Citizenship Day

Commemorating Constitution and Citizenship Day – September 17, 2008

Few documents changed the world more than the Constitution of the United States. Prior to the United States Declaration of Independence and the signing of the Constitution, people had for centuries lived in counties without personal rights and without a democratic form of government. All that changed when the Constitutional Convention adopted the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

For the first time in history, one nation’s citizens freely agreed to a democratic form of self governance. Today we take our rights and freedoms and form of government for granted. But 221 years ago the concept of three separate but equal branches of government was a revolutionary concept. The Constitution was the framework for our entire government and paved the way for the Bill of Rights and the eventual expansion to today’s 50 states.

That is why the United States now commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution each September 17th. In 2004 the senior Senator from West Virginia, Robert Byrd, passed an amendment that created a national holiday to recognize the Constitution and the benefits of citizenship. A noted historian, Senator Byrd thought, and I agreed with him when I voted for the bill, that today’s youth do not learn enough about the foundations of our republic and the history of the Constitution.

This September 17 schools throughout Florida will take a moment to teach their students about the founding fathers, the history behind the signing and ratification of the Constitution, and why our nation is the greatest democratic republic in the history of the world. Teachers and families across the country can use this day as a teaching opportunity for the next generation of American citizens. Without a firm foundation in American history and its founding documents, our country will lose some of our national identity and core beliefs. I was proud to vote for something that expanded the learning opportunities for our children and taught them about the history of our great nation.

Doing my part to help 5th District residents celebrate the U.S. Constitution, its history and values, I will be making free copies of the Constitution available to all residents throughout the month of September. You may pick up your copy at either my Brooksville or Dade City district offices, call and have one mailed to you, or receive one at any of my outreach meetings throughout the eight counties that make up our congressional district. For more information about when and where to get your copy, please call me toll-free at (866) 492-4835.

The last 221 years have seen our nation progress from thirteen independent states to a global superpower defending freedoms and liberties throughout the world. Our republic was built on the framework outlined in the Constitution, and has lasted throughout wars, economic downturns and even civil war. But today the United States of America is strong, and one of the main reasons for our success is because of the signing of the Constitution. I hope that all 5th District residents take a moment this September 17th to re-read the Constitution, pick up a new copy from my office, and talk to your children about what this document means to all Americans.

Ginny Brown-Waite
Member of Congress (FL-05)