Early Efforts and Fraternal Organizations
In the early 20th century, fraternal organizations championed Constitution Day celebrations. The National Security League, despite its controversial support for the Alien and Sedition Acts, led the charge. They advocated for a national holiday, emphasizing the Constitution's importance to bolster national faith.
Against the backdrop of World War I, these efforts contained a strong nationalist urge. The goal was to strengthen the American public's trust and pride in their Constitution. This initiative extended to schools, where authorities in over 40 states were asked to hold appropriate exercises. In 1919, students often began with a flag salute, followed by a class reading of the Constitution's Preamble. Discussions and debates on amendments like the 19th, 20th, and 21st became classroom staples.
These activities included more than academic exercises. Fraternal organizations sponsored participatory events that energized community spirit. The Constitution Day holiday saw classroom discussions and community gatherings aimed at educating citizens about constitutional principles.
While the National Security League's influence waned over time, grassroots Constitution Day activities took firm root. By 1934, an 8th-grade classroom in Maine would be immersed in traditions like the Pledge of Allegiance and engaging debates on amendments. This approach helped embed constitutional values in young minds.
The National Security League's Role
The National Security League (NSL) was instrumental in promoting Constitution Day during the early 20th century. Founded in 1914, the NSL was dedicated to fostering American patriotism and national preparedness against potential threats during the World War I era. Among its various activities, the organization's advocacy for Constitution Day stood out as a significant effort to instill constitutional values and national pride among American citizens.
A controversial aspect of the NSL's agenda was its support for the Alien and Sedition Acts, which aimed to tighten national security by restricting foreign residents' activities and curbing dissent. Despite the contentious nature of these acts, the NSL believed that a staunch defense of the Constitution required stringent measures to protect the republic from both external and internal threats.
NSL's Educational Influence
- Lobbied school boards and educators
- Reached over 40 states
- Encouraged adoption of Constitution Day activities
- Promoted student engagement with the Constitution
Community involvement in Constitution Day was also a focal point of the NSL's strategy. They sponsored and organized events beyond classroom activities, aiming to involve the broader public in the celebration of constitutional principles. These community gatherings often included speeches, parades, and public readings of the Constitution, designed to cultivate a communal sense of national pride and understanding.
The legacy of the NSL's involvement in promoting Constitution Day is significant. While the organization itself faded from prominence, its early efforts to prioritize constitutional education left a lasting impact. The grassroots activities that emerged from their initiatives helped sustain a culture of constitutional appreciation that permeated schools and communities across the nation.
The Birth of Citizenship Day
William Randolph Hearst, the influential media mogul, significantly impacted the creation of what would eventually become Citizenship Day. Using his extensive network of newspapers, Hearst led the campaign for "I Am an American Day," aiming to celebrate the contributions of American citizens and those recently naturalized. Hearst's push for a day to honor citizenship was crucial during the turbulent years leading up to World War II, a time when reinforcing national unity was vital.
In 1940, his advocacy succeeded when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a resolution proclaiming the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day." The objective was clear: to honor those who had recently gained citizenship through naturalization, as well as those reaching maturity and assuming the full responsibilities of American citizenship.
The celebrations quickly gained popularity, supported by federal, state, and local authorities. Schools, communities, and civic organizations across the nation organized various events to mark the occasion. Citizenship ceremonies, patriotic parades, and educational activities underscored the importance of civic participation and constitutional knowledge.
"I Am an American Day" celebration in Central Park, New York, May 21, 1944:
• 1.5 million people in attendance
• 110,000 new citizens honored
• Judge Learned Hand delivered an inspiring speech on freedom and liberty
The shift from May to September came in 1952 when President Harry Truman signed legislation that merged "I Am an American Day" with the existing celebrations of Constitution Day, creating "Citizenship Day." September 17 was chosen to align this new observance with the anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787, enhancing the day's symbolic resonance.
