Ripton Parish Chapter, DAR Members Celebrate the U.S. Constitution

September 17, 2026, is the 239^th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention.

At the time of its creation, this Constitution was revolutionary. In 1797 monarchs ruled their subjects. Our Founding Fathers envisioned a government in service to its citizens, equal in creation and under the law. They wrote the Constitution making it a guardian of our liberties which embodies the principles of limited government in a Republic dedicated to rule by law.

The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America establishes the structures and conditions of our rule as a standard of liberty. America was one of the first countries to reject the rule of the few elites. As members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Shelton Ripton Parish Chapter members recite the Preamble at all our chapter meetings.

“WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

The Preamble is the introduction to our Constitution, which lays out the laws and protections of our nation and its citizens.

“We the People of the United States” supports the idea that the Constiution is one for a unified nation and confirmed by the reason for adopting the document “to form a more perfect Union”.

The middle portion articulates that popular rule serves and is a summary of the just ends of political society. The Founders would “establish justice” and recognized politics does not define what is right. It shuns greed, vainglory and the ever evolving ‘right side of history’.

The Founders declared the intent was to “insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense”. America seeks to protect the lives, liberties, and property of its people from all threats, internal and external.

The Founders were also committed to “promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity”. Liberty allows us to fulfill our dreams, achieve our potential and worship as we choose. The many things we hold in common are wishing to live safe and secure lives and passing on these principles to those who come after.

The Founders sought in the Constitution “to form a more perfect Union”. The rule of the people and their commitment to these principles formed a common bond.They were united by more than geography; they were united by the pursuit of justice and the common good.

It has been 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. The Revolutionary War was waged by those who believed in justice, rule of law, and to ‘secure the blessings of liberty’ for all.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is dedicated to promoting Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism. DAR members are women who come from diverse backgrounds and have a variety of interests.Any woman 18 years old or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove direct lineage to a Revolutionary War ancestor is eligible to join. For more information, visit https://www.dar.org/ For information on Ripton Parish Chapter, NSDAR, Inc. visit https://riptonparishchapter.org/ To learn more about America250! Visit https://www.dar.org/national-society/america-250/america250-foundation-partner