DAR celebrates U.S. Constitution’s 221st year

Members of the Samuel Paul Dinkins Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated Constitution Week with a dinner hosted by Francye Phillips, Frankie Florey, Dorothy Brooks and Nancy Bullock.

Following the meal, members participated in the DAR Ritual, the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America, the Salute to the Texas Flag, the National Anthem and the American’s Creed written by William Tyler Page in 1917. Joan Smith, First Vice Regent, presided over the meeting in the absence of Carroll Bolton, Regent.

National Defense Chairman Dorothy Brooks read the National Defense report from the National Defender, which stated that Wednesday, Sept. 17, began the week-long commemoration of America’s most important document, the U.S. Constitution.

This year marks the 221st anniversary of the constitution, which stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom and to ensure those unalienable rights to every American.

The United States of America functions as a republic under the Constitution, which is the oldest and briefest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people. This landmark idea that men had the right, as individuals, to be free and to live their lives under their own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution. Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.

Eloise Duncan, Constitution Week chairman, outlined the role of faith in God by America’s founding fathers. The inscription engraved on the Liberty Bell is taken from the Holy Bible and states “Proclaim liberty through all the land and to all the inhabitants thereof”. The first Day of Prayer was declared by the Continental Congress in 1775.

The Declaration of Independence states all men are endowed by their Creator and Benjamin Franklin said, “God governs the affairs of man,” and “If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?”

George Washington prayed “Almighty God: We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy protection...” “The Bible is the rock on which our republic rests,” declared Andrew Jackson.

On Oct. 3, 1863, an Act of Congress designated an annual National Day of Thanksgiving as proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln. Obviously, the founding fathers were passionate about keeping God in government and keeping government out of religion.

Constitution Week serves as a reminder to all to read and study this great document that is the safeguard of American liberties. All citizens across this country are encouraged to take a moment to reflect on their heritage of freedom.

Members learned a scholarship to Kilgore College was given to Jennifer Beasley, daughter of Tony and Angela Beasley. She plans to major in psychology and photography.