Every year on September 17, the United States celebrates Constitution and Citizenship Day. This date was established by order of the former President of the country, George W. Bush, in 2001. In addition, since 1955, the period from September 17 to 23 has been designated by the American government as Constitution Week.
Many citizens of the United States - both born in the United States and those who have acquired citizenship, regardless of religion and nationality, celebrate this holiday, although it is not a public holiday.
The historical roots of the holiday go back to September 17, 1787, when the United States adopted the world's first constitution, signed by delegates to Congress representing 12 states. The document was the first Constitution in the world, which clearly defined the freedoms and rights of a person as a citizen of the country.
Earlier, before the adoption of the Constitution, people in the United States lived under the approved Articles of Confederation. The first ten amendments to the Constitution, called the Bill of Rights, were approved by the first Congress in 1789, in September. They came into force in December 1791.
The first Constitution Day was proclaimed by Congress in 1940. It was the third Sunday in May, originally called America's Day. Subsequently, the holiday was renamed Constitution Day and shifted to September. Curiously, those of the Americans who celebrated this event before it was renamed continue to celebrate it on the third Sunday in May.
On the squares of various cities of the United States on September 17, according to tradition, numerous solemn events will be held: various parades, rallies, speeches of high-ranking officials, etc. In the evening, the sky of America will light up with fireworks and fireworks in honor of the holiday.
The US Department of Education annually develops methodological manuals, letters of recommendation and mandates for students and schoolchildren by the date of the holiday. On this day, from TV screens and squares, in educational institutions and various public organizations, enthusiastic speeches will be heard everywhere about the honorary duties and rights that apply to every citizen of the United States.
Throughout Constitution Week, schools in the United States will host lessons on the history of the creation and approval of a document that regulates the rights and responsibilities of a US citizen. Students will read, memorize, and quote portions of the Constitution. Wealthy citizens will make donations to charitable foundations, various entertainment events will be held on the streets of cities.
