 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 inform people that the Constitution is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation of our way of life; and to emphasize U.S. citizens’ responsibility to protect, defend and preserve the Constitution.
“Fort Payne Chapter, NSDAR enjoys celebrating Constitution Week each year,” said Regent Jill Brewer. “Our goal during Constitution Week is to spread awareness that, as citizens, it is our duty to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution, which is the foundation of our democracy and our way of life.”
Constitution Week Schedule of Events
- 8:45AM Tues., Sept. 17 / Bell ringing at Brookdale Elementary School District 204 with a presentation about the Constitution.
- 10AM Tues., Sept. 17 / Proclamation for Constitution Week from Naperville Mayor Scott A. Wehrli at the Naperville Municipal Center.
- 2:30PM Tues., Sept. 17 / Celebratory ringing of the school bell at Naper Elementary School District 203.
- 3PM Tues., Sept. 17 / Bells Across America at Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon. The public is invited to a 72-bell carillon concert featuring patriotic songs to honor the U.S. Constitution.
In addition, Constitution Week will be celebrated at three Naperville public library locations with a variety of informative and interesting public displays.
If interested in learning more about DAR membership, visit www.dar.org/national-society/become-member or contact nsdarfortpayne@gmail.com.
2024 Constitution Day / Let Freedom Ring
In addition to the bell ringing at Moser Tower, the Fort Payne Chapter, NSDAR again kicks-off Constitution Week with an artful, inspiring and award-winning video produced by videographer Thomas Hartmann. Featuring interviews with visitors in downtown Naperville, DAR member Madeline Miller asks, “What is the U.S. Constitution?”
On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to sign the document they’d been developing for about five months. Then in 1789, after the necessary number of state ratifications, the Constitution began effectively to serve as the basis of the U.S. Government.
For 23 years, this publication has encouraged readers to observe this milestone in our nation’s history. In the past, Naperville Public Library has paid tribute to Constitution Day with a week of promotions through DAR exhibits and book recommendations, demonstrating appreciation for the U.S. and the cherished freedoms our nation’s founders secured for us.
This year, more than ever, we’re hopeful our readers will recognize and read the U.S. Constitution as it expresses the principles of federalism, also called “states’ rights.”
Understanding the 237-year-old founding document is critical. Distinguishing that the federal government has only those powers delegated to it by the Constitution, and that all other powers not forbidden to the states by the Constitution are reserved to each state, is a way to help value this great nation and its freedoms protected by the First Amendment.
