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.
NSDAR Promotes Constitution Week
Constitution Week
Observed
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Constitution Week will be observed September 17-23, according to Constitution
Committee chairs of Brunswick Town Chapter NSDAR.
Observed annually
since NSDAR petitioned Congress with a resolution in 1955, the week includes
targeted study in fifth grade classrooms as well as the Ringing of the Bells
across America at 4pm September 17.
Fifth grade
classrooms receive information packages as well as decorated bulletin boards in
support of social studies units which are part of their curriculum.
Chapters nationwide
coordinate and encourage ringing of bells at churches, schools, courthouses,
fire houses and homes to remind the public that the Constitution is the basis
of America’s great heritage and the foundation for its way of life.
Mayors of local
towns have been sent proclamations asking them to proclaim to the public the
234th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. They are also
notified to ring the bells on the 17th to alert the public of the
date of the ratification. Bulletin boards will be decorated in two Brunswick
County libraries by members of Brunswick Town Chapter.
Here are just a
few facts about the writing of the US Constitution:
§
It
was written in the Pennsylvania State House where the Declaration of
Independence was signed and where George Washington received his commission as
Commander of the Army. It is now called Independence Hall.
§
Written
in 1787, the Constitution was signed on September 17, but wasn’t ratified by
the necessary nine states until 1788.
§
The
US Constitution was prepared in secret, behind locked doors that were guarded
by sentries.
§
Some
delegates in the states’ ratifying conventions were very troubled that the
original Constitution lacked a description of individual rights. In 1791 a list
of rights was added. The first ten amendments became known as the Bill of
Rights.
§
Of
the 55 delegates attending the Constitutional Convention, 39 signed and three
delegates dissented. Two of America’s Founding Father’s didn’t sign: Thomas Jefferson, ambassador to France, and
John Adams, ambassador to Great Britain.
§
The
first national Thanksgiving Day was created by George Washington on November
26, 1789 as a way of giving thanks for the Constitution.
§
The
US Constitution is the oldest and shortest of all the written constitutions.
§
Ben
Franklin (89) was the oldest delegate. Jonathon Dayton (26) was the youngest.
§
The
original Constitution is on display at the National Archives in Washington, DC.
When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, it was moved to Fort Knox for
safekeeping.
§
More
than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress. Thirty-three have gone
to the states for ratification and twenty-seven have received the necessary
approval to actually become amendments to the Constitution.
DAR Brunswick Town Constitution Co-Chair stands in front of the Bolivia Elementary School bulletin board that she helped design for Constitution Week.
DAR Brunswick Town Chapter Constitution Week Co-Chair stands in front of a bulletin board display for Constitution Week at Virginia Williamson Elementary School that she helped design.
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