From the Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution:
Each year the Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter of the DAR in Salisbury promotes the celebration of Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances.
The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), women who can trace their ancestry back to those who fought in the American Revolution War. 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 (No. 915) on Aug. 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are emphasizing posterity; informing the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and encouraging the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
The 2012 observance of Constitution Week is especially important as it celebrates the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. In celebration of this milestone, the Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter of the DAR, in conjunction with the Rowan Resolves, the local Children of the American Revolution Chapter (CAR) and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), has planned numerous activities and events:
n A display at the Rowan Public Library on Fisher Street will be provided throughout September.
n Area churches will ring their bells at 4 p.m. on Sept. 17 to celebrate the actual signing of the Constitution.
n Mayor Paul Woodson will make a proclamation declaring Sept. 17-23, 2012 as Constitution Week in Salisbury at the Tuesday (Sept. 18) meeting of the City Council.
n A series of articles providing information on some of the signers of the Constitution will appear each day in the Salisbury Post.
n On Sept. 22, a “Happy Birthday” celebration is planned for the local CAR Chapter with assistance provided by the SAR state president.
The three groups (the DAR, the CAR and the SAR) hope to continue the tradition of drawing attention to the observance of Constitution Week through these events.
Constitution Week provides the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document, the Constitution of the United States, which is the safeguard of American liberties. The Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter of the DAR encourages everyone to take time during Constitution Week to reflect on our heritage of freedom.