Citizenship Day / Constitution Day on Sept 17th

Citizenship Day / Constitution Day on Sept 17th

Citizenship Day (also known as Constitution Day) marks the anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. It also recognizes all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.

The origin of this holiday dates back to 1940 when "I am an American Day" was celebrated on the third Sunday in May. In 1952, Congress moved the date to September 17 and renamed it “Citizenship Day.” In 2004, the official name changed to “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.”

Education about the constitution is hugely encouraged, particularly on Constitution Day. Schools and educational establishments receiving any form of federal funding are required to teach the history of the American constitution on this day, but more than this many establishments such as universities and colleges look to celebrate the constitution by holding celebratory leisure events including ‘Constitution Trivia Quizes’ and community fairs. Constitution based merchandise is also made available in different forms from free paperback copies to t-shirts with constitution quotes.