Wednesday, September, 17, 2008, begins the 221st national celebration of Constitution Week.  Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those unalienable rights to every American.

The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) when they petitioned Congress in 1955 to set aside the week of September 17-23 annually to be dedicated to the observance of Constitution Week.  The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956 by President Eisenhower.  The aims of the celebration are to (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 United States of America functions as a Republic under the Constitution, which is 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.  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," states DAR President General, Linda Gist Calvin.

DAR has served as the foremost cheerleader of the Constitution, beginning work in 1928 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, know as DAR Constitution Hall.  Today it is the only structure 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 over 165,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries.  The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children, and programs for new immigrants.  For information on the local organization, call 573-783-6037 or 573-431-8528.