PICKENS — The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week.

Mayor David Owens of Pickens signs the proclamation designating Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week, witnessed by Fort Prince George DAR members Anne Kilpatrick, Una Welborn and Marianne Holland.

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 aims of the celebration are to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity, to inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life and to encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

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. Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.

DAR has served America for 124 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 one of the only structures erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America.