MOUNT VERNON — Most Americans know July 4 as the day the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Fewer may have Sept. 17 circled on their calendars. But the date marks another pivotal moment in American history.
An American anniversary
On Sept. 17, 1787, delegates gathered in Philadelphia and signed the United States Constitution. On Thursday, community members gathered in Mount Vernon to mark the 239th anniversary of that signing and the beginning of Constitution week.
The Lucy Knox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution organized Thursday’s event.
Constitution Week is an annual celebration that runs Sept. 17-23. Throughout the week, Americans are encouraged to reflect on citizenship and the country’s history.
The week encourages America “to reflect on the remarkable document, the freedom within the text and the responsibility of citizenship it entrusts to each generation,” said Suzy Davidson, regent of the Lucy Knox Chapter.
“We hope this gathering encourages us all to reflect on the Constitution, the freedoms it protects and the responsibilities of citizenship we share,” Davidson said.
The event brought together 13 individuals from across Knox County to take turns reading from the Constitution. This is the first year the Lucy Knox Chapter has hosted the event.
The U.S. Constitution is not merely a document from our past
Suzy davidson
Davidson said the Daughters of the American Revolution has promoted the study and understanding of the U.S. Constitution for more than a century.
Before the 13 community members rose to recite the document, those gathered were encouraged to read aloud the Constitution’s Preamble together with Davidson.
Following the recitation, Davidson stepped forward to thank the committee members of the Lucy Knox Chapter who made the event possible.
She reflected on the importance of the Constitution.
“The U.S. Constitution is not merely a document from our past. It remains a living framework of self-government and the strength depends upon citizens who understand it, protect it and participate thoroughly in the life of their communities,” Davidson said.
13 community readers symbolized 13 original colonies
The 13 community readers symbolized the 13 original colonies that formed the new nation.
Participants included Dep. Shari Rice, Lacey Filkins, Marcy Rinehart, Kale Oswalt, Vonda Gerbasi, Mark Ramser, Steve Kelley, John Chidester, Commissioner Bill Pursel, Mayor Matt Starr, Liz Lutwick, John Nixon and Jan Quinn.
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