Citizenship Day

September 17Citizenship Day is an outgrowth of two earlier patriotic celebrations. As the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States in 1787, September 17 was first observed in Philadelphia shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War as Constitution Day . Then in 1940 Congress set aside the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American" Day, which honored those who had become U.S. citizens during the preceding year. The two holidays were combined in 1952 and called Citizenship Day.
A number of states and cities hold special exercises on September 17 to focus attention on the rights and obligations of citizenship. Schools make a special effort to acquaint their students with the history and importance of the Constitution. Naturalization ceremonies, re-creations of the signing of the Constitution, and parades are other popular ways of celebrating Citizenship Day. Several states observe the entire week in which this day occurs as Constitution Week.
CONTACTS:
Ben's Guide to Government
U.S. Government Printing Office
732 N. Capitol St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20401
888-293-6498 or 202-512-1530; fax: 202-512-1262
bensguide.gpo.gov
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA 19106
866-917-1787 or 215-409-6600
www.constitutioncenter.org
SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 653
AnnivHol-2000, p. 156
DictDays-1988, p. 21
PatHols-2006, p. 63

Citizenship Day

Citizenship Day

Citizenship Day

Citizenship Day

Synonyms for Citizenship Day

noun celebrated in the United States

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