DAR Promotes Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23

Members of the Major Thaddeus Beall Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), of Jacksonville, Texas, canceled its regularly scheduled September monthly meeting and other activities planned for their annual observance of Constitution Week, Sept. 17-25, due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the area.

However, they, along with national DAR members encourage residents to reflect on the United States Constitution during this month’s annual observance in honor this foundational document of national governance.

“There are two documents of paramount importance to American history: the Declaration of Independence, which forged our national identity, and the United States Constitution, which set forth the framework for the federal government that functions to this day,” said DAR President General Denise Doring VanBuren. “While Independence Day is a well-recognized and beloved national holiday, fewer people know about Constitution Week, an annual commemoration of the living document that upholds and protects the freedoms central to our American way of life.”

The DAR initiated the observance in 1955, when the service organization petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate Sept. 17–23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution, and on Aug. 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915. The celebration’s goals are threefold: to encourage the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787; to remind the public that the Constitution is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation for its way of life; and to emphasize U.S. citizens’ responsibility to protect, defend and preserve the U.S. Constitution.

DAR has been the foremost advocate for the awareness, promotion and celebration of Constitution Week. The annual observance provides innumerable opportunities for educational initiatives and community outreach, two mission areas of crucial importance to the National Society. By fostering knowledge of, and appreciation for, the Constitution and the inalienable rights it affords to all Americans, DAR helps to keep alive the memory of the men and women who secured our nation’s foundational liberties.

“In communities across America, Daughters will erect hundreds of community displays, sponsor municipal proclamations, ring bells and stage programs to raise awareness of the Constitution’s tenets and importance. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this powerful document, which has enabled our democracy within a republic for more than two centuries. We hope that all Americans will learn more about the Constitution and its immense impact on our nation,” Van Buren said.

One of the largest patriotic women’s organizations in the world, DAR has more than 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more.

Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis issued a proclamation declaring Constitution Week 2021 in Cherokee County.

Locally, past chapter meetings have been held the second Thursday afternoon of the month, September through May, at the First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. Any woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible to join the DAR. Plans for October chapter activities and the National Day of Service project will be announced later according to local chapter regent, Linda C. Jones of Jacksonville.

Vivian T. Cates is vice regent of Jacksonville’s Major Thaddeus Beall Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NASDAR). She is a member of the Constitution Week Observance Committee.