Estrella Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, hosted the 2024 Constitution Day luncheon at the Sun City Country Club in Sun City. Regent Laura Linton recognized the honored guests: State Regent Sarah Ziker, Arizona State Daughters of the American Revolution Society, President Rick Spargo, Arizona State Sons of the American Revolution, ASDAR State Chaplain Twila Lobitz and Claudia Burr, co-chair, ASDAR Constitution Week Committee. She also recognized former Estrella Chapter Regents who were in attendance.

Gene Twardosz, a retired professor, was the featured speaker and spoke on “Our Constitution: The Back Story.” His presentation was preceded by a musical medley by the Westwind Harmony Chorus.

The Dysart High School JROTC also provided assistance as one of their service projects.

The annual Constitution Day luncheon hosting responsibilities rotate between Estrella Chapter, NSDAR, Aqua Fria Chapter, NSDAR, and Saguaro Chapter, SAR. Saguaro Chapter, SAR, will host the 2025 luncheon Sept. 20.

In 1955, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress with a resolution to set aside Sept. 17-23 dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The annual celebration was established when signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower Aug. 2, 1956. NSDAR is committed to encouraging study and educating the public about the Constitution and the men who framed it.

Bells Across America is an annual celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Participants gather to ring bells, much as the church bells of Philadelphia rang out when the U.S. Constitution was first signed at 4 p.m. Sept. 17, 1787 to commemorate its history, importance and bring attention to how it serves still today. The 60 attendees at the luncheon raised the bells and rang them as part of the Bells Across America.

Daughters of the American Revolution Society was founded in 1890 with the mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism and these timeless overarching principles keep the DAR and its chapters strong and vitally relevant in this ever-changing world. Women descendants of persons who served or aided the cause of the Revolution are eligible to join.

Visit estrella.arizonadar.org for more information, or call Membership Chair Marsha Hanson, 623-606-3507.

The Estrella Chapter meets monthly on the second Thursday of each month, October through May, at the Sun City West Foundation, 14465 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd.