Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney and Hamblen County Mayor Bill Britton jointly proclaimed September 17 – 23, as Constitution Week in Morristown and Hamblen County. There are three goals for this Constitution Week: to encourage the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787; to remind the public that the Constitution is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation for its way of life; and to emphasize U.S. citizens’ responsibility to protect, defend and preserve the U.S. Constitution. It marks the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the Constitution, and the 229th anniversary of the ratification of the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights.

In Britton’s absence, Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney presented a copy of the Morristown and Hamblen County Proclamation to Samuel Doak Chapter Regent Carol Long, and members of the Samuel Doak Chapter. The DAR initiated the observance in 1955, when the service organization petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate September 17–23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution, and on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915. The Constitution is a living document that assures each citizen of the freedoms Americans cherish and appreciate. As members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, it is their responsibility to keep our ancestors' legacy alive by promoting the ideals they fought valiantly to give their descendants.