Constitution Week

Constitution Week is an American observance to commemorate the adoption of the United States Constitution.

Constitution Week
Official nameConstitution Week
Observed byUnited States
CelebrationsConstitution Week commemorates the formation and signing on September 17, 1787, of the United States Constitution and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.[1]
BeginsSeptember 17
EndsSeptember 23
FrequencyAnnual
Related to


History

The observance runs annually from September 17 to September 23. It was officially enacted on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower from a congressional resolution petitioned by the Daughters of the American Revolution , but it was George W Bush who officially declared the inception of Constitution Week in September 2002.[2]

Purpose

The purpose of the observance week is to promote study and education about the United States Constitution which was originally adopted by the American Congress of the Confederation on September 17, 1787. Specifically, the Daughter's of the American Revolution state the purpose as:

  • Emphasize citizens' responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution.
  • Inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America's great heritage and the foundation for our way of life.
  • Encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.[3]

Observances

President Donald Trump proclaimed Constitution Week on September 17, 2017.[4][5][6]

Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution observe Constitution Week by ringing bells at 4pm EST on Constitution Day (Sep 17th)[7], obtaining proclamations from public officials[8], creating displays in schools, libraries, courthouses, and other public areas[9], distributing copies of the Constitution, Preamble to the Constitution, and other patriotic literature, and other efforts to educate their community about the Constitution.[10][11]

References
  1. 36 U.S.C. § 108
  2. "Constitution Week Declared", usgovinfo.about.com.
  3. "Constitution Week" "DAR.org"
  4. Office of the Press Secretary (September 15, 2017). "President Donald J. Trump Proclaims September 17, 2017, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and September 17, 2017, through September 23, 2017, as Constitution Week". whitehouse.gov. Washington, D.C.: White House. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
  5. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Staff (September 14, 2017). "Celebrating Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (Constitution Week) 2017 with Naturalization Ceremonies". United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Washington, D.C.: United States Government. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
  6. "Constitution Day, Citizenship Day, and Constitution Week, 2017". Federal Register. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. September 13, 2017. Archived from the original on September 21, 2017. Retrieved September 27, 2017. Alt URL
  7. "Bells Across America"
  8. "2018 Proclamations" "https://gov.georgia.gov/2018-proclamations"
  9. "Library hosts Constitution Week display" "https://www.theleafchronicle.com/"
  10. "Constitution Week is Just About a Week Away!""https://blog.dar.org"
  11. "DAR Member's Website"
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