A little known observance for one of the world’s greatest documents

“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

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

The Daughters of the American Revolution initiated the tradition of celebrating the Constitution many years ago. In 1955, the Daughters 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 Public Law #915 on Aug. 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The aims of the celebration are to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity; inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and encourage the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

Under the Constitution, the United States functions as a republic. This landmark idea that men and women had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution. Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.

“Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document which is the safeguard of our American liberties,” DAR President General, Lynn Forney Young said. “We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to reflect on our heritage of freedom and come together to celebrate America.”

DAR has served America for 125 years as its foremost cheerleader. In 1928, the Daughters began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, was commissioned to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is one of the only structures erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America.

Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has more than 180,000 members with about 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 13 foreign countries. The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children and programs for new immigrants. For more information about DAR and its programs,0 visit www.dar.org or call (202) 628-1776.

Warner Robins’ local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter is the Sukey Hart Chapter, and we meet monthly at Sonny’s Barbeque Restaurant on Russell Parkway. For more information, email danabates@me.com.

Susan Shelton DeFoor is the vice regent, Sukey Hart Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

This story was originally published September 16, 2015 at 12:00 AM.