Sept. 17 begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of the country’s least known official observances.
The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In 1928, the DAR commissioned John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitutional Hall. This is the only structure erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States.
In 1955, the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into law on Aug. 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, and the local DAR chapter is doing just that with a Constitution Week luncheon. Members of the community are invited to attend Garcilaso de la Vega’s Constitution Week luncheon on Saturday, Sept. 7 at noon at the Atlantis Country Club.
The luncheon will feature speaker Tim Morell addressing “The Five Freedoms of the First Amendment” and other brief presentations highlighting people who honor these freedoms daily. There will also be a silent auction and an Angel Table to fund scholarships and programs. For more information about the event, contact Liz Scholze lizscholze@comcast.net
