An enthusiastic audience gathered for a local celebration of the 223rd anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. Part of a week-long commemoration of America’s most important document, members of seven area DAR chapters assembled.
Popular local educator, Albany city commissioner and retired U. S. Navy veteran Roger Marietta spoke t the event.
Sponsored by three Albany, GA, chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Chehaw Chapter, Commodore Richard Dale Chapter, and Thronateeska Chapter, members of outlying chapters joining in the celebration were Bainbridge Chapter, Barnard Trail Chapter from Sylvester, Peter Early Chapter from Blakely, and Roanoke Chapter from Richland. The program opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. flag, the national anthem, the American’s creed, and the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America, followed by an informative speech by Marietta.
Marietta discussed the Constitution as it was 223 years ago, the necessary amendments over the years and the changing role of the federal government from the initial philosophy to the current heavy involvement in the affairs of the states. He further emphasized the need for a Federal balanced budget in order to solve some of the current difficulties of the United States, perhaps necessitating an additional constitutional amendment for a balanced budget.
Regents of the three Albany Daugters of the American chapters that sponsored the local Constitution Day Celebration are (from left) Frances Miller, Commodore Richard Dale Chapter, Mary Bullion, Thronateeska Chapter, and Sandra Yerby, Chehaw Chapter.