Pictured, (left to right): Patricia Kahler, Linda Schgier, Mayor Townson and Rhonda Van Zandt
CULLMAN – On Tuesday, Sept. 6 Cullman Mayor Max A. Townson officially proclaimed the week of Sept. 17-23 “Constitution Week” in the city of Cullman.
On Sept. 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met to sign the United States Constitution. Sept. 17, 2016, marks the 229th anniversary of this historic event.
The tradition of celebrating the signing of the United States Constitution goes back to 1955, when the Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 each year for the observance of “Constitution Week.” Congress adopted the resolution and it was signed into Public Law 915 on Aug. 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The goal of “Constitution Week” is to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution and preserving it for posterity, to inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s heritage and the foundation for the American way of life and to encourage the study of the historical events which led to signing of the Constitution in Sept. 1787.
Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution and the Children of the American Revolution commemorate “Constitution Week” each year by ringing bells, flying flags, reading and helping others become more acquainted with the Constitution’s true contents and offering prayers for our country as the people of Philadelphia did on the day the Constitution was signed.
“We love the Constitution,” said Townson. “Its signing was a defining moment in our country’s history. Our founding fathers were very brave and displayed a deep love for the new country they were creating.”
Patricia Kahler, Linda Schgier and Rhonda Van Zandt, members of the Dripping Springs Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, were present to receive the official proclamation from Townson.
“Our founding fathers succeeded in creating a Republic in which we are free to exercise our inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness under our own governance,” said Townson. “We are grateful for all organizations that work to preserve our country’s history and educate folks about the Constitution and other founding documents. It is a great privilege to be an American, and everyone should take this opportunity to learn more about the Constitution and the history of our great country.”
Anyone wishing to learn more about the United States Constitution and other historical documents should visit www.archives.gov.
