U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today issued the following statement recognizing the celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17, 2007:

Two hundred and twenty years ago, on September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was signed. It was the first step toward creating a government of, by and for the people. As we celebrate Constitution Day we owe it to our nation's young people to inspire in them an appreciation for our nation's history and this great document that continues to inspire freedom around the world.

The U.S. Department of Education's Teaching American History program is proud to help bring the Constitution to life for millions of students. Numerous interactive resources, including lesson plans, video files and games, have been made available to schools and educators as they conduct Constitution Day educational programs.

On Constitution Day, we recognize the teachers across the country who are making this historic document come alive for our nation's students and the men and women throughout our nation's history who have fought to preserve its principles. Today, America pays tribute to the living legacy of our Founding Fathers that, by signing this document, endowed our nation with a rich history for future generations.

To access federal resources on Constitution Day, please visit: http://www.free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=19.

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