MOULTRIE, Ga. — There are two documents of paramount importance to American history: the Declaration of Independence, which forged our national identity, and the United States Constitution, which set forth the framework for the federal government that is still in use today.

While Independence Day is a beloved national holiday, fewer people know about Constitution Week, an annual commemoration of the living document that upholds and protects the freedoms central to the American way of life. This year, the annual celebration begins Tuesday and continues through Sept. 23.

“Most people don’t really understand that a lot of their daily lives is influenced by the Constitution,” said Nancy Coleman, regent of the John Benning chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. “It is the supreme law of the land and has stood the test of time for 232 years.”    

The Constitution’s first three words — We the People — affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. The Constitution was signed on Sept. 17, 1787, but it wasn’t until 1788 that it was ratified by the necessary nine of the original 13 states.   

Moultrie Mayor William McIntosh and Colquitt County Commission Chairman Denver Braswell signed a proclamation encouraging local citizens to observe Constitution Week by reading the Constitution and reflecting on its impact on our daily lives.  McIntosh said the Constitution was the anchor for us a country. Braswell added that the Constitution is the basis for all our rights as citizens.  

Moultrie’s DAR chapter will also launch the “History Rocks!” project by distributing rocks painted with phrases about the Constitution to elementary schools. The rocks are hidden on campus. The first student to find a rock on each campus will receive a prize donated by a local business, Coleman said.  

“The objective of the painted rocks is to get school children to ask questions about the constitutional phrases on the rocks, like ‘Freedom of Speech’ and ‘Bill of Rights,’” said Melanie Weldon, Constitution Week chair.  “History can be educational and fun. History can rock.”  

DAR is encouraging local citizens to celebrate the Constitution by participating in Bells Across America on Constitution Day, Tuesday. Citizens are asked to meet on the Central Avenue steps of the Colquitt County Courthouse at 3:45 p.m. The bells will be rung at 4 p.m., signifying the time the Constitution was signed. Parents are encouraged to bring children, and attendees can bring their own bell.  

One of the largest patriotic women’s organizations in the world, DAR strives to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service, and more. For additional information about DAR and its programs, email the local chapter at  nancycolemandar@windstream.net.