Sept. 17-23 is Constitution Week, commemorating the signing of our Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.

The Constitution was prepared in secret behind locked doors guarded by sentries. Today, this important document that provides the framework of our federal government is easily accessible by all. It takes only about half an hour to read the 4,000-plus words in our Constitution — the oldest constitution still in active use today.

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) initiated the observance of an annual weeklong commemoration of the Constitution in 1955 when the organization petitioned Congress to dedicate Sept. 17-23 of each year as Constitution Week.

President Dwight E. Eisenhower signed the resolution into law in 1956. DAR’s Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., is the only structure dedicated to the Constitution.

All across the United States people will ring bells at 1 p.m. (PT) today to celebrate the signing of the Constitution.

Notable Quote: "We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution." — Abraham Lincoln

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This Constitution Spotlight was provided by Lt. George Farragut Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.