[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DRAFTING OF THE CONSTITUTION

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                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 1997

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call special attention to 
the Constitution of the United States of America. This treasured 
document serves as the guardian of our liberties and is a product of 
reflection and choice--embodying the principles of limited government 
in a Republic dedicated to rule by law, and not by men.
  Abraham Lincoln once called the Constitution, ``The only safeguard of 
our liberties * * *.'' I strongly concur. Therefore, it is important to 
recognize that September 17, 1997, marks the 210th anniversary of the 
drafting of this historic landmark by the 1787 Constitutional 
Convention.
  It is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this 
magnificent document and its memorable anniversary--as well as to the 
patriotic celebrations which will commemorate this grand occasion. 
Public law guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the 
President of this great country designating September 17 through 23 as 
Constitution Week.
  In observance of this important national occasion, I ask my fellow 
citizens to reaffirm the ideals put forth by the Framers of the 
Constitution over 200 years ago. Only through vigilantly protecting the 
freedoms guaranteed to us through the Constitution, can we offer future 
generations the same great inheritance of freedom we currently possess.

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