Sources
- https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution
The National Archives is the authoritative source for the U.S. Constitution, providing the full text and historical context, making it highly relevant for verifying details about the signing and content of the Constitution. - https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/ConstitutionDay.htm
The U.S. Senate's official website provides historical information about Constitution Day, including its origins and legislative history, which supports the claims about the holiday's establishment and renaming. - https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/september-17/
The Library of Congress offers a detailed historical account of September 17, 1787, the day the Constitution was signed, and its significance, aligning with the blog post's narrative about the event's impact. - https://www.ed.gov/constitution-day
The U.S. Department of Education's page on Constitution Day confirms the legal requirement for public schools to teach about the Constitution on this day, supporting the blog's claim about educational mandates. - https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/
The White House's official page on the Constitution provides authoritative information about its enduring significance and role in American governance, which aligns with the blog's conclusion about cherishing the Constitution.
Key Points
- Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787 by 39 delegates.
- By law, US public schools must teach about the Constitution on Constitution Day.
- Originally proposed in 1939, 'I am an American Day' was established in 1940 on the third Sunday of May.
- Olga T. Weber advocated to move the celebration to September 17 to honor the Constitution's signing, leading to Citizenship Day in 1953.
- In 2005, the day was renamed Constitution and Citizenship Day, confirmed by President Trump in 2017.
- The Constitution is foundational to America's unity and governance, symbolizing liberty and justice.
- Constitution Day is an annual observance, not a federal holiday like Independence Day or Veterans Day.
- The day serves as a reminder of America's unique heritage and the importance of the Constitution.
- Judge Antonin Scalia's quote emphasizes interpreting the Constitution based on its original meaning, not contemporary views.
Summary
Constitution Day, celebrated on September 17th, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and was established as a day of observance to honor American citizenship and heritage. Originally called "I am an American Day," it was renamed in 1953 and later reaffirmed in 2005 as Constitution and Citizenship Day. The day serves as a reminder of the Constitution's enduring role in unifying the nation under principles of liberty and justice.
Get Smarter on US News, History, and the Constitution
Constitution Day US
The anniversary of the day that the US Constitution was written and signed by 39 delegates is called Constitution Day.
By law, in the public American educational system, teachers must set aside to teach about the Constitution.
The signing of the US Constitution
On September 17th, 1787, the United States Constitution was written and signed by 39 men at the Continental Congress. This was an event that changed America.
Many years later, once the United States of America had become a thriving nation, patriotism was rampant. In the year 1939, William Randolph Hearst from New York City proposed that they declare a national holiday whereby all American citizens could celebrate their homeland.
It was soon passed by Congress and President Harry Truman in 1940 that a public holiday was to be held on the third Sunday in May and was dubbed the “I am an American Day.”
Citizenship and Olga T. Weber
The American population embraced it wholeheartedly. Olga T. Weber from Louisville, Ohio decided that such a special day should be celebrated on September 17th to commemorate the day the Constitution was written. I am an American Day was renamed Citizenship Day.
It is an annual day of observance, unlike federal holidays such as Independence Day, Veteran Day, or Juneteenth.
First, she made it so in her home state, then hightailed it to the Supreme Court to make her demands known. Since 1953, Citizenship Day has been called Constitution Day and has been held on September 17th of each year.
Finally, in 2005, Constitution Day was renamed as Constitution and Citizenship Day. President Donald Trump confirmed this date and name in 2017.
Why the Constitution must be cherished
America has a beginning paved with the blood, sweat, and tears of the forefathers. The Constitution was the clay upon which America’s structure was built.
The US Constitution has created unity among all fifty states of America under one common belief in liberty and justice for all.
Conclusion
“The Constitution that I interpret and apply is not living, but dead, or as I prefer to call it, enduring. It means, today, not what current society, much less the court, thinks it ought to mean, but what it meant when it was adopted.”
– Judge Antonin Scalia.
In the humdrum day by day life, it is easy to become self-absorbed and unappreciative of our heritage. We’ve lost our ancestors’ zeal for this great nation we live in and often lose sight that we live in a country unlike any other in the world. To think that it all started with a document is humbling and should be celebrated.
Wach the original film below which is called I am an America:
One Response
” …It was soon passed by Congress and President Harry Truman in 1940…”
This portion of Line 6 of “In The Beginning” is in error, I believe. Vice President Truman became President upon President Roosevelt’s death in 1945.
In any event, thank you for posting our nation’s founding document. I refer to your site often…