DAR chapter to mark Constitution Week in Lenoir

The Tucker’s Barn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will commemorate the 239th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution with two events on Thursday, Sept. 17, in Lenoir.

The chapter will hold a Constitution Week program at 10 a.m. at the Charters of Freedom in Historic Downtown Lenoir’s Square. Retired Judge Beverly T. Beal is scheduled to speak during the program. Mayor Joe Gibbons also will issue a proclamation declaring Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in Lenoir.

Constitution Week is celebrated each year from Sept. 17-23 to commemorate the history of the U.S. Constitution and bring attention to how it continues to serve the country. The Constitution stands as a testament to Americans’ efforts throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms, and inalienable rights.

BELLS ACROSS AMERICA

The Tucker’s Barn Chapter also will observe Constitution Day, the start of Constitution Week, by taking part in Bells Across America. The chapter will ring the old courthouse bell at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Caldwell Heritage Museum, 112 Vaiden St.

Bells Across America is an annual nationwide celebration in which participants gather to ring bells, much as the church bells of Philadelphia rang out when the U.S. Constitution was first signed at 4 p.m. Sept. 17, 1787.

Individuals, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to ring bells for 1 minute at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Sept. 17 each year to mark the beginning of Constitution Week.

The Tucker’s Barn Chapter and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution urge Americans to reflect on the Constitution during the annual observance.

The DAR initiated the Constitution Week observance in 1955, when the service organization petitioned Congress to dedicate Sept. 17-23 each year to commemorating the Constitution. Congress adopted the resolution, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law 915 on Aug. 2, 1956.

The celebration has three goals: to encourage the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in 1787; to remind the public that the Constitution is the basis of America’s heritage and foundation for its way of life; and to emphasize citizens’ responsibility to protect, defend, and preserve the U.S. Constitution.

DAR has long advocated for awareness, promotion, and celebration of Constitution Week. The annual observance provides opportunities for educational initiatives and community outreach, two mission areas of importance to the National Society.

By fostering knowledge of, and appreciation for, the Constitution and the inalienable rights it affords to Americans, DAR works to keep alive the memory of the men and women who secured the nation’s foundational liberties.

One of the largest patriotic women’s organizations in the world, DAR has more than 190,000 members in about 3,000 chapters nationwide and in several foreign countries. Any woman 18 or older who can prove direct lineal descent from a man or woman who aided the cause of American independence is eligible to join.

DAR members promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism through commemorative events, scholarships, educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, community service, and other efforts.

For more information about DAR, visit dar.org.