When was the U.S. Constitution signed? If you guessed July 4, 1776, you’d be wrong.
The delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the most influential document in American history on September 17, 1787 – 238 years ago – in the Pennsylvania State House, which we now call Independence Hall.
Congress established “Constitution Day” in 2004 to commemorate that date and celebrate those who have become U.S. citizens. This combined what had initially been called “I am an American Day,” set in 1940, and then renamed “Citizenship Day” in 1952, with an observance of “Constitution Week” beginning in 1956.
Today, communities across the country hold various events to celebrate the U.S. Constitution and honor those who have chosen to become citizens.
The Estes Valley Voice is hosting a Constitution Day and Citizenship Day celebration on Sept. 17 in George Hix Plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come join us in celebrating the Constitution, the document that established the government of the United States.
The Constitution includes the Bill of Rights, which Congress proposed on Sept. 25, 1789, and the states ratified on Dec.15, 1791.
As a news publication, the Estes Valley Voice is particularly fond of the First Amendment, which guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble with a group to protest or for other reasons, and the right to petition the government to fix problems. The First Amendment protects the right to religious beliefs and practices and prevents the government from creating or favoring a religion.
Look for the EVV’s white tent at George Hix Plaza near the Sensory Garden between Raven’s Roast and Macdonald Book Shop. Come stand on a soapbox and speak your mind. Write with sidewalk chalk on the pavement (yes, we have a permit, and we promised the town we would take care of power washing after the event).
We will have invited speakers and plenty of opportunities for community members to speak, share a patriotic or protest song, or pen a message on the sidewalk. Bring a bell and ring it proudly. Let’s make some noise.
In 2018, Civil Rights activist and Georgia Congressman John Lewis tweeted, “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
The aphorism “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” has been misattributed to the 18th-century French philosopher Voltaire, but the sentiment is apropos to the defenders of the First Amendment.
While we will not censor your speech, we ask that you consider exercising your right to speak freely but with respect to your fellow citizens. We can agree to disagree on many things, but hate speech serves no one.
Please join us in celebrating the Constitution and exercising our First Amendment rights.
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