The United States Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedoms and to ensure those unalienable rights to every American. The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the US Congress and
signed into public law on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The aims of the celebration are to:
• Emphasize citizen’s responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution.
• Inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life.
• Encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
Constitution Week is a great time to learn more about this important document and to celebrate the
freedoms it gave us. Get involved by encouraging young people to sign the Constitution Week
Proclamation Pledge and to ask your local community officials to issue a proclamation about
Constitution Week. Consider organizing a group to participate in Bells Across America.
For additional information about Constitution Week, please contact your local DAR chapter or visit
DAR.org: local DAR chapter.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service
organization. DAR members are dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism in
communities across the nation. All students are invited to participate and learn more about the educational
programs the DAR offers. Educators, parents and students are encouraged to contact their local DAR
chapters for more detailed information on these program.