Constitution Week officially proclaimed by Mayor

Murray, Utah - There’s no better way to kick off Constitution Week than with a proclamation. 

The Princess Timpanogos Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) read a proclamation from Murray Mayor Ted Eyre that Sept. 16 through 22 will be recognized as Constitution Week. It was read at the chapter’s meeting in Murray on Sept. 19 to commemorate the week. 

Carol Howard, regent of the Princess Timpanogos Chapter of DAR, was with Eyre when he signed the proclamation. 

“It was very exciting… [for the mayor] to make this specially for us. It was very special,” Howard said. 

The mayor’s proclamation read that “the aim of Constitution Week is to emphasize citizen’s responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution” and went on to say that the week “is a perfect opportunity to take time to read and study this great inspired document which is the safeguard of our American Liberties.”  

This proclamation now runs in conjunction with one made by Governor Gary Herbert. 

The mayor’s proclamation included an appreciation for the efforts of DAR, a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are comprised of women who are directly descended from those involved in the Revolutionary War. 

The meeting saw different patriotic messages shared and a special emphasis placed on service in the community as well as a letter from one member’s son who is currently serving in the army. It was capped by Howard reading the proclamation and hearing from guest speaker Nadine Wimmer of KSL who spoke about education in democracy. 

“Education is the great equalizer in everything,” Wimmer told the women in attendance. “I applaud what [DAR] does to continue those traditions of strong education, strong democracy and the importance of that.” 

Howard said it marked an important day for a special document. 

“If you don’t uphold the Constitution and stand by what its written for then our liberties are in jeopardy,” Howard said. 

Howard, who doesn’t live in Murray, said the people of Murray are lucky to have Eyre as mayor. 

“[It’s impressive for him] to want to uphold those privileges of the Constitution and perpetuate that no matter where you live,” Howard said. 

DAR’s roots run deep in America and not just historically. DAR also is responsible for the programs of the naturalization court. Members of DAR were present on Sept. 17 at Heritage Park in Salt Lake City when 240 people received American citizenship. 

As a result of four new members added during the meeting, the Princess Timpanogos Chapter is now made up of 48 members. 

“It takes a lot of genealogy work to become a member,” Howard said.  

DAR was founded on Oct. 11, 1890 and has since admitted more than 950,000 members.