Hillegas DAR celebrates U.S. Constitution Week

Sept. 17, 2020, began the national celebration of Constitution Week.

The weeklong 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 inalienable rights to every American.

The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 each year 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 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. The Michael Hillegas Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution encourage all citizens to take time this week to reflect on our heritage of freedom and come together to Celebrate America!

DAR has served America for 123 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.

For more information about DAR and its programs contact the local Michael Hillegas Chapter or visit their website: ildar.org/chapter/Michael Hillegas or call Kathy R. Morris (618) 841-7982 or Sharon L. Tanner (618) 841-1941.