[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      RECOGNIZING CONSTITUTION DAY

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                          HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
importance of Constitution Day, happening this Saturday, September 17, 
2011, celebrating the 224th anniversary of our Founding Fathers' 
signing of the Constitution. Constitution Day gives us an opportunity 
to reflect on the past success of our founders in the form of the 
Constitution, the two centuries of progress since, and the future 
promise of the United States under the guidance of the document given 
to us in 1787.
  Constitution Day reminds us to review the whole document and what it 
means to our country, and shows that support for the Constitution 
requires more than chanting slogans at a political rally. Calling 
yourself a ``strict constitutionalist'' means nothing if you don't 
bother to read the entire Constitution and fight for everything it 
includes, not just the portions that fit neatly with your personal 
political philosophy.
  As an Iowan, and a student of the Constitution for more than 30 
years, I take pride in repeating our state's motto: ``Our Liberties we 
prize and our rights we will maintain.'' Constitution Day gives us an 
opportunity to reflect on the document that prizes our personal 
liberties and preserves our rights in a system of laws that recognize 
the individual spirit of every American, and has made our Nation a 
shining beacon in the world. The development of the Constitution has 
recognized the rights of all men and women, and created a system of 
equality that has helped our Nation move past prejudice and 
discrimination in some of our darkest hours.
  Constitution Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the system of 
justice for all by creating an impartial judiciary and a system of law 
that recognizes the rights of every citizen to file a grievance against 
their government or fellow man. It lets us reflect on the goals of a 
responsive executive, a representative legislature, and a responsible 
judiciary working on behalf of all citizens to preserve their rights, 
respect their liberties, and allow for progress. It reminds us to all 
work harder to support the progress of the United States.
  I ask all my colleagues and constituents to join me in recognizing 
Constitution Day and reflecting on the lasting work of the Founding 
Fathers.

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