From Barb Nemec

Darlington

To the Editor:

As the United States of America celebrates 250 years as a nation, a slightly younger aspect of our country sets us apart: The United States Constitution which limits the government’s power over the citizens and with the Bill of Rights, guarantees the rights of citizens.

This precious document sets America apart from other nations — even ones that we think of as “Western” nations like us. For example, in Canada and the United Kingdom, freedom of speech is NOT a right of the people (say the wrong thing and go to jail).

It keeps us free, established our three branches of government, and guides the decisions of the Supreme Court. If it seems that we argue a lot, just imagine what life would be like without the governing document.

September 17, 2026 is the 239th anniversary of the framing and signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) urged the nation to make it a national holiday and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law in 1956.

Celebrations of the Constitution take place every year for a week known as “Constitution Week,” September 17-23. You may see people ringing bells, setting up historical displays., or handing out “pocket Constitutions.” In Darlington at the Veterans Memorial the Constitution is in the center in bronze for anyone to read. You can look it up online, find it at the library, or pick up a pocket Constitution at the Lafayette County Historical Society.

It’s not a day off work, but it is worth some time to remember that our nation was founded with the rights of the people in mind and this document has protected that freedom ever since. Happy Constitution Day! For more information about DAR contact Barb at 608-482-2483.