Celebrating Constitution Week: honoring America’s founding document

PRESCOTT – In 1955, Gertrude S. Carraway, Past President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), led a successful petition to Congress to designate September 17–23 as Constitution Week. These dates were chosen to commemorate the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787.

As part of her initiative, each member of Congress received a DAR resolution advocating for the observance. The effort succeeded, and since then, DAR chapters across the country have worked diligently to promote awareness and appreciation of the Constitution and the rights it guarantees.

Locally, the John Cain–Benjamin Culp Chapter, serving Hempstead and Nevada County, continues this proud tradition. This year, the chapter was instrumental in securing a Proclamation from Prescott Mayor Terry Oliver, officially recognizing September 17–23 as Constitution Week in the community with Brenda Barham, Chapter Regent and Georgia Estes, Recording Secretary.

Through these efforts, DAR members strive to educate citizens about the importance of the U.S. Constitution and to encourage participation in its enduring legacy.