Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford signed a proclamation Sept. 18 declaring the week of Sept 17 through 23 Constitution Week in the city of Troy.

"In order to secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their posterity, our Founding Fathers ordained and established a Constitution for the United States of America," Lunsford said. "It is of the

greatest importance that all citizens fully understand the provisions and principles contained in the constitution in order to support, preserve and defend it against all enemies."

Lunsford said

the 214th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution provides a historic opportunity for all Americans to realize the achievements of the Framers of the Constitution and the rights, privileges and responsibilities it affords.

"The independence guaranteed to American citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, should be celebrated during the week, September 17 through 23 as designated by proclamation of the President of the United States," the mayor said. "I urge all citizens of Troy to reflect during this week on the many benefits of our Federal Constitution and American citizenship."

In observance of Constitution Week the Oliver Wiley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is joining other DAR chapters and others who annually observe Constitution Week, said Virginia Key, chapter Constitution Week chairperson.

"Constitution Day was Sept. 17, the day on which the Constitution was signed 214 years ago," Key said. "American colonists sacrificed, and many died, to establish the freedoms guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United States. These farsighted men provided a republic which established laws to protect the rights of all.

"And, in the wake of the tragedy of the terrorist attacks on our nation, it is more important than ever that we are vigilant to keep and protect the ideals, rights, freedoms and responsibilities guaranteed us as citizens of our free country."

Key said all Americans should try to learn more about the Constitution and to understand, defend and protect it now and in the future.