[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 37 (Monday, September 18, 2006)]
[Pages 1606-1607]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8050--Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution 
Week, 2006

 September 14, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Americans are united by the principles embodied in the United States 
Constitution. On Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and during 
Constitution Week, we celebrate the establishment of the United States 
Constitution and honor the Framers of this groundbreaking document.
    In 1787, the Framers of the Constitution met in Philadelphia and 
drafted a document that continues to be the foundation of our Nation's 
identity. The Constitution established the enduring governmental 
framework in which our free society has flourished for more than two 
centuries, and it is a testament to the wisdom and foresight of our 
Founders.
    America is grateful to those who have worked to defend the 
Constitution and promote its ideals. During this observance, we also 
recognize the profound impact our Constitution has on the everyday lives 
of our citizens, and we call upon all Americans to help uphold its 
values of a free and just society.
    In celebration of the signing of the Constitution and in recognition 
of the Americans who strive to uphold the duties and responsibilities of 
citizenship, the Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36 
U.S.C. 106, as amended), designated September 17 as ``Constitution Day 
and Citizenship Day,'' and by joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36 
U.S.C. 108, as amended), requested that the President proclaim the week 
beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as 
``Constitution Week.''
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2006, as Constitution Day 
and Citizenship Day, and September 17 through September 23, 2006, as 
Constitution Week. I encourage Federal, State, and local officials, as 
well as leaders of civic, social, and educational organizations, to 
conduct ceremonies and programs that celebrate our Constitution and 
reaffirm our

[[Page 1607]]

rights and responsibilities as citizens of our great Nation.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 
18, 2006]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
September 19. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language version of this proclamation.