Shelton Mayor Mark A. Lauretti Proclaims Constitution Week September 17-23, 2026

Mayor Mark A. Lauretti proclaimed September 17-23, 2026 Constitution Week. When presenting the Proclamation to Ripton Parish Chapter Regent Christine Schmied and to the Ripton Parish Chapter members, the mayor noted that September 17, 2026, is the 239^th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention.

Mayor Lauretti noted that the Constitution is the guardian of our liberties and embodies the principles of limited government in a Republic dedicated to rule by law. He urged all citizens to study the Constitution and reflect on the privilege of being an American with all the rights and responsibilities which that privilege involves.

Regent Schmied thanked the mayor on behalf of the members of Ripton Parish Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Ripton Parish Chapter is proud of the everyday men and women of Ripton Parish who achieved extraordinary things. We share their heritage and are proud of the role of these ancestors who risked their lives and fortunes in establishing our nation. She said the DAR says it best - “We the People live our Constitution every day. In this 250th anniversary year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are called to Illuminate Our Legacy of the Constitution not just during Constitution Week, but All Year Strong!”

Regent Schmied noted that 71 years ago, President Dwight D. Eisenhower designated Constitution Week beginning September 17 and ending September 23, and that the tradition of celebrating Constitution Week was begun by the DAR in 1955. The United States of America is the first country in the world where its own citizens created a Democratic Republic. In a time when monarchs ruled their subjects, this government in service to its citizens, who are equal in creation and under the law, was revolutionary.

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