Members of the Fort Payne Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) met at 10AM Tues., Sept. 17, in the office of Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli to receive a Proclamation recognizing Constitution Week, September 17-23, 2024.
Grateful for the recognition, Fort Payne Chapter Regent Jill Brewer explained the goal during Constitution Week is to spread awareness that it’s every citizen’s duty to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution, the foundation of democracy and the way of life in America.
At the same time, the City of Naperville received an American Flag that had flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C., from Brewer.
During the brief ceremony Mayor Wehrli referenced the many times he serves on behalf of the City of Naperville to swear in new members and promoted officers of the Naperville Police and Fire Departments, asking them to uphold the Constitution. In addition to elected officials, they all have the responsibility as sworn officers to ensure the safety and quality of life of this community.
2024 Mayoral Proclamation for Constitution Day
WHEREAS, The Constitution of the United States of America, the guardian of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government in a Republic dedicated to rule by law; and
WHEREAS, September 17, 2024 marks the two hundred and thirty-seventh anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary; and to the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate the occasion; and
WHEREAS, Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week; and
WHEREAS, Naperville’s Ft. Payne Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) celebrates these designations annually through displays at each Naperville Public Library branch to encourage study of historical events leading to the framing of the Constitution, to inform residents of America’s great heritage through our founding document, and to emphasize citizen’s responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Scott Wehrli, Mayor of the City of Naperville, do hereby proclaim September 17 through September 23, 2024, as Constitution Week in the City of Naperville.
Compare how folks in Naperville know the Constitution
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 PN 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.
Official text of the First Amendment…
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Bells Across America
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution invited churches and other bell ringers to participate in the annual Bells Across America event to celebrate Constitution Week through Sept. 23.
Members of the the Fort Payne Chapter of DAR met at the base of Moser Tower for a concert of all-American melodies including “God Bless America” and “Grand Old Flag.”
Bells were set to toll simultaneously in all 50 states for one minute at 3PM (Central) on Tues., Sept. 17. The carillon bell concert in Naperville filled Rotary Hill for more than 15 minutes.
Constitution Week commemorates the signing of the Constitution of the U.S. in 1787. Stay tuned.
