by Mary Brotherton

Created on: September 05, 2009   Last Updated: September 17, 2010

Throughout the United States of America, patriots celebrate Constitution Day each September 17, though for many communities, the celebration is quiet and subdued, unlike the upheaval of 1776.

To England, America's War of Independence was a revolution staged by a group of ruffians. To freedom fighters, the conflict established a democratic union of the thirteen colonies, separate and independent from tyrannical leaders.

Ten years after the last citizen died for freedom, a group of leaders and scholars gathered to use the flight feathers of geese to write on four pieces of limed sheepskin, words most elementary students recognize as one of the most important documents after the Declaration of Independence.

Sadly, few know more than, "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union . . . ;" some know the rest of the preamble, which continues with, ". . . establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

The Constitution is much more than its beginning and clearly explains how a democratic government should coexist with the people it serves. It bears the signatures of George Washington, Ben Franklin and thirty-seven of their contemporaries. The Constitution defines the roles of the government's three branches laid the groundwork for the many important amendments that have followed throughout the history of our country.

Unlike Independence Day, celebrated on the Fourth of July with fireworks, picnics, hot dogs, apple pie and all things associated with the word American, Constitution Day is celebrated on a more intimate, private level.

Daughters of the American Revolution celebrate the day by ringing bells and encourage their neighbors and friends to join them. Members of DAR find churches with bell towers that are willing to ring out for freedom and often, they line the streets of their neighborhoods or stand in parks or on the grounds at their city halls, ringing hand bells, dinner bells and even cowbells. They say the ringing of the bells is symbolic and reminiscent of the peals of Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, which cracked after extensive ringing when our country gained freedom.

School teachers often order free pocket-sized copies of the Constitution from the Heritage Foundation and share them with their students in the days leading up to Constitution Day.

The United States Constitution has lasted longer than that of any other country. It is the reason for our country's position as a world leader. Celebrating the birth of our government is as important as celebrating the anniversary of our country's freedom.

How to observe this special day is a personal choice for each citizen and doesn't need to commemorated with pyrotechnics, marching bands or sporting events.

* Get a copy of the document and become familiar with its text.

* Learn more about the political leaders who signed it.

* Wave a flag.

* Ring a bell.

* Take a friend out for a cup of coffee and rejoice in the fact that because of patriotic women and men who continue to sacrifice for our country, we have the freedom to do what we choose.

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