Friends and Neighbors,
Constitution Day, September 17th, is a day to celebrate the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787. This document and its protectors have kept our nation uniquely free and our government serving the people since its adoption over 200 years ago.
The Constitution is an outline for the way our country runs. It contains basic laws for every part of American government and elections, the Bill of Rights, and Amendments 11 through 27. Each portion is integral to American life and ensures freedom and fair governance for all. Its wisdom has been used as a model for over 100 countries around the world.
According to American lore, after the signing of this great document, Benjamin Franklin was asked if we had a republic or a monarchy. He responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
We will keep this republic, if we continue to recognize the virtues and ideals contained in our Constitution. Nowhere else in the world will you find so many rights of citizens to life, liberty, and property. Those ideals, no matter how our world changes, remain virtuous. The United States is not, and never was, perfect, but we continue to strive towards “a more perfect Union.” We must never sacrifice that gift or forget what makes this country a beacon in the world.
As President John F. Kennedy said in his 1961 Inaugural Address, “ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
To celebrate Constitution Day, take 15 minutes to read the text:
https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/full-text
Here is a link to Online or virtual activities for kids and grownups.
https://constitutioncenter.org/learn/civic-calendar/constitution-day-civic-holiday
Mary Kiffmeyer
Senate District 30