Celebrating Constitution Week locally

September 17 began the national celebration of Constitution Week, the weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document and one of our country’s least known official observances. Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout our history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those unalienable rights to every American.

The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR. In 1955, the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The aims of the celebration are: 1. Emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity, 2. Inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life, and 3. Encourage the study of the historical events, which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

The Constitution by itself cannot guarantee liberty. A nation’s people can remain free only by being responsible citizens who are willing to learn about the rights of each arm of government and require that each is accountable for its own function. Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document, which is the safeguard of our American liberties. We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to guard that which is committed to us by our forefathers…our freedom.

The United States of America functions as a republic under the Constitution, the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people. This landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their own governance, was the impetus of the American Revolution for which so many patriots gave their lives. Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.

The Nodaway Chapter DAR has obtained a proclamation from, Jason McDowell, mayor of the City of Maryville, for its citizens to observe Constitution Week. The proclamation is on display at the Maryville Public Library, along with a copy of the Constitution and several books about the Constitution and its founders. Bookmarks with the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America, the American’s Creed, and symbols of the United States and when they were adopted, have been given to eighth grade students at St. Gregory’s and Maryville Middle Schools.

The Nodaway Chapter’s DAR Constitution Week chairman is Johanne Fairchild and the regent is Jesse Smith.