Happy Constitution Day!
THE CONSTITUTION: The Constitution was the document that cemented America into a cohesive whole. It defined what the framework for the organization of the US government. It created three branches of government and specifies the powers of each branch. It also reserves powers not mentioned therein to individuals and states. Prior to this, the country was merely a loose conglomeration of states, as defined by the the Articles of Confederation (ratified in 1777).
THE HOLIDAY: Constitution Day (also known as Citizenship Day) recognizes the ratification of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. Citizens. It's been a Federal observance since 2004. The holiday started in 1940, on the third Sunday in September, as "I am an American Day." In 1952, Congress moved the observation to September 17th and renamed it "Citizenship Day." In 1957, the week surrounding the 17th was designated "Constitution Week." In 2004, Senator Byrd amended a bill to rename the holiday "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day" to celebrate being an American Citizen, and the birthday of the Constitution, one of the documents that define what it means to be an American.
Check out ConstitutionCenter.org for tons more info!
(Also, today is CARL's celebration of Talk Like a Pirate Day! Be sure to visit us at 3pm for costumes, animals, stories, prizes, fun and CAKE! Bring a costume and bring a friend!)
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