Secretary Margaret Spellings today issued the following statement recognizing the celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17, 2006, and September 17 through September 23, 2006, as Constitution Week:

On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was signed, an event "little short of a miracle," in the words of George Washington. It was the first step toward creating a government of, by and for the people. As we observe Constitution Day, Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, "We the People" deserve to learn more about this great document that continues to inspire freedom-loving citizens everywhere.

The 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 their Constitution Day educational programs. We have also provided links to other useful sites, including the National Constitution Center and the National Archives and Records Administration's "Celebrate Constitution Day" website.

Two hundred and nineteen years later, the U.S. Constitution still has much to teach us. Its principles of freedom and fairness are still being perfected. Its once-revolutionary concepts have been much-imitated. But they must never be taken for granted. On Constitution Day, I wish to thank the teachers across the country who are making this document come alive for our young people.

To access federal resources on Constitution Day, please visit: http://www.ed.gov/free/constitution/index.html.

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