Constitution Week, September 17-23, commemorates the signing of the Constitution of the United States. The first plan of national government the United States had was called Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, quickly shortened to the Articles of Confederation by most people. The Confederation was a loosely joined group of states that gives only limited powers to the central government. The Articles were drawn up in 1777 and went out of existence when the Constitution was adopted in 1789.
George Washington served for eight years as the first President of the United States under the new Constitution. His first four years were dominated by domestic issues and the second four years by foreign policy issues. During the administration of President John Adams there was a threat of war with France and again, Washington came back to serve his country in the capacity of Commander-In-Chief. With the threat of war over he went back to live his last days at his beloved Mt. Vernon. He died there on December 12, 1799. Light Horse Harry Lee said that George Washington was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countryman."
The DAR perpetuates the memory and spirit of the men and women who won American independence. The group also helps maintain historic state properties. Any woman over 18 who can prove an ancestor served in the American Revolution is a prospective member. For more information on the DAR go online at http://www.sarahriggshumphreysDAR.org.
