Editor’s note: One hundred copies of the U. S. Constitution were made in 1787, to be sent to the States and ratified by the people. Eight copies are known to exist. One was recently found and is up for auction on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Click here to “read all about it!”
The Constitution was finalized on September 17, 1787, by Delegates from the 13 original Colonies. It was ratified a year later, by the States, in 1788 and went into effect in 1789. The Constitution has been amended 27 times since then, but its basic guiding principles remain the same.
Constitution Week is celebrated annually during the week of September 17-23, to commemorate its history and importance, and to bring attention to how this document serves our democracy. In 2024 the dates are Tuesday, September 17, through Monday, September 23.
This celebration of the Constitution was started by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, NSDAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually, to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U. S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Morrison, IL, Mayor Scott Vandermyde entered a Proclamation into the minutes of the City Council meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024.
On September 17, 1787, patriotic citizens across the land gathered to ring church bells–as they did in Philadelphia, PA, when the U. S. Constitution was first signed, at 4:00 p.m.
Morrison will replicate this melodic tribute on Monday, September 23, as Constitution Week concludes. At noon, Rich Criss, Director of Music at Emmanuel Church, 202 E. Morris Street, will set joyful “Pealing Bells” to ring for 60 seconds.
If you are fortunate enough to hear them, take a minute to be grateful for the protections held by “We the People” within the United States Constitution.