Coushatta Chute Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

The United States Constitution, America’s most important document, stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms, and inalienable rights. And, Constitution Week is celebrated annually during the week of September 17-23 to commemorate its history, importance, and bring attention to how it serves still today. September 17 is the day the new Constitution was approved and signed by most of the delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention.

This celebration of 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 U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The aims of the Constitution Week celebration are to:
• Emphasize citizens’ 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.

Bells Across America is an annual celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Participants gather to ring bells, much as the church bells of Philadelphia rang out when the U.S. Constitution was first signed at 4 pm on September 17, 1787. Consider organizing a group to ring bells on September 17th for 1 minute at 4:00 EDT to herald the beginning of this commemorative week.

How can you promote the Constitution? Embrace your role as a member of “We the People.” Read the Constitution, learn about it and your government. Get involved. “We the People” only works if we all participate.

---