September 17, 2013

Celebrating Constitution Day and Remembering West Virginia's Beloved Senator Robert C. Byrd

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin issued the following statement celebrating “Constitution Day” and remembering West Virginia’s beloved Senator Robert C. Byrd.

“Senator Byrd often said that our freedom is ‘set forth and realized’ in our Constitution and he felt it was vital to study it, honor it and revere it. That’s why he carried it in his coat pocket everywhere he went and wrote the law that created ‘Constitution Day’ – to be celebrated every September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution in Philadelphia 226 years ago.

“September 17 used to be known simply as ‘Citizenship Day,’ a recognition of naturalized American citizens. But in 2004, at the urging of our beloved Senator Robert Byrd, Congress changed the official name to ‘Constitution Day and Citizenship Day’ to include a celebration of the signing of Constitution, not with flags and fireworks, but with thoughtful appreciation of what this great document has meant to us. So today, I join all West Virginians and Americans in proudly appreciating our Constitution, our supreme law of the land that defines America as ‘we the people.’ Let us take a moment and celebrate what our Constitution represents, which secures the blessings of liberty to ourselves now and for generations to come.”

To view a short video of the late Senator Robert C. Byrd commemorating the United States Constitution, click on the link below.

Senator Byrd delivers a passionate reading of the preamble: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84VJvWjINr4

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