09-16-26 Commissioners Celebrate National Constitution Week (Photo) - 09/16/26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2026
Commissioners Celebrate National Constitution Week
(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman issued a proclamation at the Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe the week of September 17 – 23 as National Constitution Week in Douglas County. The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “The Constitution America’s most important document, and stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights. September 17, 2026, marks the 239th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution, a foundational document that established the framework of our nation’s government and remains a cornerstone of American democracy.” A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.
“Today, we have the opportunity to pause and recognize something that is easy to take for granted—the framework that has guided our nation for nearly 239 years. The United States Constitution is more than a historic document displayed in classrooms, museums, or government buildings. It is the foundation for how our government operates and a reminder that the authority of government comes with boundaries, responsibilities, and accountability. It also reminds us that our system does not depend solely on the words written on a page. It depends on people—citizens who understand their rights, respect the rights of others, participate in their communities, and remain engaged in the institutions that serve them,” – Commissioner Kress
In honor of Constitution Week, the Commissioners invited the Umpqua Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to participate in the program and share the organization’s history and mission. Founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Members of the Umpqua Chapter also wore historical attire as part of the presentation, adding a visual connection to the nation’s history and the significance of Constitution Week. The Commissioners also invited area high school civics and history classes to attend the presentation and participate in the educational program.
This proclamation presentation provided an opportunity to look beyond the United States Constitution as a piece of history and reflect on what the document says, what it established, and why it continues to hold significance for Americans today. We were honored to have Roseburg’s Geneva Academy participate in the program and help share the story of the Constitution, bringing the document’s history and enduring principles to life. Representing Geneva Academy’s 11th Grade Civics Class today were Miss Sarah Yun (who read the Preamble); Miss Paula Booher (who outlined the seven articles of the Constitution); Mr. Owen Luna (who spoke about the bill of rights – the first ten amendments); and Mr. Isiah Carter (who discussed what the constitution means today).
“I appreciate you all being here. I love that students are studying the constitution. I love the presentations this morning and the robust recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, it was all a blessing, ” – Commissioner Chris Boice
Commissioner Boice presented National Constitution Week proclamation certificates to the Umpqua Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution - Tricia Powell (Regent),Sarah Paselk, and Debi Gresham; Geneva Academy – Brian Turner (Headmaster), Ross Harmon (Principal), Daniel Ritchey (Civics Teacher), Marie Neet (Parent) and students Owen Luna, Paula Booher, Isaiah Carter, Sarah Yun, Maggie Brady, Collette Shellard, McKinley Mauch, and Soren Carmichael; South Umpqua High School AP Government Class – Steve Gale (Teacher) and students Johnny Butler, Jasper Barklow and Brenden Budel. Also, thank you to all the schools that reached out and tuned into to watch the presentation.
“Thank you, Commissioners for doing this proclamation – it’s really important! To us, me personally and our DAR group, the Constitution is the rule for our government, but it also gives us a chance to express our freedoms and provides a structure – framework for our government. Every year we provide schools around Douglas County with a resource packet, so classrooms have the opportunity to learn more about the constitution.” – Tricia Powell, Regent, Umpqua Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
“I am retired law enforcement, and it has been my pleasure to be a Teacher at Geneva Academy. One of the Capstone classes at Geneva, in my opinion, is the Civics Class. Cicero (Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher) stated that ‘the very purpose of education is to create a citizen.’ Everyone can get a trade, but to be citizen, to be part of a civic toss, to be part of community, that takes a unique education. Central to that education is our founding documents – the core of which is the US Constitution.” – Mr. Daniel Ritchey, Humanities/Civis Teacher, Geneva Academy.
“I have students from my AP Government Class here today. This proclamation comes at an opportune time, as we just looked at the articles of confederation and how the constitution has changed our country since the beginning. It also provides an opportunity for our students to get to know their government and what to expect from their government as they move out of school into a more active role in society.” – Steve Gale, History Teacher, South Umpqua High School.
National Constitution Week provides an opportunity for Americans to reflect upon the history and significance of the United States Constitution and to recognize the importance of civic knowledge, participation, and understanding of the foundations of our government.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism across the United States. Since the Society's founding, more than one million women have found purpose and passion in DAR membership. To explore the ways the DAR is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation by leaving a lasting impact through meaningful projects and events visit https://www.dar.org/.
