In December 2004, the United States Congress passed an amendment to the omnibus spending bill designating September 17th as Constitution and Citizenship Day.  This day recognizes the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens both native-born and naturalized.  Educational institutions are now dedicating September 17th to teaching the importance of our Constitution and the privileges of citizenship to students of all ages. 

This day was chosen for students across America to commemorate Constitution and Citizenship Day as September 17, 1787, because United States Constitution was signed by delegates from 12 states at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  This day celebrates our Supreme Law of the Land as the single oldest working Constitution in the world. 

As our nation celebrates, we recall the hard work put forth and the sacrifices made by our founding fathers.  It is my hope that the observance of Constitution and Citizenship Day will impress upon young scholars a renewed respect and understanding for the rights and privileges given to Americans.  These factors impact our lives everyday, and it is essential for our students throughout our nation to have an understanding of the ideals, freedom and opportunities that define America. 

As the world watches Iraq struggle to form a Constitution of their own, it is imperative that we do not take this sacred document for granted.  As a nation, we fought hard for the rights and liberties we hold so dearly as United States citizens.  We will forever be indebted to our founding fathers for establishing those rights and liberties that we now deem fundamental and to our veterans for defending them.