Constitutional Day commemorates September 17, 1787. The 39 delegates met one last time at the Constitutional Convention to sign the United States Constitution. On this day the Constitution became the supreme law of the land.
"I am an American Day."
In 1940, there was a joint resolution passed by Congress to recognize all those who officially became an American citizen. The resolution was repealed in 1952; Congress moved the day to September 17 and deemed it Constitution Day. Now the day recognizes both the signing of the Constitution and those who have obtained American citizenship. The Library of Congress provides resources and laws from the Legislative and Executive Documents pertaining to Constitution and Citizenship Day.
There are a couple of requirements associated with Constitution Day. The first is that all federal agencies must provide educational materials and training related to the Constitution to every employee. The second requirement states that all educational institutions, K-12, receiving federal funds should hold programs for the students that emphasize the history and importance of this day. To fill one of these requirements, the Center for Civic Education provides lesson plans catered to each grade level. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education provides resources to learn more about Constitution day and to get involved.
Constitution Day recognizes the creation of the Law of the Land and celebrates the privileges and rights given to those who have gained American citizenship. The National Archives provides a list of activities that one can partake in to celebrate this historical holiday.
The OSU Library has a copy of the 2,789 page volume The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation, also a Constitution Day display on the 5th floor and free copies of the U.S. Constitution!
- by Emily Hancz
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