America Celebrates U.S. Constitution

James Waldrop Chapter DAR Promotes Constitution Week Awareness in Fayette County

Friday, September 17, 2010, 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 (DAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to (1) emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity;  (2) inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and (3) encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

The United States of America functions as a Republic under the Constitution, which is the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people. This landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution.  Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.

"We must remember and teach that those who wrote the Constitution believed that no government can create freedom, but that government must guard freedom rather than encroach upon the freedoms of its people" stated Merry Ann T. Wright, President General of the DAR. "The Constitution by itself cannot guarantee liberty. A nation’s people can remain free only by being responsible citizens who are willing to learn about the rights of each arm of government and require that each is accountable for its own function. Therefore, 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."

DAR has served America for 120 years as its foremost cheerleader.  In 1928, the Daughters began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, was commissioned to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is the only structure erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America. 

Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has over 165,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries. The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children, and programs for new immigrants.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR in Fayetteville, Georgia, has spoken to over 1300 students in the Fayette County Schools on the history of the Constitution over the last three years.  For more information on the James Waldrop Chapter DAR, contact jameswaldrop.fayettevillega@yahoo.com.



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Privacy and the Constitution

American colonists fought, sacrificed, and died to establish and preserve the freedoms now guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United States. The right to privacy has come to the public's attention through various controversial Supreme Court rulings. Privacy is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, but over the years the Supreme Court has made decisions that have established that the right to privacy is a basic human right and as such is protected by virtue of the 9th Amendment.

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution reminds all Americans to study the Constitution, know your rights, and know what it says and does not say.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville, Georgia.

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Superstar's Memory Honored by James Waldrop DAR in Fayetteville

Pictured are (l-r) James Waldrop DAR Member and Speaker Phyllis King, Regent Betty Harrah, Georgia State Society DAR Regent, Barbara Blakely Chastain, and James Waldrop Chapter DAR Commemorative Chairman Susan Sloan.

Do you know the significance of September 3rd in the history of America? What about September 6th?

If you answered with the end of the American Revolution and a Frenchman's birthday, you're right! The Treaty of Paris, which was signed on September 3, 1783, formally ended the American Revolution between Great Britain and the American colonies. Among the points made in the Treaty of Paris was the acknowledgement of the 13 colonies to be free, sovereign and independent States.

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution saluted this day in American history as well as the birthday of the Marquis de Lafayette, who was instrumental in the colonies' fight against the English crown by hosting a dinner in Fayetteville to celebrate these two events. The featured speaker was Phyllis King, DAR member and Fayetteville resident, who spoke about Lafayette's Superstar status after the American Revolution was over.

King said, "In the summer of 1824, cities and towns across the 24 States of the Union began plans and preparations for the visit of the last surviving General of the Revolutionary War, Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette. The New Republic was dear to him and the feeling was mutual. For 13 monthes he was celebrated almost daily with speeches, banquets, balls, long processionals and gun salutes. The"Nation's Guest " laid cornorstones for monuments and buildings, greeted old comrades, and reviewed militias.

His superstar status led 26 states to name 18 counties, 36 cities, a military fort and a mountain in his honor and his face appeared on more currency, second only to George Washington. During his stay he met with the President, visited Congress, dined with former Presidents, met with many governors and mayors as well as citizens and Native Americans. Congress awarded him $200.000. After all, he paid his way here in 1777 at age 19, took a commision with no pay and outfitted his first command with uniforms and weapons. In 1779 he convinced Louis XVI to loan money, send Rochambeau and 5000 French troops, and a naval squadron to aid the colonies in their struggle for independence.One author, Alan Hoffman, writes of Lafayette, "He was the noblest, most consistent, most principled, most modern of the Founding Fathers. He was one of the Greatest men of his time, a 19th century "Superstar".

"On his visit through Georgia, he landed in Savannah on March 19, 1825 and laid the cornerstone for monuments to Casmir Pulaski and Nathanial Greene. He traveled on to Augusta and Milledgeville where he found a man who had helped carry him off the field of battle at Brandywine. In his last days in Georgia, traveling through Macon and Marion County he met and visited with Creek Chief William McIntosh's son. His travels continued through all states and he returned to Boston in time for the 50th anniversary of Bunker Hill."

"On his return to France." she continued," he would carry soil from Bunker Hill which would cover his grave after his death in May of 1834 at age 76. In Lafayette's speech to Congress, he summed up his beliefs and his life, "I have stayed faithful to the American principle of liberty,equality,true social order to which I have been devoted since my youth, and which til my last breath will be a scared duty to me."

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Local Rosies Honored as Women in History by Fayetteville DAR

Pictured (l-r) are James Waldrop Chapter DAR American History Chairman Phyllis King with Fayette County Rosies Sybil Hill, Dot Miller and Betty Dodds.

