DAR promotes Constitution Week

Sept. 17 marked the beginning of the national celebration of Constitution Week, and members of the Don José Verdugo Chapter, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution have been placing displays in local libraries throughout the area. Displays are currently up at the La Cañada Flintridge Public Library and the Glendale Central Library, and will remain there throughout the end of the month.

The commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances. 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. This year is the 222nd anniversary of the Constitution.

“This is the first year that Don José Verdugo Chapter has sponsored a display at the Glendale Central Library on Harvard,” explained Chapter Regent Liz Craven. “Suzanne Stanfill and Joan Carruthers have done an outstanding job with the very large display case available there. The display houses six sections of memorabilia, including Currier and Ives prints, currency and flags of the era, sheet music and other relevant items.

“Chapter member Connie Cianciarulo continues to prepare a very nice display at the La Cañada Flintridge Library.”

“I encourage everyone to visit the libraries,” said Craven. “Parents and grandparents, be sure and take your school-age children and grandchildren to see the display as it will give you the opportunity to talk about our Constitution and its importance.”

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) began the tradition of celebrating the Constitution many years ago. In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17 to 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 to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity; inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and 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. “We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to reflect on our heritage of freedom.”

DAR has served America for 119 years as its foremost cheerleader. In 1928, the Daughters began work 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, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall 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 more information about DAR and its programs visit www.dar.org, or contact the Don José Verdugo Chapter at (818) 249-5472.