The "living" Constitution, as most modern lawmakers apparently view it. (Photo Credit: CC BY/Mike Licht/Flickr)
Schools across the United States today are devoting at least a portion of the day to educate students about the Constitution of the United States on this, the 223rd anniversary of the document being signed. Fox News reports that public schools at a variety of levels (from elementary education to university) have been granted federal funds in order to supplement these educational programs. Sept. 17 was officially named “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day” in 2004, as the result of a law championed by the late West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd.
But Constitution Day had earlier roots in law
In 1940, Congress authorized President Franklin Roosevelt to decree the third Sunday of May as “I Am an American Day,” a celebration of those who had taken the steps and obtained American citizenship. In 1952, Congress passed a law that moved the date to Sept. 17 and renamed it “Citizenship Day.” By the time Byrd’s law passed in 2004, federal agencies were obligated to instruct employees regarding the nature of the Constitution and schools that receive federal funds were obligated to provide Constitution-based education to students on Sept. 17.
Celebrate Constitutional times – come on!
Seminars are slated to occur across America at various university and federal locations. Speeches, panel discussions, interactive presentations, films and patriot parties are just a sampling of what curious Americans can enjoy on Constitution Day. “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart is publicizing his rally – which actually doesn’t occur until October – but its focus on reason seems appropriate on Constitution Day. Expect 9/11 to be brought up frequently.
President Obama celebrates a whole Constitution Week
For the second time in his presidency, Barack Obama has kicked off Constitution Week (Sept. 17 through Sept. 23) with a call to recognize the rights we hold as citizens. “I encourage federal, state, and local officials, as well as leaders of civic, social, and educational organizations, to conduct ceremonies and programs that recognize our Constitution and reaffirm our rights and obligations as citizens of this great Nation,” President Obama proclaimed at a nationally televised press conference.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Education Constitution Day homepage
Indoctrinate your children well… and know they love you