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in Fayetteville recently honored three Fayette County women with the Woman in American History Award 2009.

During World War II, six million women joined the workforce , shattering myths of a woman's place and paving the way for future generations to become viable workers in the job market.

They were collectively called "Rosie, the Riveter" but performed many jobs. Three million women were Red Cross volunteers and Civil Defense workers. Two million were clerical workers, and one million were hired by the federal government.

In the 1943 issue of Newsweek magazine, those jobs were listed as work in shipyards, lumber mills, steel mills, and foundries. These women were the first generation to break out of the mold as homemakers as they became mechanics, boilermakers, and operated streetcars, buses, cranes, and tractors. They served as police officers, taxi drivers, lawyers, and journalists. They ran farms, planted crops, tended animals, and sewed uniforms.

The efforts of these women's wartime production included 296,429 airplanes, 102,351 tanks, 372,431 artillery pieces, 47 tons of artillery ammunition, 87,620 warships, 44 billion rounds of small arms ammunition, not to mention countless numbers of documents and material.

Even though considered ordinary, they pulled together to perform an extraordinary service to their country and America's full might was realized during a time of great need.

Betty Dodds had just moved to Fargo, North Dakota, in 1944 after graduating from High School, when she received a letter from the Federal Government asking her to come for an interview with the Office of Price Administration. At the tender age of 18, she went to work typing letters in answer to questions about quotas, pricing and rationing. She recalls the noise of many typists as they worked and the huge volumes of catalogued restrictions used to find the answers to questions.

After graduation in 1944, Sybil Hill of Mansfield, Georgia, moved to Atlanta to seek work. She found work in a defense plant on Sawtell Ave. across from the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. While at the defense plant she riveted and bucked the rivets in PBY plane wings. She was small and could climb inside the wing to buck the rivet more easily than some women. She remembers making $27-28 dollars a week in comparison to $17-18 a week in other jobs.

Dot Miller grew up in College Park, Georgia, and at age 19 went to work for the Immigration and Naturalization Service at 101 Marietta St. in Atlanta, Georgia. Her job was to fast track the citizenship applications of foreign born service men who wanted to go overseas to fight for the USA. If these immigrants had been captured fighting for the USA, their acts would have been considered treasonous to other countries and would be executed.

The contributions of these women and all the women who left the shelter of staying at home full time to serve their country were the beginnings of the woman's movement in America. No longer were women satisfied to sit at home. These women proved to themselves and the world that they, too, could have a positive impact in the workplace.

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Remembering The Battle of Guilford Courthouse

This step back into history with this Commemorative Moment is brought to you by the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in Fayetteville, GA.

The Battle of Guilford Courthouse

The Battle of Guilford Courthouse took place on 15 March 1781, 228 years ago, at the site of modern-day Greensboro, North Carolina.

It was a rather strange event, in which the British won the battle, but only by deliberately shelling and killing many of their own troops. It was also strange in that, even though it was a victory for Lord Cornwallis, he felt compelled right afterwards to abandon the Carolinas to the Patriots.

It was an American defeat that marked the last gasp for the British in the war.

The American commander, General Nathaniel Greene, had been running from Cornwallis to give his little army time to rest and refit in Virginia. In March of 1781, he thought it was time to cross back into North Carolina and give his lordship a fight.

The two armies met at Guilford Courthouse. The battle went back and forth, but finally, the Americans and British were all mixed up in hand to hand combat, and it appeared that the American Patriots were about to get the better of the fight. Desperate, Lord Cornwallis ordered his artillery to open fire on the tangle of men with grapeshot, which, of course, would cut down friend and foe alike. It worked, and the Americans broke off the fight, but many British soldiers were cut down by “friendly fire” from their own side. General Greene pulled out his army, leaving the field to Cornwallis, but saving his own force to fight another day, which they did. They went on to re-conquer the south from the British.

Cornwallis, meanwhile, found himself with a victory, but in the middle of hostile country, with very few supplies left. It was the beginning of the end for him and the British. He decided to abandon the Carolinas and move from Guilford Courthouse to rest and refit at a little Virginia seaport named Yorktown. The rest, as they say, is history.

References: George Washington’s War by Robert Leckie
The Road to Guilford Courthouse by John Buchanan

By Susan Sloan
James Waldrop Chapter DAR
Fayetteville, GA

President Jefferson Visits Fayetteville

The third president of the United States made a surprise visit to the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution this week. President Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Tom Robinson, took the ladies back in time to the writing of the Declaration of Independence and to the time of his Presidency.

Thomas Jefferson was not known for his public speaking, but was known for his writings. His most prominent document was his draft of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was one of five men who were selected by the Continental Congress back in 1776 to draft the document to declare the colonies' independence from England. The final vote for independence came on July 4, 1776. The rest is history.

