Constitution Day (United States) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Constitution Day |
|
|---|---|
Jefferson High School Marching Colonials performing at the National Archives Building on Constitution Day, 1974
|
|
| Official name | Constitution Day and Citizenship Day |
| Observed by | United States |
| Celebrations | Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorate the formation and signing on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens. |
| Date | September 17 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Related to | I am an American Day |
Constitution Day (also called Citizenship Day) is a special day in the United States. It celebrates the day the U.S. Constitution was signed. This important document is like the rulebook for how the U.S. government works.
The day also honors everyone who becomes a U.S. citizen. This includes young people turning 18 and people from other countries who become citizens. We usually celebrate it on September 17. This is because on September 17, 1787, leaders signed the Constitution in Philadelphia.
If September 17 falls on a weekend or another holiday, schools and government offices celebrate it on a nearby weekday.
A law passed in 2004 officially created Constitution Day. Before this, it was called "Citizenship Day." The new law also said that all schools and federal agencies must teach about the U.S. Constitution on this day. This helps everyone understand its history and importance.
Contents
History of Constitution Day
Early Celebrations
Schools in Iowa were among the first to celebrate Constitution Day in 1911. Later, in 1917, a group called the Sons of the American Revolution started working to make it a national holiday. Famous people like Calvin Coolidge and John D. Rockefeller were part of this effort.
From "I Am an American Day" to Citizenship Day
The idea for a day celebrating citizenship grew in the late 1930s. A man named Arthur Pine helped promote a song called "I am an American." This led to an "I am an American Day" at the 1939 New York World's Fair.
Newspapers helped spread the idea across the country. In 1940, Congress officially named the third Sunday in May as "I am an American Day." This day was meant to celebrate all U.S. citizens.
Later, in 1952, Congress changed the date to September 17. They also renamed it "Citizenship Day."
Louisville, Ohio: The Constitution Town
The town of Louisville, Ohio, played a big part in making this day a national holiday. A resident named Olga T. Weber worked hard to get Constitution Day recognized.
In 1952, her town declared September 17 as Constitution Day. She then asked the state of Ohio to do the same, and they agreed. In 1953, she asked the U.S. Senate to make September 17-23 "Constitution Week."
Her efforts worked! President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed her request into law. Because of Olga Weber's work, Louisville, Ohio, is known as "Constitution Town."
Recognizing Citizenship Day
An immigrant named Mrs. A.B. (Clara) Vajda was recognized by Congress in 1941. She was honored for her role in starting the idea of Citizenship Day. Her simple act of kindness helped inspire the movement to celebrate citizenship.
How We Observe Constitution Day
On Constitution Day, schools and government offices often hold special events. These events teach people about the U.S. Constitution and what it means to be a citizen.
For example, in 2017, President Donald Trump officially recognized September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
See also
Images for kids
-
Congressional Record H1941, Appendix to CR p. A1473
