[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 6, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4818-S4819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL CONSTITUTION WEEK

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the week of 
September 17, 2016, as National Constitution Week.
  In September of 1787, our Founding Fathers signed the most 
influential document in American history, the U.S. Constitution. 
Constitution Week was first observed in 1956 with the purpose of 
celebrating this historic document and recognizing the Constitution

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as the basis for America's great heritage and the foundation for our 
way of life. In addition, this week is observed to emphasize the 
responsibilities of citizens for protecting and defending the 
Constitution and encouraging the study of the historical events which 
led to the framing of the Constitution.
  The students at Olive J. Dodge Elementary in Mobile, AL, taught by 
Janet Leffard, annually ring bells during Constitution Week to 
recognize the importance of this document to our country. I would like 
to follow their example honoring Constitution Week and its 
significance.
  The U.S. Constitution established America's national government and 
fundamental laws, while also guaranteeing certain rights for its 
citizens. Out entire structure of government is directed by this 
brilliant charter. Though we are a relatively new nation, our 
Constitution is the longest existing constitution in the world. It has 
provided us security, prosperity, stability, and freedom--qualities of 
life few other people in the world possess.
  Please join me in recognizing the week of September 17 as 
Constitution Week, the anniversary of the day the framers signed this 
great document.
  I thank the Chair.

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