Today is Constitution Day

It's Constitution Day today. And, if you are questioning what exactly is Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day), let me explain. It is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is normally observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.

So, today at 9:00 a.m., in honor of the 228th Anniversary of our nation’s founding document, attorneys from the Grand Rapids Bar Association are volunteering their time to educate students about the U.S. Constitution. They will visit more than 1,400 5th grade students in classrooms across the district.

Actually, the law requires any school receiving federal money to educate their students about the Constitution on or around Constitution Day. GRPS students have the opportunity to learn first-hand from attorneys about the U.S. Constitution and how it impacts their everyday lives. Nearly every 5th grade student at GRPS will be taking part.

With funding from Fifth Third Bank, and in partnership with the non-partisan not-for-profit Liberty Day organization, teachers and students will be given educational packets of material, and a list of interactive websites that will help in their understanding of our constitution.