Observing the Constitution Week Proclamation signing by Mayor Jim Auxer were Vonda Miller, Margaret Writt, Barbara Nickell, Marie Snowden and Carolyn Bryant. Jane Snyder was absent.

September 17 is the 222th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States. The Pack Horse Ford Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution is celebrating this event with a variety of activities to encourage community awareness and participation.

Chapter members of the Constitution Week Committee witnessed the signing of the proclamation by Mayor Auxer declaring September 17 to 23, 2009 as Constitution Week in Shepherdstown. The Chapter has also received a Proclamation from Gov. Joe Manchin proclaiming September 17 to 23, 2009 as Constitution Week in the Mountain State.

Local schools and organizations have been encouraged to observe this historic occasion. Church bells will ring at 4 p.m. on Sept. 17, signaling the “ringing of the bells across America program which is sponsored by the National DAR organization. Members of the Pack Horse Ford Chapter will attend a lecture by David D. Cole titled “Restoring the Constitution in the Wake of the War on Terror” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17 in the auditorium of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies on Shepherd University. Mr. Cole is a professor of law at Georgetown University. The public is invited to attend.

Dickinson & Wait Gallery, the German Street shop that handles American made crafts, is once again hosting the storefront window display by the Pack Horse Ford Chapter. The theme this year is “We The People,” with an emphasis on patriotism , service and education. It is hoped that you will stop to visit the window, be inspired to re-read your Constitution, fly your flags, ring your bells, and celebrate the freedoms that our Constitution provides for all of us.