Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
Constitution Day is observed on September 17 by schools and other institutions as part of a national effort to fulfill the educational mandates contained within the Public Law that established the holiday.
Constitution Day was first observed in 1911 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and to incorporate and carry forward the intent of Citizenship Day in recognition of all individuals who have become U.S. citizens.
What is Constitution Day?
Constitution Day is a federal holiday that aims to recognize the adoption of the United States Constitution, and to instill a national culture of education on the topic.
Furthermore, the holiday celebrates those who, by any means, have become citizens of the United States of America. As such, the formal name of the holiday has recently (2004) been updated to Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
Constitution Day occurs each year on September 17 — the day that delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 (Philadelphia) signed the document. Requirements put forth by the Public Law that established the holiday are as listed here.
- The President may issue a proclamation each year calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on September 17, and inviting people of the United States to observe the holiday with appropriate ceremonies.
- Civil and educational authorities in localities are urged to make plans for proper observance of Constitution Day and for the complete instruction of citizens in their civic responsibilities and opportunities — both as citizens of the United States and of the State and the localities in which they reside.
- Heads of Federal agencies are to provide each employee with training materials concerning the United States Constitution on September 17 each year.
- Educational institutions that receive Federal funds are to provide educational programming about the United States Constitution for the students they serve when Constitution Day is observed.
The codified version of this Public Law is made available by the United States Government Publishing Office, and can be found here.
A interactive immersion into the United States Constitution is made available by the National Constitution Center, and you can start exploring here.
Will You Commemorate Constitution Day!
Send us your pictures of Constitution Day observations, American flags, flagpoles, ropes, or other accessories! We would be honored to feature your photography in our blog or on Facebook. Remember, photos of damaged flags and accessories are valuable, too.
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Have a great day, from your friends at LIBERTY FLAGS, The American Wave®.
