We believe Sept. 17 should be circled on every American’s calendar.
This critical date marks an important chapter in United States history, but far too many people are unaware of its significance.
Granted, most of us won’t get a holiday from work and any scheduled celebrations may not match the fervor reserved for such observances as the Fourth of July, but we believe that Constitution Day should be noted by every American.
This day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by 39 patriots on Sept. 17, 1787, and recognizes all citizens — those who were born in the United States and those who have become naturalized citizens.
History tells us that the Constitution of the United States was the first of its kind and has had far-reaching implications by influencing other nations.
The document was signed by 39 of the delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention, as well as the convention’s secretary, William Jackson. The Constitution, which has been called the most important document in American history, outlines the branches of the government and how the government should function.
A local observance of Constitution Day is organized annually by members of the Benjamin Lyon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This year’s event will include a public reading of the Constitution at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Courthouse on the Square in Denton.
This year marks the 227th anniversary of the document’s signing.
Chapter members tell us that the reading is one of the main events in their observance of Constitution Week, which begins Wednesday and continues through Sept. 23. The public is invited to attend and take part in the observance.
Following the reading of the Constitution, attendees will gather on the courthouse steps to ring bells at 3 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring any sort of bell to join in the ringing.
Chapter members have also created U.S. history displays at Denton’s Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St., and they have placed posters and fliers at other libraries. In addition, they have supported area middle schools in their observances of Constitution Week.
The University of North Texas will also observe Constitution Day with events planned from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Library Mall and from noon to 3 p.m. at Eagle Commons Library in Sycamore Hall, according to the university website. Sponsors of these events include the UNT Political Science Department, the Student Government Association, the UNT Center for Leadership & Service and the University Libraries.
We appreciate the efforts of those who have planned observances of Constitution Day because they recognize the significance of this unique document and encourage others to study and appreciate its value.
We encourage all area residents to attend one of these or other Constitution Day observances to help celebrate the ideals that have been the cornerstone of our nation for 227 years.
Such events are critical because they rally Americans to commemorate the unique history of the United States and challenge us to educate younger generations about our nation’s founders and their sacrifices.
We urge you to join in and help pass the torch of freedom.
