Constitution Week

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, September 17, 2016, marks the 229th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America at the Constitutional Convention, providing a historic opportunity for all Americans to remember the achievements of our Founding Fathers and to reflect on the actions of Americans who for the past 229 years have defined the words of the Constitution by exercising their rights and responsibilities as citizens; and

WHEREAS, the Constitution is fundamentally predicated on governance by “We the People,” making citizens’ understanding of the Constitution and its framework an essential element of the future of our country and the civic health of its populace; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to officially recognize this remarkable document and the milestone anniversary of its creation, and the additions to it in the form of 27 amendments; and

WHEREAS, the National Constitution Center, America’s first and only non-partisan, non-profit institution devoted to the Constitution, located in Philadelphia across from Independence Hall where the Constitution was drafted and signed, is the home of the 229th anniversary celebration of the Constitution; and

WHEREAS, December 14, 1819, marks the anniversary of Alabama’s statehood; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of the signing of the Constitution and of Americans who strive to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, the Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36 U.S.C. 106 as amended), designated September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and by joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108, as amended), requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as “Constitution Week:”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of September 17^th through September 23^rd 2016, as

Constitution Week

in the State of Alabama, and encourage all citizens to recognize and appreciate the importance of this enduring document to our nation and reaffirm our commitment to the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in this great nation. I ask that all state and local officials as well as leaders of civic, social and educational organizations bring citizens together to celebrate and reflect upon the Constitution and conduct ceremonies and programs in honor of our founding document’s 229th anniversary.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of July 2016.

Robert Bentley
Governor