Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2006

Proclamation 8050 of September 14, 2006

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day,
Constitution Week, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans are united by the principles embodied in the
United States Constitution. On Constitution Day and
Citizenship Day and during Constitution Week, we
celebrate the establishment of the United States
Constitution and honor the Framers of this
groundbreaking document.

In 1787, the Framers of the Constitution met in
Philadelphia and drafted a document that continues to
be the foundation of our Nation's identity. The
Constitution established the enduring governmental
framework in which our free society has flourished for
more than two centuries, and it is a testament to the
wisdom and foresight of our Founders.

America is grateful to those who have worked to defend
the Constitution and promote its ideals. During this
observance, we also recognize the profound impact our
Constitution has on the everyday lives of our citizens,
and we call upon all Americans to help uphold its
values of a free and just society.

In celebration of the signing of the Constitution and
in recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold
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, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
17, 2006, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and
September 17 through September 23, 2006, as
Constitution Week. I encourage Federal, State, and
local officials, as well as leaders of civic, social,
and educational organizations, to conduct ceremonies
and programs that celebrate our Constitution and
reaffirm our rights and responsibilities as citizens of
our great Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.