Constitution Week will be observed through special activities in our community from September 17 to 23, sponsored by two local Chapters of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution.
The mayors of Hattiesburg, Petal, Richton, and Sumrall will issue proclamations, and members of the Twentieth Star and Norvell Robertson Chapters of the DAR will present books and educational materials that increase the awareness of the Constitution’s tenets and its importance to the libraries of local schools.
A Spanish edition of a book about the Constitution will be presented to the Hattiesburg Public Library.
The DAR 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 Eisenhower signed it into Public Law Number 915. This official commemoration encourages all citizens to celebrate the Constitution and the inalienable rights it affords all Americans.
One of the largest patriotic women’s organizations in the world, DAR has approximately 190,000 members across the United States and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism through commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, and meaningful community service.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence and to raise awareness of the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s organization. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.
