Rediscovering Constitution Day: Honoring America's Founding Document

September 17th stands as a pivotal date in American history, yet it often slips under the radar of national consciousness, earning it the title of “America’s Forgotten Holiday.” On this day in 1787, 39 delegates gathered in Philadelphia to sign a revolutionary document that would forever change the course of history: the United States Constitution. This year marks the 236th anniversary of this monumental event, and it's time we delve deeper into its significance.

The Birth of a Nation

Two centuries ago, the founders of our nation—visionaries in their own right—gathered to craft a framework for governance that was unprecedented. The Constitution laid the groundwork for self-government, establishing a system that would inspire democracies worldwide.

• Commemorating the Constitution: September 17th is not just about the signing; it also celebrates Citizenship Day, where countless naturalization ceremonies take place across the nation.
• A Wave of New Citizens: According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, over 17,000 individuals will take the Oath of Allegiance during ceremonies from September 14-23.
• Voices of New Citizens: Carlota da Costa Muhlig, a new citizen from Brazil, remarked on the hope and expectations that immigrants bring, reminding us of the freedoms that many take for granted.

Teach the Children

In 1956, Congress designated September 17th as both Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, encouraging educational institutions to celebrate this week as Constitution Week. This initiative aims to foster discussions about the ideals and visions our founders had for the nation.

During this week, the U.S. Department of Education emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the need to reflect on our Constitution's enduring strength. Schools receiving federal funding are required to conduct educational programs surrounding the Constitution on or around September 17th.

Resources for Educators and Families

The importance of teaching children about our Constitution cannot be overstated. Numerous resources are available for both educators and families, including:

• Lesson Plans: A lesson titled "Unite or Die: How Thirteen States Became a Nation" is designed to engage younger children with the origins of American freedoms.
• Community Programs: Various local organizations offer interactive programs to inspire lifelong civic engagement among youth.
• The National Constitution Center: A treasure trove of lessons and activities available for learners of all ages, including adults who may have overlooked or forgotten the brilliance of our founding documents.

Reflecting on Our Future

The Constitution stands alongside the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights—collectively known as the Charters of Freedom. These documents embody the principles of liberty and rights that guide the United States, housed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

However, as civics education increasingly takes a backseat to standardized testing, we risk losing the opportunity to convey the profound significance of these documents to future generations. As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted during the convention, a central government is necessary, and the Constitution remains our best option.

Our Choice Ahead

As we approach what many consider a pivotal election in our nation's history, we stand at a crossroads: will we reaffirm the values embedded in our Constitution, or will we drift away from them? The upcoming election on November 5th presents a chance for us to reflect on these ideals and their relevance in today’s society.

The preamble to the U.S. Constitution succinctly outlines our nation’s core principles: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…” Let’s not forget the vision set forth by our founders, which continues to resonate in our lives today.

What Do You Think?

• How can we better educate future generations about the significance of the Constitution?
• Should we celebrate Constitution Day more prominently in our schools and communities?
• What changes do you believe are necessary to uphold the values of the Constitution in modern governance?
• Is it time to revisit and amend certain aspects of the Constitution to fit today’s society?