Orange County NC Website
1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: September 15, 2015 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-b <br /> SUBJECT: Proclamation — Constitution and Citizenship Day and Constitution Week <br /> DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights, and PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No <br /> Community Development <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Audrey Spencer-Horsley, 919-245-2490 <br /> James Davis, (919) 245-2488 <br /> PURPOSE: To officially recognize Constitution and Citizenship Day and Constitution Week in <br /> Orange County with a proclamation. <br /> BACKGROUND: The final draft of the United States Constitution was completed and <br /> presented for signatures by delegates on September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. <br /> The Constitution continues to be recognized as the foundation of the U.S. government with laws <br /> and protections enjoyed by native born and naturalized citizens. Originally recognized as "I Am <br /> an American Day" in 1940, the federal government set aside a day to recognize all who have <br /> attained American citizenship. In 1952 Congress repealed this resolution and passed a new <br /> law moving the date to September 17 to commemorate "the formation and signing, on <br /> September 17, 1787, of the Constitution of the United States." The day was designated as <br /> "Citizenship Day" and retained its original purpose of recognizing all those who had attained <br /> American citizenship. In 1956 the President proclaimed the week beginning September 17 and <br /> ending September 23 of each year as "Constitution Week." <br /> During Constitution Week (which encompasses Constitution and Citizenship Day), civil and <br /> educational authorities of states, counties, cities and towns are urged to make plans for the <br /> proper observance of the day and "for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities <br /> and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the State and locality in which they <br /> reside." As such, the Orange County Human Relations Commission, alongside other agencies <br /> and organizations, participated in the planning of an event presented by the Constitution and <br /> Citizenship Day Commemoration Committee. This commemoration event will take place on the <br /> lawn of the Old Courthouse in Hillsborough on Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 10 a.m. — 2 <br /> p.m. This event will feature a variety of relevant speeches, informational booths, tours of the <br /> Old Courthouse and live music. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the <br /> proclamation. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: <br /> The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this agenda item: <br />