These early efforts set the stage for modern commemorations of Citizenship Day, solidifying the tradition of celebrating the United States Constitution and the rights and duties it guarantees to its citizens. The day continues to promote civic education and engagement, ensuring that every generation appreciates the significance of their constitutional heritage.
Legislative Changes and Observance
In 1952, a significant change occurred under President Harry Truman's administration. The passage of a new law led to the consolidation of "I Am an American Day" with the commemorations recognizing the signing of the United States Constitution, resulting in "Citizenship Day." This legislative change moved the celebration to September 17, aligning it with the historic date of the Constitution's signing in 1787.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower further enhanced the significance of this observance. In 1956, he extended the celebration to include Constitution Week, observed from September 17 to 23. This extension aimed at providing comprehensive reflection and activities around the Constitution, further embedding its importance in the national consciousness.
A critical legislative milestone arrived in 2004, driven by Senator Robert Byrd's efforts. Byrd, a passionate advocate for constitutional literacy, recognized a concerning decline in the public's understanding of the Constitution. In response, he successfully introduced an amendment to an omnibus spending bill, which mandated the observance of "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day."
Key Provisions of the 2004 Legislation:
- Federal agencies required to provide constitutional education materials to all employees on September 17.
- Educational institutions receiving federal funds mandated to hold Constitution Day programs for students.
Through these legislative changes, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day evolved into a more structured and impactful observance. The combined celebration honors the historical significance of the Constitution's signing and reinforces the ongoing importance of educating citizens about their constitutional rights and responsibilities.
Key Figures and Their Contributions
Olga T. Weber, a resident of Louisville, Ohio, played an instrumental role in shifting the date of Citizenship Day to correspond with the anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. Motivated by her respect for the Constitution, Weber embarked on a mission to ensure that the celebration of American citizenship would be more closely aligned with this pivotal moment in American history.
Weber's campaign began locally in 1952, petitioning the Louisville municipality to change the date of the holiday to September 17. After successfully convincing local leaders, Weber's advocacy gained momentum at the state level. Encouraged by her success, Weber then lobbied Congress, emphasizing the importance of uniting Citizenship Day with the commemoration of the Constitution's signing. The national legislative bodies recognized the merit of her arguments, culminating in the passage of the new law in 1952.
Another pivotal figure in the recognition of Constitution Day is Louise Leigh. Her journey began in 1997 after she took a course in Constitutional History with the National Center for Constitutional Studies. Inspired by this course, she launched a campaign advocating for the nationwide observance of Constitution Day.
Louise Leigh's Contributions:
- Founded Constitution Day, Inc., a nonprofit organization
- Raised public awareness about the Constitution's importance
- Collaborated with Senator Robert Byrd on the 2004 legislation
- Influenced the U.S. Department of Education's 2005 directive on Constitution Day observance
Leigh's impact was further magnified by the 2005 announcement by the United States Department of Education, which enforced the law's requirement for educational institutions to observe Constitution Day. This directive ensured that schools receiving federal funds would implement educational programs on September 17, aimed at deepening students' understanding of the Constitution.
Through their tireless advocacy, Weber and Leigh played crucial roles in establishing Constitution Day as a cornerstone of civic education in the United States. Their efforts have ensured that each year, Americans are reminded of the Constitution's enduring legacy and encouraged to reflect on their rights and responsibilities as citizens of this great republic.
In reflecting on the significance of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, it becomes clear that the enduring legacy of the United States Constitution is paramount. The efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations have ensured that this foundational document remains at the heart of American civic life, fostering a deep appreciation for the rights and responsibilities it enshrines.
- Baer JW. The Pledge of Allegiance: A Revised History and Analysis. Free State Press; 2007.
- O'Leary CL. To Die For: The Paradox of American Patriotism. Princeton University Press; 1999.
- Byrd RB. Teaching the Constitution. The Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education; 2004.
- Leigh L. The History of Constitution Day. Constitution Day, Inc.; 2005.