By Danny Federico Riverbend News
On Monday, Aug. 30, Live Oak Mayor Frank Davis signed a proclamation officially declaring the week of Friday, Sept. 17, through Thursday, Sept. 23, as Constitution Week.
Constitution Week was first initiated in 1955 by Gertrude S. Carraway, President General of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), when she petitioned the US Congress to dedicate Sept. 17 through Sept. 23 of each year to promote the commemoration of the United States Constitution. Congress adopted the resolution and, on Aug. 2, 1956, Constitution Week was officially declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower when he signed it into Public Law #915.
"There are two documents of paramount importance to American history: the Declaration of Independence, which forged our national identity and the United States Constitution, which set forth the framework for the federal government that functions to this day," said present DAR President General Denise Doring VanBuren. "While Independence Day is a well-recognized and beloved national holiday, fewer people know about Constitution Week, an annual commemoration of the living document that upholds and protects the freedoms central to our American way of life."
Constitution Week aims to encourage the study of the historical events leading 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 US citizens' responsibility to protect, defend and preserve the US Constitution. By fostering knowledge of and appreciation for the Constitution and the inalienable rights it affords to all Americans, DAR helps to keep the memory of the men and women who secured the nation's foundational liberties alive.
"In communities across America, Daughters will erect hundred of community displays, sponsor municipal proclamations, ring bells and stage programs to raise awareness of the Constitution's tenets and importance," VanBuren said. "We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this powerful document, which as enabled our democracy within a republic for more than two centuries. We hope that all Americans will learn more about the Constitution and its immense impact on our nation."
The proclamation signed by Mayor Davis will be on display in the Live Oak Public Library, along with many other resources available to read and check out. The Live Oak Public Library is located at 1848 Ohio Ave. S.
One of the largest patriotic women's organizations in the world, DAR has more than 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.