Have a bell? You can help Boerne celebrate Constitution Week.
The George W. Kendall Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) invites the community to visit its library displays, attend a mayoral proclamation reading, and join a nationwide bell-ringing celebration on Sept. 17, in recognition of the United States Constitution.
On Sept. 17, 1787, following a summer of debate and compromise, 39 delegates signed the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Their work established the framework of our government.
This year marks the 239th anniversary of that signing, as well as 250 years since the Declaration of Independence proclaimed our nation’s founding principles.
Boerne residents can learn more by visiting the DAR’s two displays at the Patrick Heath Public Library during Constitution Week, which runs Sept. 17–23; One is located in the Children’s Section and the other upstairs in the Adult Section. Bring family members to take a closer look and talk about why a document written more than two centuries ago still matters today.
A highlight of the local celebration will be Mayor Frank Ritchie’s 9:30 a.m. Sept. 16 proclamation reading at the library. He will proclaim Sept. 17–23 as Constitution Week in the Boerne. The public is invited to attend the event.
Then, have your bells ready — at 3 p.m. Sept. 17, Boerne residents are encouraged to participate in “Bells Across America.” Ring a bell for one minute, joining people across the country ringing at the same moment.
Afterward, attendees will recite the Preamble to the Constitution, beginning with the familiar words, “We the People.”
DAR’s connection to Constitution Week goes back to 1955. Under the leadership of President Gen. Gertrude S. Carraway, the organization petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17–23 for an annual observance.
Congress approved the resolution, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law on August 2, 1956.
Seventy years later, DAR chapters continue that work through library and school displays, educational programs, local proclamation and with Bells Across America. These activities encourage Americans to study the Constitution, understand the rights it protects and give thought to their responsibilities as citizens.
The George W. Kendall Chapter hopes Boerne residents will make Constitution Week a family affair. Visit the displays, join the proclamation reading, and add your bell to the celebration!
To learn more about DAR membership, email GWKChapter@ gmail. com or visit the George W. Kendall Chapter website at texasdar.org/chapters/ GeorgeWKendall.
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