Constitution Day Observances Mark U.S. Commitment to Democratic Principles

Lead President Trump urged newly naturalized citizens to “safeguard, honor, and respect” the U.S. Constitution during today’s Constitution Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C., while the National Archives opened a historic full‐document display and Hawaiʻi’s governor proclaimed the day as Constitution and Citizenship Day 09/17/2025.

Nut Graf Constitution Day, enshrined by federal law to honor the 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution, spurred civic‐education events nationwide today, from presidential letters at naturalization ceremonies to museum unveilings and state proclamations, underlining the enduring relevance of America’s founding charter.

Pressing the Pledge at Naturalization Ceremonies President Trump delivered a formal letter to all new citizens taking the Oath of Allegiance, calling citizenship a “sacred trust” and urging recipients to uphold constitutional values. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that restoring “sanity and common sense” to immigration underscores the obligation each citizen bears to the nation’s guiding document.

Historic Display at the National Archives For the first time in history, the National Archives’ Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom spotlighted the complete four‐page Constitution alongside the original Bill of Rights and all 27 subsequent amendments. The special exhibit, which opened September 16, runs through October 1 and invites visitors to engage directly with the founding text.

State‐Level Proclamation in Hawaiʻi Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green proclaimed September 17 as Constitution and Citizenship Day statewide, commemorating both the 1787 U.S. Constitution and the 1840 Hawaiian Kingdom’s first written constitution. The proclamation encourages schools and civic organizations to host lessons and events that deepen understanding of constitutional history.

Additional Civic Education Initiatives

  • The American Constitution Society marked the twentieth anniversary of its Constitution Day programming by coordinating Constitution‐in‐the‐Classroom lessons across 250 chapters.
  • Universities and cultural institutions hosted panels, workshops, and readings of the Preamble, reinforcing the day’s educational mandate for federally funded schools.

Subheadings Constitution Day’s Federal Mandate Congress requires all educational institutions receiving federal funds to hold programming on Constitution Day each September 17, ensuring generations of Americans reflect on the founding principles of justice, liberty, and democratic governance.

National Archives Exhibit Details

  • Location: Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, National Archives Building, Washington, D.C.
  • Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily; timed‐entry tickets recommended due to expected high demand.
  • Highlights: Rarely displayed fifth page with implementation instructions, immersive historical context.

Looking Ahead As the nation approaches its 250th founding anniversary in 2037, today’s observances underscored ongoing efforts to promote civic engagement, strengthen constitutional literacy, and celebrate the document that remains the cornerstone of American democracy.