Alexandria Marks Constitution Week with City Hall Ceremony
Alexandria Schools, DAR Chapters, and Community Leaders Unite for Proclamation Day
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Alexandria celebrated the 238th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution on Wednesday, September 17, with a special ceremony at City Hall.
City Clerk Gloria Sitton, on behalf of Mayor Alyia Gaskins, presented a proclamation officially recognizing Constitution Week, September 17–23, 2025.
Members of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted the event, joined by representatives of the Children of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution. Special guests included several DAR state leaders, with music provided by fife player David Embrey. His wife, Vicki, brought history to life portraying Mrs. Jolly, a colonial-era milliner, and answering questions from students.
Participating in the Proclamation Day Ceremony were students and staff from Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), including School Board Chair Michelle Rief. Performances included the Alexandria City High School Choir, directed by Theodore Thorpe III, as well as contributions from Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, led by 4th grade teacher Ryan Fitch, and Mount Vernon Community School.
Representatives from the Children of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution joined the sponsoring organization, the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution (Virginia DAR), with members representing five Alexandria chapters: Dr. Elisha Dick, John Alexander, Kate Waller Barrett, Mount Vernon, and Nelly Custis.
Constitution Week was first established in 1956 after the DAR successfully petitioned Congress. The annual observance highlights the importance of the Constitution, encourages citizens to protect it, and inspires the study of its history.
The DAR, the world’s largest women’s patriotic organization, has more than 190,000 members in 3,000 chapters worldwide. Locally, Alexandria is home to five DAR chapters, all active in promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
For more information about Constitution Week programs, contact Linda Ferrara, Virginia DAR District V Constitution Week Committee Chair.
