Monday begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America's most important document is one of our country's least known official observances. Our Constitution 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 tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 each year to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document, which is the safeguard of our American liberties. We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to guard that which is committed to us by our forefathers -- our freedom.

Locally, the Captain William Hilton Chapter (DAR), the Dr. George Mosse Chapter (SAR), and the Hilton Head Chapter Children of the American Revolution (CAR) will celebrate Constitution Week on at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall on Hilton Head Island. Councilwoman Kim Likens will be the keynote speaker. The Hilton Head Island High School NJROTC unit will present the colors. Melinda Smith's fifth-grade class at Hilton Head Island Elementary School for the Creative Arts will present the "Constitution Rap."

Andrea C. Helfrich

Hilton Head Island