Omar Bennett
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. While the national celebration of Constitution Day traces back to 1940, it became a national observance in 2004 when Senator Robert Byrd passed a bill designating September 17 as the day for citizens to commemorate and learn more about the U.S. Constitution. Early celebrations of Constitution Day were observed by some fraternal organizations, including the National Security League, which advocated for a national Constitution Day holiday. The first documented naturalization ceremony for Constitution Day at the National Archives took place on September 17, 1977, with 29 individuals sworn in as U.S. citizens in front of the Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17 September |
| Year | 1787 |
| Location | Philadelphia |
| Occasion | Signing of the U.S. Constitution |
| Modern Observance | 2004 |
| Modern Observance Sponsor | Senator Robert Byrd |
| Modern Observance Requirements | Educational programs in public schools and government offices |
| First Naturalization Ceremony | 17 September 1977 |
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What You'll Learn
- Constitution Day became a national observance in 2004
- The Founding Fathers signed the US Constitution on September 17, 1787
- The National Archives acquired the original Constitution in 1952
- Early Constitution Day celebrations were observed by fraternal organizations
- The first naturalization ceremony in the Rotunda was on September 17, 1977
Constitution Day became a national observance in 2004
Constitution Day, celebrated on September 17, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The day is designated for citizens to honour and learn about the foundational document of the United States.
While the first observance of Constitution Day can be traced back to 1940, when Congress authorised President Franklin D. Roosevelt to proclaim the third Sunday in May as "I Am An American Day," it was not until 2004 that Constitution Day became a national observance. This change came about due to the efforts of Senator Robert Byrd, who successfully added a Constitution Day clause to the 2004 federal spending bill. Senator Byrd believed that all citizens should understand their rights as outlined in the Constitution.
The legislation sponsored by Senator Byrd established September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, combining the two observances. This decision was influenced by the fact that many states and local communities had already been observing September 17 as Constitution Day since 1952, when President Harry Truman signed a bill changing the date of Citizenship Day from the third Sunday in May to September 17.
The 2004 law also mandated educational institutions receiving federal funds to provide educational programs about the Constitution on September 17. This requirement extended to public schools and government offices, ensuring that students and citizens had the opportunity to learn about the foundational document of their nation.
Constitution Day has been celebrated annually since 2005, with naturalization ceremonies, educational programs, and other activities honouring the U.S. Constitution and promoting civic literacy and engagement.
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The Founding Fathers signed the US Constitution on September 17, 1787
The US Constitution is a four-page document that was drafted in secret during the summer of 1787. On September 17, 39 of the 55 delegates attending the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the Constitution, concluding months of rigorous debate over the structure and powers of a new federal government.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant milestone in American history, as it laid the foundation for the country's legal authority and the existence of the United States of America and its federal government. It is considered the supreme law of the land and serves as the basis for the government's actions.
The idea of Constitution Day as a civic holiday originated in Louisville, Ohio, through the efforts of resident Olga T. Weber. In 1952, she petitioned municipal officials to establish Constitution Day, and her request was supported by Mayor Gerald A. Romary, who proclaimed September 17, 1952, as Constitution Day in the city. The following year, Weber's efforts gained statewide recognition when the Ohio General Assembly proclaimed September 17 as Constitution Day, which was signed into law by Governor Frank J. Lausche.
The recognition of Constitution Day continued to gain momentum, and in 1953, Weber took her case to the United States Senate. The Senate and House approved her request, and it was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, establishing Constitution Week from September 17–23.
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The National Archives acquired the original Constitution in 1952
Constitution Day is celebrated annually on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The day also recognizes all those who were born in the U.S. or became citizens by naturalization.
Prior to their move to the National Archives, the Charters of Freedom were under the control of the State Department. They were displayed at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876 and then returned to the State, War, and Navy Building in Washington, DC, where they remained on display until 1894. Due to fading, the documents were removed from display and placed in storage until 1920.
In 1920, the Secretary of State formed a committee to advocate for the preservation and exhibition of the Charters of Freedom. While the committee recommended transferring the papers to the Library of Congress, it was not until 1939, when Archibald MacLeish became Librarian of Congress, that serious consideration was given to displaying the documents. MacLeish viewed the documents as objects for display rather than important manuscripts. However, it wasn't until 1952 that the transfer to the National Archives was accomplished, thanks to the efforts of Archivist of the U.S., Wayne Grover, and the approval of President Truman and Congress.
On December 13, 1952, the Charters of Freedom were transported to the Archives in an armored personnel carrier and placed in a custom-built, 50-ton, steel and concrete, bomb-and fire-proof safe, ensuring their protection and preservation for future generations. Today, the National Archives continues to promote civic literacy and engagement through public programs, family activities, and online resources related to the U.S. Constitution and the history of the United States.
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Early Constitution Day celebrations were observed by fraternal organizations
Constitution Day, celebrated on September 17, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. While it became a national observance in 2004, the early celebrations of Constitution Day can be traced back to the initiatives of fraternal organizations in the early 20th century.
The National Security League (NSL), founded in 1914, was one of the key fraternal organizations that championed Constitution Day celebrations. The NSL was a controversial World War I-era nationalist group that supported the Alien and Sedition Acts promoted by the Wilson administration. Despite this controversy, the NSL dedicated itself to fostering American patriotism and national preparedness against potential threats during the war.
The NSL advocated for a national Constitution Day holiday, emphasizing the importance of the Constitution to bolster national faith and pride. In 1919, a spokesperson for the NSL and seven other leading patriotic societies articulated their goal:
> [T]o strengthen the faith of the people of America in the constitution of the United States by means of a popular exposition of its essential doctrines.
To achieve this, the NSL urged school authorities in over 40 states to hold "suitable exercises" in classrooms on September 17 each year. These exercises included classroom discussions, community gatherings, and patriotic rituals like the flag salute and the Pledge of Allegiance. Students also engaged in debates on constitutional amendments, helping to instill constitutional values and national pride in the younger generation.
The NSL's influence may have waned over time, but the grassroots Constitution Day activities it promoted took firm root. By the late 1930s, these celebrations extended beyond schools and communities, with patriotic parades and citizenship ceremonies further underscoring the importance of civic participation and constitutional knowledge.
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The first naturalization ceremony in the Rotunda was on September 17, 1977
Constitution Day, also known as Citizenship Day, is celebrated annually on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The day is designated to honour the founding document that established the framework of the U.S. government and the rights and freedoms enjoyed by its citizens.
Since the 1970s, the main event for Constitution Day at the National Archives has been a naturalization ceremony in the Rotunda. The first such ceremony took place on September 17, 1977, when 29 individuals were sworn in as U.S. citizens in front of the Constitution of the United States. This ceremony set a precedent, and since then, hundreds of new citizens have taken the oath of allegiance in the National Archives Rotunda on or near September 17 each year.
The naturalization ceremony is a significant event, often attended by notable guests, including celebrities, sports icons, current and past presidents, and the First Lady. It is a culmination of a process by which non-citizens acquire U.S. citizenship, marking their transition into full-fledged Americans with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it.
The modern Constitution Day came into being in 2004 due to the efforts of Senator Robert Byrd, who sponsored legislation designating September 17 as Constitution Day. This legislation went into effect in 2005, mandating educational programs in public schools and government offices to promote a better understanding of the Constitution among citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17.
Constitution Day was first celebrated in 1940, when Congress passed a resolution designating the third Sunday in May for the recognition of American citizenship.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens.
September 17, 1787, is the day that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the United States Constitution in Philadelphia.
Constitution Day can be celebrated through activities, learning, parades, and demonstrations of patriotism and love for the United States of America.
