A little known holiday is “Constitution Day,” on September 17. We have celebrated Citizenship Day since 2004. What is this holiday all about? How should we celebrate it?
We have previously written about the importance of the Constitution for national unity. We also have previously written about the beginning of the Constitutional Convention and what led to drafting the Constitution.
Creation of a Holiday
The Constitutional Convention drew to a close in Philadelphia in September 1787. On September 17, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document. The Convention charged Major Jackson, the Secretary of the Convention, with delivering it to Congress, then sitting in New York.
All throughout the Convention, From May 25 to September 17, the delegates were bound by a rule of secrecy. That rule came to an end once the Constitution was signed. On September 19, the Constitution was published in the Pennsylvania Packet, replacing all other news of the day.
In 1911, Iowa recognized a school holiday to commemorate the Constitution. During World War I, more groups began to advocate for a holiday to commemorate the signing of the Constitution. In 1953, the U. S. Senate created Constitution Week, running September 17-23. In 2004, an amendment attached to to a spending bill established a federal holiday.
(a) Designation.—
September 17 is designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorate the formation and signing on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.
The President may issue each year a proclamation calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and inviting the people of the United States to observe Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies.
(d) State and Local Observances.—
The civil and educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and towns are urged to make plans for the proper observance of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the State and locality in which they reside.
36 USC 106
Constitution Day Commemorations
The U. S. Department of Education sites notes that
Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year is required to hold an educational program about the U.S. Constitution for its students on September 17 (if it falls on a weekend; it should be held in the previous or next week).
Federal statute provides that
Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution.
Public Law 108-447, div. J, § 111(b), 18 Stat. 2809, 3344-45 (Dec. 8, 2004).
We encourage not only educational institutions to commemorate the day, but also all Americans. We encourage all Americans to read the Constitution.
Additional commemorative resources are available from these sources.
Final Thoughts
On July 4, we celebrate the birth of the American nation and independence from Great Britain. On September 17, we celebrate the birth of a new American Republic under a new form of government. Both are critically important to us as Americans worthy of celebration. Both should be unifying events for all of us as Americans.
James Madison recorded the following about the signing of the Constitution in his notes on the Convention.
Whilst the last members were signing it Doctr. FRANKLIN looking towards the Presidents Chair, at the back of which a rising sun happened to be painted, observed to a few members near him, that Painters had found it difficult to distinguish in their art a rising from a setting sun. I have said he, often and often in the course of the Session, and the vicisitudes of my hopes and fears as to its issue, looked at that behind the President without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting: But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting Sun.
Yale Avalon Project
Happy Constitution Day and may we endeavor to ensure the sun is indeed rising now and always!