![Image of the Constitution on the American flag](https://sdi.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/constitution-1486010_1280.jpg)
Every year on September 17, we observe Constitution Day. We’ve only been doing it since 2005, which is pretty crazy considering how astronomically important this document is to the American way of life.
What is Constitution Day?
September 17 is a pretty huge date in American History. On September 17, 1787, members of the Constitutional Convention signed the U.S. Constitution, the document that enshrines many of our freedoms today. It’s also one of the oldest constitutions in the world, and the oldest single governing document of a country still in use today.
Here’s one last fun thing to remember about the Constitution: it doesn’t actually grant you any rights. As an American, you’re born with inalienable rights. The Constitution just explicitly lays out some ways that the Federal Government can’t interfere with them.
When is Constitution Day in 2023?
We observe Constitution Day on the same day that it was signed: September 17. We actually trimmed this down from “Constitution Week,” which, beginning in 1956, ran from September 17 through September 23.
Constitution Day Activities
According to the 2005 Omnibus Spending Bill that codified Constitution Day, schools are supposed to have educational content and activities that teach students about the Constitution. I never really remember that happening, but then again I’m getting old and school is mostly a blur to me at this point.
Regardless, I’m planning on celebrating Constitution Day in style with these All-American activities:
- Grilling
- Playing with my dog
- Shooting guns
- Blowing up watermelons full of tannerite
- Not quartering troops in my home (unless they’re invited)
- Memorizing the Preamble
This is just a smattering of fun activities you can enjoy on Constitution Day. I encourage you to exercise the freedoms that the Constitution protects as you see fit.
Learn More About Firearms at SDI
The Second Amendment of the Constitution clearly states that “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” If you love firearms and want to learn more about how to build them, SDI can help. Check out our course descriptions here.