The Major George Gibson Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) observed Constitution Week at Speaks Chapel United Methodist Church in Rose Hill, Virginia. on Sept. 23.

The chapter was invited by the Speak/e/s Family Association to attend the church service and grave marking for Nicholas Speak, who served in the War of 1812.

Constitution Week is the commemoration of America’s most important document. It is celebrated annually during the week of Sept. 17-23. The United States Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights.

This celebration of the Constitution was started by NSDAR. In 1955, 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 the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The NSDAR has also erected a structure that is built in tribute to the Constitution, DAR Constitution Hall, which is a performing arts center, opened in 1929.

The aims of the Constitution Week celebration are to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life, and encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787. Constitution Week is a great time to learn more about this important document and celebrate the freedoms it gave us.