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Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that celebrates the signing of the United States Constitution and recognises those who have become US citizens. The holiday was first celebrated as I Am an American Day in 1940, held on the third Sunday in May, and was renamed Citizenship Day in 1952, moving the date to September 17, the same day Constitution Day was celebrated in many states.
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What You'll Learn
- The first 'I Am an American Day' was celebrated in 1940
- In 1952, Constitution Day was celebrated on September 17 for the first time
- The day commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in 1787
- In 1953, the US Senate designated September 17-23 as Constitution Week
- Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance
The first 'I Am an American Day' was celebrated in 1940
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. It is observed annually on September 17, the day the delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia in 1787.
The first "I Am an American Day" was celebrated in 1940, after a joint resolution was passed by Congress and signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, designating the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day". The day was promoted through the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, with a 16-minute film, "I Am an American", featured in American theatres. The purpose of this day was to recognize and honour those who had attained the status of citizenship, either through naturalization or by coming of age. The day was also intended to reaffirm the principles and ideals of the nation and to promote peace and security.
The idea for "I Am an American Day" emerged in the late 1930s, influenced by a ceremony in 1939 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where 350 young people celebrated their newfound right to vote upon turning 21. Publisher William Randolph Hearst promoted the concept of a new holiday, inspired by the ceremony and the increasing significance of American citizenship during that era.
In 1949, governors of all 48 states issued Constitution Day proclamations. On February 29, 1952, Congress renamed "I Am an American Day" to "Citizenship Day" and moved it to September 17, aligning it with the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. This change was further reinforced by President Harry Truman, who signed a bill formalizing the new date and name.
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In 1952, Constitution Day was celebrated on September 17 for the first time
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. The date of September 17 commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on the same date in 1787.
The history of Constitution Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, with efforts to establish a day to celebrate the Constitution dating back to at least 1917. In that year, the Sons of the American Revolution formed a committee to promote Constitution Day, which included notable figures such as Calvin Coolidge, John D. Rockefeller, and General John Pershing.
The idea for "I Am an American Day" emerged in the late 1930s and was promoted by publisher William Randolph Hearst. The day was intended to honor those who had attained U.S. citizenship through naturalization or coming of age. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint congressional resolution proclaiming the celebration, which was observed on the third Sunday in May.
In 1952, resident Olga T. Weber of Louisville, Ohio, petitioned municipal officials to establish Constitution Day in honor of the creation of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Her request was supported by Mayor Gerald A. Romary, who proclaimed September 17, 1952, as Constitution Day in the city. Weber's efforts led to the recognition of Constitution Day at the state and national levels, with President Truman signing the joint resolution into law later that year.
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The day commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in 1787
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in 1787. The day is normally observed on September 17, the date on which delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia in 1787.
The United States Congress designated September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on February 29, 1952, by joint resolution (36 U.S.C. 106). It is also the start of Constitution Week, which continues through September 23. The law establishing the present holiday was modified in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the omnibus spending bill of 2004.
Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known as "I Am an American Day" and Citizenship Day, celebrated on the third Sunday in May. The name and date change were signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1952. The day was first celebrated as "I Am an American Day" in 1940, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint congressional resolution proclaiming the celebration.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is a time for Americans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and what it means to be a US citizen. It is also an opportunity to recognize those who are taking steps to become US citizens.
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In 1953, the US Senate designated September 17-23 as Constitution Week
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. It is observed annually on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.
The holiday was first celebrated in 1940 as "I Am an American Day" by proclamation of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill renaming the holiday "Citizenship Day" and moving the date to September 17. In 1953, the US Senate designated September 17-23 as Constitution Week, which was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The week-long celebration was thus established as an annual commemoration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution and an observance of the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.
The origins of Constitution Week can be traced back to the efforts of individuals like Olga T. Weber, a resident of Louisville, Ohio, who is credited with getting the holiday national recognition. In 1952, Weber petitioned municipal officials to establish Constitution Day, honoring the creation of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Her request was supported by Louisville Mayor Gerald A. Romary, who proclaimed September 17, 1952, as Constitution Day in the city. Weber then took her case to the Ohio General Assembly, which proclaimed September 17 as statewide Constitution Day.
Constitution Week is a significant period for educational institutions and government agencies across the United States. Schools and federal agencies join in observing Constitution Day and Citizenship Day the week before and after September 17, engaging in educational programs and activities that promote civic engagement and reflection on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Constitution Week also serves as an opportunity for USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) to welcome new citizens through special naturalization ceremonies held across the country.
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Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance
The origins of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, with early celebrations organized by fraternal organizations such as the Sons of the American Revolution and the National Security League. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day," a holiday promoted by publisher William Randolph Hearst to honor those who had attained citizenship through naturalization or coming of age.
In 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill renaming "I Am an American Day" to "Citizenship Day" and moving it to September 17, linking it directly to the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. This change was influenced by a campaign led by Olga T. Weber from Louisville, Ohio, who petitioned for a day to honor the creation of the U.S. Constitution. The same year, Louisville proclaimed itself "Constitution Town," recognizing its role in the establishment of the holiday.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is a significant observance in the United States, with schools, government agencies, and courts participating in various activities. Educational institutions are required to hold programs and provide resources to engage students in learning about the Constitution and civic engagement. Federal courts also offer educational resources and experiences, such as naturalization ceremonies, to involve students and the community in the celebration.
Constitution Week, observed from September 17 to 23, further extends the commemoration. During this week, Americans are encouraged to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the meaning of being a U.S. citizen. Constitution Week also includes special naturalization ceremonies, where new citizens take the Oath of Allegiance and are welcomed into the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day was first celebrated in 1940 as "I Am an American Day".
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.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is celebrated annually on September 17, the day the Founding Fathers signed the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is celebrated with educational programs and naturalization ceremonies. Federal courts and schools offer educational resources and experiences to students to help them learn about the U.S. Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
