Written by Bonnie Hayosh
Regent, Luiseño Chapter
This year marks the 225th anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States.
While Sept. 17 is Constitution Day, a weeklong celebration commemorating this event is always held Sept. 17- 23.
Unfortunately, it appears that this has been one of our country’s least known official observances.
Our Constitution is a testament to the tenacity of U.S. citizens throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those inalienable rights to every American.
American colonists fought, sacrificed, and died to establish and preserve the freedoms now guaranteed to us by the Constitution. It is the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people and stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.
Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read, study, and learn about this great document which is the safeguard of our American liberties. By doing so, Americans can reinforce their knowledge of the basis of our government and guard that which is committed to us by our forefathers ... our freedom.
The will be recognizing Constitution Week in several ways.
First, the Chapter has requested proclamations be issued by the cities of Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, and Temecula to recognize the week of Sept. 17 -23rd as Constitution Week in these cities and encourage citizens to reflect on this great document.
Second, displays are being put up in several locations in Murrieta and Temecula to remind both adults and children of the heritage of this foundation document.
And lastly, at 1 p.m. Sept. 17th, the members of the Luiseno Chapter will join with other citizens across America in a bell-ringing ceremony.
Chapter members and others will gather at the in Temecula to participate in this second annual event.
Some of the attendees will be in period costume and readings will accompany the bell ringing.
Nationally, the one minute of bell ringing takes place to commemorate the announcement of the signing of the Constitution in 1787.
DAR enthusiastically participates in honoring historic events remembering the legacies of our ancestors.
