The Josiah Edson Chapter, National Society Daughter’s of the American Revolution, will honor Constitution Week at the Austin Public Library from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17. Austin Mayor Mr. Tom Stiehm will be at the Library to sign a proclamation.

The former Red Cedar Chapter, NSDAR, voted unanimously to merge with the Josiah Edson Chapter in October 2015. This was necessary due to the aging of our active membership, and there was an ever shrinking core from which to draw leaders. The Josiah Edson meetings are held on the first Saturday of the month at 10 a.m., and the majority of the meetings are held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars club in Northfield.

Polly Jelinek of Austin will be the chairperson for this event. She has served in this capacity for many years. Several additional members will be in attendance to welcome you and answer any questions which you may have. Because this special display will be on a Saturday, we invite students of all ages to come to the Library and learn more about the Constitution, our Declaration of Independence, American History, and see a unique display of historic artifacts that are new to the exhibit this year.

Unique flags will be on display, one with 13 stars; another that has flown over our nation’s Capitol on July 3, 2013 — July 3, 1775, is the date that George Washington took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts, 241 years ago. A third flag is a tactile U.S.A. flag with the “Pledge of Allegiance” in Braille. An American flag, which has been furnished by the Austin VFW, will be given to each guest. Some of the handouts include word and history games, fun facts concerning the Constitution, what life was like in 1787, who approved and signed the Constitution, flag history and etiquette. Also on display will be an authentic 1789 woman’s night shirt, hand sewn, and made out of the textile hemp. That year is significant in that George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the United States on April 30, 1789, and on June 4, 1789, the U.S. Constitution went into effect. A parchment reproduction of the Constitution will be on display as well.

The NSDAR influences the lives of the citizens of this country and around the world. Education is achieved through literary programs, tutoring, scholarship awards and the support of schools for the underprivileged. The support of these schools alone totals over one million dollars annually. Historic preservation includes the stewardship of over 30,000 objects in the NSDAR Museum in Washington, D.C., contributions to various National projects such as the World War II Memorial, the restoration of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island among many other projects. Patriotism is supported through service to veterans, promoting the use of flags and flag etiquette and the promotion of Constitution Week each September. Women’s issues have also become a priority of the modern DAR. The women’s issues committee focuses on those things important to all women: health, family and career.

We are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Austin Public Library!

Sharon Jensen,

DAR Member, Josiah Edson Chapter