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution is chartered in Fayetteville.

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Fayetteville DAR Speaks to Inman Elementary about Constitution

James Waldrop Regent Betty Harrah pledges her support to U.S. Constitution with Inman Elementary School Principal Louis Robinson.

Over 200 4th and 5th grade students of Inman Elementary School in Fayetteville recently learned about the U.S. Constitution in a presentation by the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. After the presentation, the students added their signatures pledging their support of the Constitution to the over 1000 pledges already gathered by the chapter in visits to Fayette County Elementary Schools in September . The U.S. Constitution, the world's oldest document of its kind still in existence, just celebrated 221 years of its framing.

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Senator Chance Reflects on Constitution and Georgia for Fayetteville DAR

Pictured (l-r) are Georgia Senator Ronnie Chance, Regent Betty Harrah and Linda Robinson.

"I am a servant of the people in your Senate," said Georgia Senator Ronnie Chance as he recently spoke to the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution on the US Constitution and Georgia government. Senator Chance was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for his ongoing support of the Constitution in both his personal and government service roles.

On display at the dinner meeting was the 2007 National Award Winning Constitution Week Notebook as well as bells used in the Bells Across America Ceremony. The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville, GA.

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Bells Across America in Fayette County

Carolyn Balog and James Waldrop Chapter DAR Regent Betty Harrah

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution joined in the Bells Across America Celebration on September 17 as the country celebrated the 221st anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution. Over 2 dozen local citizens, DAR members and SAR members rang bells for two minutes in honor of the signing. A 6 foot long scroll with over 500 names of local citizens who have pledged support of the Constitution over the last month was on display. The Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution provided a musket salute.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville, GA.

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Fayetteville Intermediate School Learns About the Constitution from DAR

The fourth and fifth graders at Fayetteville Intermediate School learned about the Constitution from the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in a special Constitution Week program. To conclude the presentation, the children read the Preamble to the Constitution and waited in line to pledge their support to the Constitution, which turns 221 years old on September 17.

Pictured (l-r) are Regent Betty Harrah and Carol Key of Fayetteville.

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Fayette County Commissioners Proclaim September 17-23 as Constitution Week

The Fayette County Commissioners recently proclaimed September 17-23 as Constitution Week in Fayette County. Commissioner Jack Smith presented the proclamation to the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution of Fayetteville and thanked the ladies for their commitment to education, promoting patriotism and preserving American history. Enthusiastic clapping of the audience showed citizen support to the Proclamation.

The James Waldrop Chapter reminds Fayette County of the "Bells Across America" ceremony to be held September 17th at the old Fayette County Courthouse lawn at noon. Pictured (l-r) are: Phyllis King, Jeffre Ray, Bonnie Bolin, Susan Sloan, Constitution Week Chairman Ann Eldredge, James Waldrop Chapter DAR Regent Betty Harrah, and Commissioner Jack Smith.

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Fayette County Citizens Have Opportunity to Pledge Support to the Constitution

Pictured is Stephen McMinn who was one of the first Fayette County citizens to pledge his support.

Drop by the Fayette County Public Library in Fayetteville and pledge your support to the U. S. Constitution in honor of the 221st anniversary of the signing of the U. S. Constitution.

The exhibit runs through the end of September and is sponsored by the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. The James Waldrop Chapter,chartered in 2007 as the first Fayetteville chapter of the DAR, received a 2007 national award for their efforts in educating the public about the Constitution.

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Fayetteville Proclaims September 17-23 as Constitution Week

Pictured (l-r) are Linda Robinson, Ann Eldredge and Mayor Ken Steele.

The City of Fayetteville proclaimed September 17-23 as Constitution Week at a recent City Council Meeting. Ann Eldredge, Constitution Week Chairman of the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, commented that this year Americans celebrate the 221st anniversary of the signing of the U. S. Constitution. The James Waldrop Chapter DAR and the City of Fayetteville urge all citizens to reaffirm the ideals of the Constitution and to vigilantly protect the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties, remembering that lost rights may never be regained.

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Fayetteville DAR Goes to Washington, Receives Awards

Pictured in DC (l-r) are: Pat Reeve and Regent Betty Harrah of Fayetteville.

Several members of the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution recently journeyed to the National Society DAR 117th Continental Congress in Washington, DC. While in DC, the chapter was honored for "Constitution Week 2007- Outstanding Chapter Report." In addition, the chapter was also recognized among the highest level of the chapters nationwide for Chapter Achievement and in the 2nd tier for American Spirit DAR Magazine.

