This Friday, September 17th, is Constitution and Citizenship Day, an annual holiday to encourage knowledge of our country’s founding documents and the principles they were based on. This currently lesser-known holiday was designated by Congress in 2004 but its history goes back much further and began, appropriately, as a citizens’ quest.
In 1939 William Randolf Hearst used his chain of newspapers to push for the creation of a holiday celebrating American citizenship. On the eve of America’s involvement in World War Two Congress approved the third Sunday in May as I Am An American day. In 1952 the day was renamed Citizenship Day and moved to September 17th.
In 1955 the Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned congress to designate September 17th through 23rd as Constitution week. This resolution was adopted and signed into law by President Eisenhower as Public Law #915.
Finally, in 2004, Senator Robert Byrd inserted language into the omnibus spending bill which renamed the holiday into its current form and enforced its educational mission.
The day chosen was September 17th because that was the day in 1787 when all 12 state delegations approved the Constitution. Of the 42 delegates present, 39 signed it and the constitutional convention formally adjourned. 2010 is the 223rd anniversary of the Constitution’s signing.
There are a host of events around the country to celebrate the holiday and it is federally mandated that all publicly funded educational institutions provide programming on the constitution today. The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia is offering free admission and lists 10 quick facts for those in a rush.
In Washington celebrations will be held this afternoon at the National Archives. If you’d like to learn more or just need a refresher the text of the Constitution can be found here and you can sign up to receive a free pocket-size Constitution here.
