Omar Bennett
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 on September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The day is marked by educational programs and activities in schools and communities across the nation, with a focus on teaching and engaging students in learning about the U.S. Constitution, civic engagement, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17th of September |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Purpose | Commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and recognize those who have become U.S. citizens |
| History | In 1940, Congress designated the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day"; in 1952, this was moved to the 17th of September and renamed "Constitution and Citizenship Day"; in 2004, Congress passed legislation establishing it as a federal holiday |
| Observance | Schools and government agencies join in the observance, with federal courts offering educational resources and experiences; new U.S. citizens take the oath of allegiance in the National Archives Rotunda |
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What You'll Learn
- Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution
- Schools and government agencies observe the day with educational programs
- The day promotes civic literacy and engagement through various activities
- It is an American federal observance that recognises those who have become U.S. citizens
- Constitution Day celebrations date back to the early 20th century
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution and recognises those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed annually on September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The day is marked by celebrations and educational initiatives across the country, with schools and government agencies joining in the recognition of this important day in American history.
The origins of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, with early celebrations observed by fraternal organisations such as the National Security League. However, it was not until later that the day became an official holiday. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint congressional resolution proclaiming the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day", which was later moved to September 17 and renamed "Citizenship Day" in 1952.
The efforts to establish Constitution Day as a holiday gained momentum in the 1950s. In 1953, Olga T. Weber petitioned municipal officials in Louisville, Ohio, to establish September 17 as Constitution Day, honouring the creation of the US Constitution in 1787. Her request was signed into law, and Louisville proudly calls itself "Constitution Town". In the same year, the United States Senate passed a resolution designating September 17-23 as Constitution Week, which was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is now a well-established observance in the United States. Schools and educational institutions play a crucial role in promoting civic literacy and engagement. Many schools are required to teach about the Constitution on this day, often in collaboration with federal courts and community partners. Reciting the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in unison has become a tradition, inspiring young people to understand and embrace the foundational document of their nation.
The day also serves as an opportunity for Americans to reflect on their rights and responsibilities as citizens and to celebrate the diversity and inclusiveness that citizenship entails. With a range of public programs, family activities, and online resources available, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day provide a chance for Americans to come together and honour the principles and values enshrined in their Constitution.
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Schools and government agencies observe the day with educational programs
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution and recognises those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed annually on September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution in 1787. The day is marked by schools and government agencies with educational programmes and activities that promote civic literacy and engagement.
Many schools are required to teach about the Constitution on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Federal courts participate by offering educational resources and experiences in their communities. For example, students of all ages can participate in naturalisation ceremonies presided over by federal judges, providing a real-life experience of civic engagement. Schools may also join with federal courts to access a variety of educational resources.
Educational institutions that receive federal funding are mandated to hold educational programmes about the U.S. Constitution for their students on September 17. The U.S. Department of Education provides links to publicly accessible websites with materials that can be used as teaching resources in the classroom. These include primary documents such as the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other historical texts. There are also interactive distance learning programmes for teachers and students that offer educational resources and promote civic engagement.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day celebrations often include reciting the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in unison. This tradition inspires young people in classrooms, courtrooms, and communities to understand and embrace the preamble. It stimulates reflection, writing, and civil discourse, encouraging teens and adults to search for common ground in the celebration of the Constitution.
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The day promotes civic literacy and engagement through various activities
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that recognises the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become US citizens. It is observed annually on September 17, commemorating the signing of the US Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The day promotes civic literacy and engagement through various activities, including educational programs, public events, and community initiatives.
Schools and educational institutions play a crucial role in promoting civic literacy and engagement on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Many schools are required to teach about the Constitution and its significance, often in collaboration with federal courts and community organisations. This may include classroom activities, such as reciting the Preamble to the US Constitution, analysing and discussing its amendments, and participating in civil discourse workshops. These educational activities aim to foster a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities and engagement among students.
Federal courts and government agencies also actively participate in promoting civic literacy and engagement. They offer educational resources, programs, and experiences to the public. For example, the National Archives' Civics for All of Us initiative provides interactive distance learning programs for teachers and students, delivering thought-provoking educational content and resources regardless of their proximity to a physical facility.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day observances often extend beyond the classroom and courtroom. Communities across the nation join in the celebration, hosting public programs, family activities, and online resources. These events encourage civic engagement and provide opportunities for citizens to learn more about their rights and responsibilities. For instance, new US citizens may take the oath of allegiance in the National Archives Rotunda, a symbolic gesture that underscores the importance of citizenship.
Additionally, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day serve as a reminder for federal agencies to provide educational materials about the US Constitution to their employees. This internal focus on civic literacy ensures that those responsible for upholding the Constitution are well-versed in its principles and committed to civic engagement in their roles.
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It is an American federal observance that recognises those who have become U.S. citizens
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that falls on September 17 each year. The day commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, and recognises those who have attained US citizenship.
The day is observed nationally, with schools and government agencies joining in the celebration. Many schools are required to teach about the Constitution on this day, often joining with federal courts to gain access to educational resources and experiences. For example, students of all ages may participate in naturalisation ceremonies presided over by federal judges in their communities, giving them a real-life experience of civic engagement.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is also marked by new US citizens taking the oath of allegiance in the National Archives Rotunda in Washington, DC. This has been a tradition for over 30 years.
The idea for a Citizenship Day was first proposed in the early 20th century. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint congressional resolution proclaiming the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day". This was renamed "Citizenship Day" in 1952, and the date was changed to September 17 to coincide with Constitution Day.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day marks the beginning of Constitution Week in the United States, which continues through September 23.
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Constitution Day celebrations date back to the early 20th century
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that recognises the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become US citizens. It is observed annually on September 17, the day the US Constitution was signed in 1787. Constitution Day celebrations date back to the early 20th century, with Iowa schools first recognising the day in 1911. In 1917, the Sons of the American Revolution formed a committee to promote Constitution Day, which included members such as Calvin Coolidge, John D. Rockefeller and General John Pershing.
In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint congressional resolution proclaiming the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day", a holiday promoted by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. By 1949, governors of all 48 states had issued Constitution Day proclamations. In February 1952, Congress moved the observance to September 17 and renamed it "Citizenship Day". This was later amended in 2004 to include "Constitution Day", with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd.
The history of Constitution Day celebrations can be traced back to the early 20th century, with efforts to recognise the day dating back even further. In 1911, Iowa schools became the first to recognise Constitution Day. Six years later, in 1917, a committee was formed by the Sons of the American Revolution to promote the day, which included notable members such as Calvin Coolidge and John D. Rockefeller.
The committee's efforts helped spread awareness and promote Constitution Day across the nation. In the following years, various states and cities joined the observance, with Louisville, Ohio, declaring itself "Constitution Town" due to its role in the holiday's national recognition. In 1952, Louisville resident Olga T. Weber petitioned municipal officials to establish Constitution Day, and Mayor Gerald A. Romary proclaimed September 17, 1952, as Constitution Day in the city.
The following year, in 1953, Weber took her case to the United States Senate, which passed a resolution designating September 17–23 as Constitution Week. The Senate and House approved her request, and it was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. These early celebrations and efforts to recognise Constitution Day played a significant role in establishing it as a federal observance, honouring the signing of the US Constitution and recognising the rights and privileges of US citizenship.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is celebrated on September 17.
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 day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. Early Constitution Day celebrations were observed by some fraternal organizations, including the National Security League. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint congressional resolution proclaiming the third Sunday of May as "I Am an American Day". By 1949, governors of all 48 states had issued Constitution Day proclamations. On February 29, 1952, Congress moved the observance to September 17 and renamed it "Citizenship Day".
