Communities throughout the nation celebrated the spirit and meaning of the country’s Constitution during the week beginning September 17. On this day in 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, 39 delegates at the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution of the United States of America. Nearly 170 years later, in 1955, the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution spearheaded an effort to set aside one week annually when Americans could celebrate this iconic signing. After petitioning Congress to set aside the week of September 17 – 23 on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed Constitution Week into law. Local chapters of NSDAR celebrate with many events to honor this founding document.
Celebrations began with Bells Across America on September 17 when bells across the country were rung simultaneously at 4 p.m. EDT. The week also featured displays in schools, libraries, and other community locations, proclamation signings, educational presentations in schools or in public, broadcast interviews and outdoor signage. For more information contact the Old Goshen Trail Chapter at OGTNSDAR@gmail.com or the local chapter in your community.
Pictured: Mount Vernon Mayor signs a proclamation declaring September 17-23 Constitution Week.
