Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Americans are united by the principles embodied in the United States
Constitution. On Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and during
Constitution Week, we celebrate the establishment of the United States
Constitution and honor the Framers of this groundbreaking document.
In 1787, the Framers of the Constitution met in Philadelphia and
drafted a document that continues to be the foundation of our Nation's
identity. The Constitution established the enduring governmental
framework in which our free society has flourished for more than two
centuries, and it is a testament to the wisdom and foresight of our
Founders.
America is grateful to those who have worked to defend the
Constitution and promote its ideals. During this observance, we also
recognize the profound impact our Constitution has on the everyday lives
of our citizens, and we call upon all Americans to help uphold its
values of a free and just society.
In celebration of the signing of the Constitution and in recognition
of the Americans who strive to uphold the duties and responsibilities of
citizenship, the Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36
U.S.C. 106, as amended), designated September 17 as "Constitution Day
and Citizenship Day," and by joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36
U.S.C. 108, as amended), requested that the President proclaim the week
beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as
"Constitution Week."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2006, as Constitution Day and
Citizenship Day, and September 17 through September 23, 2006, as
Constitution Week. I encourage Federal, State, and local officials, as
well as leaders of civic, social, and educational organizations, to
conduct ceremonies and programs that celebrate our Constitution and
reaffirm our rights and responsibilities as citizens of our great
Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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