There are two documents of paramount importance to American history, the Declaration of Independence, which forged the national identity and the United States Constitution, an annual commemoration of the living document that upholds and protects the freedoms central to the American way of life.

That annual celebration begins on September 17,2019.

Mabeth Gibson, Oliver Wiley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, regent, said while Independence Day is a beloved national holiday, fewer people know about Constitution Week.

“The Oliver Wiley Chapter DAR celebrates Constitution Week which in an annual commemoration of the living document that upholds and protects the freedoms central to our American way of life,” Gibson said.

“Our organization, The Daughters of the American Revolution initiated the observance in 1955 when the DAR petitioned the United States Congress to dedicate September 17-23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution Week.”

Congress adopted the resolution and, on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into public law.

Gibson said goals of the annual celebration are three-fold: to encourage the study of the historical events that led to the framing of eh Constitution in September 1787, to inform people that the Constitution is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation of our way of life and the emphasize our responsibilities as United States’ citizens to protect, defend and preserve the Constitution.

“The Oliver Wiley Chapter DAR would like to encourage schools, clubs and organizations throughout Pike County to take the opportunity of Constitution Week, September 17-23, to learn more about the United Constitution,” Gibson said. “The Constitution still guides us today. Therefore, the DAR believes that no American history education can be complete without a thorough understanding of the impact the Constitution has had on the lives of all American citizens, past and present.”

Gibson said libraries at schools and public libraries throughout the county are being asked to have displays encouraging their patrons to learn more about the United States Constitution and keep the memories alive on the men and women who secured independence of the United States and whose bravery and sacrifice made possible the liberties all Americans enjoy today.