National Monument to the U.S. Constitution facts for kids
The National Monument to the U.S. Constitution is a special monument that celebrates the 200th birthday of the United States Constitution. It's also known as the Constitution Bicentennial Monument. An Australian artist named Brett-Livingstone Strong created it. Warren E. Burger, who was in charge of the Constitution's 200th anniversary celebration, asked him to make it.
The monument was officially shown to the public by President Ronald Reagan on September 17, 1987. This happened at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which is a very important historical place. The monument is owned by EventMakers-USA, Inc., and its rights were later given to The American Constitution Spirit Foundation. This foundation plans to display the monument at a new place called the Spirit of Freedom Center in Henrico County, Virginia.
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What the Monument Looks Like
The National Monument to the U.S. Constitution is quite large! It stands 8 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 7 tons. It's made from bronze, granite, and marble.
Main Features and Symbols
The most striking part of the monument is a bald eagle that looks like it's just landed. The eagle carries the American Flag and drapes it over the monument. This shows how the American people protect and defend their Constitution.
The monument is built using a special method called "lost wax" casting for the bronze parts.
- The eagle holds a "Spear of Might" and "arrows of protection" in its right claw. These represent the strength of the United States.
- In its left claw, the eagle holds an olive branch, which is a symbol of peace.
- At the bottom, bronze tree roots go deep into the base. They show how strong and stable the country's foundations are.
The Base and Pedestal
Around the circular base, between the eagle and the main stand, you can see exact copies of the people who signed the U.S. Constitution.
The main stand, called a pedestal, has eight sides. It's made of white marble and red and blue granite. White marble stars are placed on it to look like the American Flag. On the front of the pedestal, there's another bronze eagle with the national motto, "E Pluribus Unum." This Latin phrase means "Out of Many, One," and it's surrounded by a circle of fifty stars.
How the Monument Was Created
In the late 1980s, a group called the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution had an idea. They wanted two monuments to celebrate important moments in U.S. history. One would be for the 200th anniversary of the Constitution, and the other for the 200th anniversary of the U.S. presidency.
The Artist and Dedication
Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, who led the Commission, asked Australian artist Brett Livingstone Strong to create these monuments. The Commission hoped the Constitution monument would travel around the country for the bicentennial celebrations starting in 1987.
The National Monument to the U.S. Constitution was officially dedicated by President Ronald Reagan on September 17, 1987. This special event took place at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Along with the monument, five bronze copies of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights were also recognized.
Where the Monument Has Been Displayed
Even though the monument didn't go on a big tour as first planned, it has been shown at several important events across the country.
Notable Appearances
- It was part of a parade in Philadelphia celebrating the Constitution's 200th birthday.
- In 1989, it was featured at the "Spirit of Freedom Country Music Festival" in The Plains, Virginia.
- In 1991, it appeared in the famous Tournament of Roses Parade.
- In January 1990, the monument was the main attraction for the celebration of Douglas Wilder becoming governor in Richmond, Virginia.
- In 2003, it was moved to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California.
- There are plans to place the monument at the new Spirit of Freedom Center in Henrico County, Virginia, in the future.
