Constitution Week is
observed nationwide September 17-23, according to Brunswick Town Chapter Constitution
Committee chairs.
Observed annually
since NSDAR petitioned Congress with a resolution in 1955, the week includes
targeted study in fifth grade classrooms as well as the Ringing of the Bells
across America at 4pm September 17.
Chapters
nationwide coordinate and encourage ringing of bells at churches, schools,
courthouses, firehouses and homes to remind the public that the Constitution
is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation for its way of
life.
Brunswick Town
Chapter also created displays at Rourk Library in Shallotte and Harper Library
in Southport.
Here are just a
few facts about the writing of the US Constitution:
It
was written in the Pennsylvania State House where the Declaration of
Independence was signed and where George Washington received his commission as
Commander of the Army. It is now called Independence Hall.
Written
in 1787, the Constitution was signed on September 17, but wasn’t ratified by
the necessary nine states until 1788.
Of
the 55 delegates attending the Constitutional Convention, 39 signed and 3
delegates dissented. Two of America’s Founding Father’s didn’t sign: Thomas Jefferson, ambassador to France, and
John Adams, ambassador to Great Britain.
The
first national Thanksgiving Day was created by George Washington on November
26, 1789 as a way of giving thanks for the Constitution.
The
US Constitution is the oldest and shortest of all the written constitutions.
Ben
Franklin (89) was the oldest delegate. Jonathon Dayton (26) was the youngest.
Information provided by the Brunswick Town public relations chair.
