[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 21748]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 271--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE IDEALS AND GOALS OF 
                          CITIZENSHIP DAY 2009

  Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Begich, 
Mr. Reid, Mr. Menendez, and Mr. Lugar) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 271

       Whereas Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are observed 
     each year on September 17;
       Whereas, the Joint Resolution of February 29, 1952 (66 
     Stat. 9, chapter 49), designated September 17 of each year as 
     ``Citizenship Day'', in ``commemoration of the formation and 
     signing, on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution of the 
     United States and in recognition of all who, by coming of age 
     or by naturalization have attained the status of 
     citizenship'';
       Whereas section 111(c) of Division J of the Consolidated 
     Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-447; 118 Stat. 3344) 
     amended section 106 of title 36, United States Code, to 
     designate September 17 as ``Constitution Day and Citizenship 
     Day'';
       Whereas Citizenship Day is a special day for all United 
     States citizens, including those who were born in the United 
     States and those who chose to become citizens;
       Whereas Citizenship Day is a day to take pride in being a 
     United States citizen and to appreciate the rights, freedoms, 
     and responsibilities inherent in United States citizenship;
       Whereas, on Citizenship Day, naturalization ceremonies will 
     be held at historic landmarks throughout the United States;
       Whereas United States citizens are viewed with respect, 
     honor, and dignity in the United States and throughout the 
     world; and
       Whereas, on September 17 of each year, ``The civil and 
     educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and 
     towns are urged to make plans for the proper observance of 
     Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and for the complete 
     instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and 
     opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the 
     State and locality in which they reside'', section 106(d) of 
     title 36, United States Code: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the ideals and goals of Citizenship Day 2009;
       (2) recognizes that citizens from all backgrounds have made 
     countless contributions to the strength of the United States, 
     making the United States a symbol of success, promise, and 
     hope;
       (3) recognizes the initiative taken by immigrants to learn 
     about the responsibilities and significance of United States 
     citizenship and wishes immigrants well in their future 
     efforts to contribute to the United States; and
       (4) calls on the people of the United States to observe 
     Citizenship Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 
     programs in support of all United States citizens.

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