The Constantia Chapter is the local chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for women in the Franklin, Suffolk and Southampton County area, and the chapter is encouraging the local communities to join it in celebrating Constitution Week from Sept. 17-23.

In a news release, the Constantia Chapter noted that both Southampton County and the city of Franklin have issued proclamations recognizing Constitution Week. Dr. Alan W. Edwards, chairman of the Southampton County Board of Supervisors, did so at the board’s Aug. 27 meeting and Franklin Mayor Robert “Bobby” Cutchins did so at the Franklin City Council’s Sept. 9 meeting.

To commemorate the 237th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constantia Chapter set up a display at the Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library and contacted area churches and businesses. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, five area churches joined other churches, schools, firehouses, city governments and individuals around the country by participating in Bells Across America. 

“This reminds us of the way the public was made aware of the signing of the Constitution,” chapter officials stated.

An official National Society Daughters of the American Revolution news release noted that the organization urges Americans to reflect on the U.S. Constitution during the annual observance of Constitution Week in September in honor of this foundational document of national governance. 

The release continued by stating that 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.  

“We are so proud DAR led the way in making Constitution Week an official commemoration and our members enthusiastically promote the celebration annually in communities across the country by erecting community displays, sponsoring municipal proclamations, ringing bells and staging programs to raise awareness of the Constitution’s tenets and importance,” DAR President General Pamela Rouse Wright said. “We encourage all citizens to join us in celebrating this powerful document that is so important to American history and to reflect on the impact the Constitution has had on the lives of American citizens past and present.” 

Officials in the release stated that 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,” officials stated.

One of the largest patriotic women’s organizations in the world, DAR has 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. 

For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org.