The DAR is the world's largest women's service organization with over 170,000 current members. Members of the James Waldrop Chapter DAR work tirelessly to promote education, preserve American history and to promote patriotism. For more information on the upcoming programs, visit http://jameswaldrop.georgiastatedar.org/

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Celebrate Constitution Day with Bells

Carolyn Balog and Regent Betty Harrah
Photo by Ann Eldredge

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will kick off Constitution Week with bell ringing on September 17th at noon at the old Fayette County Courthouse in Fayetteville. 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 public is invited to bring bells and join in as our country celebrates the day. In addition to the bells, all are invited to publicly sign their support of the U. S. Constitution. The Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution will be providing a musket salute for the occasion.

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Gates Speaks of Troops' Courage, Dedication, Patriotism

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates delivered a tribute to servicemembers' courage, dedication, adaptability and patriotism to the Daughters of the American Revolution's Continental Congress, yesterday.

"Whenever I meet with troops, I am impressed by their resilience, their good humor, their courage, and their determination in the face of personal sacrifice," Gates said to the more than 3,000 members of the group in Constitution Hall, here. Gates was the featured speaker at the organization's national security night.

It is important to remember that, when Americans talk about national security, it is the men and women in uniform who make the discussion possible, Gates said. Servicemembers carry out the policies of the United States, and they "shoulder the burdens of this complex and dangerous world," he said.

The war on terror is the longest war the United States has fought with an all-volunteer force since the American Revolution. "Frankly, our military, our government and our country were not prepared for such a long and grueling conflict," he said. "Despite this, our troops have persevered and overcome incredible obstacles.

"Often, they live in Spartan quarters, work in combat theaters and face the uncertainties of non-traditional war in an era when any mistake -- even the perception of a mistake -- can be transmitted around the globe in seconds.

American troops serve not only as warriors, but as diplomats and development officers as well, the secretary said. "In the face of these challenges, they have maintained a steely resolve," Gates said.

And they are staying with the missions. All services are meeting or exceeding their recruiting and retention targets. "High retention rates continue to be nothing short of remarkable, especially when considering that those most likely to re-enlist are those most often deployed," Gates said.

The courage of those serving cannot be doubted, Gates told the group. The country has awarded five Medals of Honor; 38 Distinguished Service Crosses, Navy Crosses or Air Forces Crosses; nearly 700 Silver Stars, and almost 5,000 Bronze Stars with valor devices, the secretary said. "Each represents a story of bravery and sacrifices so great they are almost impossible to comprehend -- from men and women who have fallen on grenades to save comrades to others who have sprinted through firefights to save a buddy," he said.

The troops and their commanders exhibit adaptability that is key to winning a counterinsurgency fight. In 2006, coalition forces forecast a bleak future for Anbar province in Iraq. Al-Qaida in Iraq just about ruled the province's capital of Ramadi. "When all hope seemed lost in Anbar, the unit in charge of Ramadi dramatically changed its tactics -- moving out of heavily fortified bases and into combat outposts in the middle of the fight," Gates said. "Through heavy fighting, through great sacrifices, they won Ramadi back from al-Qaida. Many of the tactics successfully employed there would be replicated across Iraq."

Gates also spoke of the sacrifices military families make, calling them the "unsung heroes" of the war on terror. Families, too, are affected by multiple deployments around the world. "Words cannot describe how grateful our troops are for their wives and husbands, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers -- the network of love and support that carries on in their absence," he said.

Those wounded in the nation's service deserve the best the country can give, Gates said. He said the American people may disagree about the war, but they still support the troops. "You ... see it in efforts by the Congress to make sure our wounded have all they need to make the transition to the next phase of their life," he said.

Americans also see this appreciation through bipartisan legislation President Bush signed last week that greatly increases the benefits of the G.I. Bill for troops and their families.

Gates said it is "deeds, not words" that count. American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are performing those deeds to ensure the nation's safety and protecting U.S. allies around the world. "In both principles and deeds, our men and women in uniform embody the best our country has to offer," he said. "We are truly blessed to have among us citizens of such tremendous and awe-inspiring courage."

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

The Patriot's Hymn

"The Patriot's Hymn"
as penned by the Rev. Thomas Garland for the July 4, 1915 service at a Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.

This hymn was sung at the 2005 grave dedication of Revolutionary Patriots John Henry and James Glenn. These patriots are buried at the St. Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.

Artwork by: A S Eldredge
James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
Fayetteville, GA

Let Freedom Ring Ceremony-- July 4th

Let Freedom Ring Ceremony
July 4th
2 pm
Old Fayette County Courthouse Square, Fayetteville, Georgia

During this short but inspiring ceremony, the names of the original thirteen states are read and bells are rung to honor the men who risked their lives by signing the Declaration of Independence. This event was begun by the Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution several years ago and has become a Fayetteville tradition. This year, the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution of Fayetteville will partner with them and hand out American flags to attendees. The ceremony only lasts about twenty minutes, so plan that barbecue for 3:00 and bring the family to this meaningful event to honor our country's birthday and the men who brought it about.