DAR members from the John Alexander Chapter at the Constitution Day Proclamation signing: Amanda Hayes, Eve Stocker, Amy Jackson (Council member), Linda Greenberg, chair of the event, Chris Mumm, Regent, and Ruth Bennett. Photo by Debra Lindsay
Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson signed the official Proclamation commemorating Constitution Week, Sept. 17 – 23, 2019, in Council Chambers at City Hall. The signing marks the country’s 232nd birthday.
The U.S. Constitution provides the framework of the American government – its principles and structure – and upholds and protects the freedoms Americans hold dear. The document reflects the thinking of four Virginians: James Madison, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
Participating in the signing were students from four Alexandria City Public Schools: T.C. Williams High School, Samuel W. Tucker and Douglas MacArthur Public Schools and Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy.
To commemorate the Constitution, ACPS students sang a medley of patriotic songs, and Mayor Justin Wilson told the students about the importance of the occasion.
DAR members gave the participating students pocket copies of the U.S. Constitution.
The tradition of celebrating the U.S. Constitution began in 1956 after the Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress to dedicate the week of Sept. 17-23 to commemorate the U.S. Constitution. The aims of Constitution Week are to emphasize the citizens’ responsibilities to protect the Constitution, to educate people about the role of the U.S. Constitution and encourage the study of historical events leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in September 1787.