September 17th- A Day to Honor Our U.S. Constitution!

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, observed each year on September 17, honor the momentous signing of the United States Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787—an act that forged “a more perfect Union” and laid the foundation for American liberty and self-government.

The roots of this observance reach back to May 31, 1938, when Polish refugee Bronislava du Brissac organized “I Am an American Day” in New York, a celebration codified by federal joint resolution in 1940 to foster unity and patriotic pride. As post-war America sought to deepen civic understanding, Congress moved the date to September 17 and, on February 29, 1952, officially renamed it “Citizenship Day” in Public Law 82-261. President Harry S. Truman’s inaugural proclamation linked the day explicitly to our Constitution, calling on every American—native-born or naturalized—to reflect on their rights and responsibilities under the founding charter.

Recognizing the power of collective remembrance, Congress expanded the observance on August 2, 1956, by establishing Constitution Week from September 17 through 23. President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s annual proclamations since then have urged schools, churches, and communities to host ceremonies and educational events, ensuring that citizens engage deeply with the principles enshrined in our Constitution.

These observances were formally codified in Title 36, Section 106 of the U.S. Code, which designates September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, defines its purpose to commemorate the Constitution’s formation and recognize new and lifelong citizens alike, and invites federal, state, and local authorities to plan appropriate ceremonies and educational programs.

In a landmark step toward strengthening civic education, Congress passed Public Law 108-447 on December 8, 2004, which amended Section 106 to require the head of each federal agency to provide constitutional training materials to new employees and for every educational institution receiving federal funds to hold an annual program on September 17. This mandate ensures that, each year, generations of Americans receive structured instruction on the rights, duties, and enduring value of our Constitution.

Today, as civic literacy faces unprecedented challenges—from widespread constitutional misunderstanding to threats against our foundational institutions—honoring Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is more vital than ever. By coming together to celebrate our shared heritage, we reaffirm the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and the rule of law that unite us. The 917 Society invites patriots nationwide to use this observance as a springboard for civic engagement, education, and renewal of our solemn oath to “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” Visit 917Society.org to join in the movement to honor Constitution Day each year in our schools.

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