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Murray Journal

Local DAR chapter supports Constitution Week

Dec 01, 2017 08:01AM ● By Shaun Delliskave

The Princess Timpanogos Chapter of DAR shows off their Constitution Week proclamation.

In the summer of 1787, delegates convened in Philadelphia to create “a more perfect Union” and craft the document that is the foundation of our country. They developed the framework that would balance authority and inherent freedoms, federal interests and state powers, individual rights and national unity. On September 17 of the same year, the delegates signed the Constitution of the United States.

Each year, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrates and commemorates U.S. Constitution Week, Sept. 17–23.

The Princess Timpanogos Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) celebrated Constitution Week along with the State of Utah. Murray Interim Mayor Blair Camp signed an official proclamation declaring Constitution Week September 17–23. School children read the Constitution, awareness posters were displayed at schools, and bookmarks with the Pledge of Allegiance and flags were distributed.

Constitution Week celebrations focus on citizens’ responsibilities to protect and defend the Constitution. Activities and displays are designed as a reminder that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life. This year everyone was encouraged to “Be Loud for Liberty” and to study the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a society of women who are direct descendants of Revolutionary War patriots, supports historic preservation, education and patriotism. So far in 2017, DAR members worldwide have volunteered close to a million and a half hours of service to America. 

The DAR’s national office is in Washington, D.C. (Constitution Hall), at 1776 D Street, just down the street from the White House. Utah has 10 local DAR chapters. 

“Our chapter is the Princess Timpanogos Chapter. We have been meeting this past year at the Village III condominium club house located on Vine Street in Murray. Our Chapter has 49 members, for Utah we are about average in membership. Nationally, we are very small,” said Elaine Janeway, one of the chapter’s officers.

The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17–23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by Congress and signed into law on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

In addition to Constitution Week, the DAR engages in other service projects throughout the year. 

“In November, we will honor our veterans by writing letters to active military members and collecting food for the veteran’s food pantry. We encourage everyone to support this cause,” Janeway said.

The veteran’s food pantry opened in March at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and serves close to 100 veterans and their families every month. According to a study by the University of Minnesota, 1.7 million veterans experience food insecurity annually. For younger veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, the food insecurity rate is about 27 percent—nearly double that of the general U.S. population. 

Another annual DAR project focuses on students. 

“We sponsor an essay contest each year in the local schools, giving the winning student in the state a cash award, and then their essay is sent to the national competition for large scholarship awards,” Janeway said.

For information on the DAR visit www.utahdar.org