HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-15-2015 - 4b 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 15, 2015
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-b
SUBJECT: Proclamation — Constitution and Citizenship Day and Constitution Week
DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights, and PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
Community Development
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Audrey Spencer-Horsley, 919-245-2490
James Davis, (919) 245-2488
PURPOSE: To officially recognize Constitution and Citizenship Day and Constitution Week in
Orange County with a proclamation.
BACKGROUND: The final draft of the United States Constitution was completed and
presented for signatures by delegates on September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Constitution continues to be recognized as the foundation of the U.S. government with laws
and protections enjoyed by native born and naturalized citizens. Originally recognized as "I Am
an American Day" in 1940, the federal government set aside a day to recognize all who have
attained American citizenship. In 1952 Congress repealed this resolution and passed a new
law moving the date to September 17 to commemorate "the formation and signing, on
September 17, 1787, of the Constitution of the United States." The day was designated as
"Citizenship Day" and retained its original purpose of recognizing all those who had attained
American citizenship. In 1956 the President proclaimed the week beginning September 17 and
ending September 23 of each year as "Constitution Week."
During Constitution Week (which encompasses Constitution and Citizenship Day), civil and
educational authorities of states, counties, cities and towns are urged to make plans for the
proper observance of the 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." As such, the Orange County Human Relations Commission, alongside other agencies
and organizations, participated in the planning of an event presented by the Constitution and
Citizenship Day Commemoration Committee. This commemoration event will take place on the
lawn of the Old Courthouse in Hillsborough on Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 10 a.m. — 2
p.m. This event will feature a variety of relevant speeches, informational booths, tours of the
Old Courthouse and live music.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this agenda item:
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• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color,
religious or philosophical beliefs, sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background, age, military service; disability, and familial, residential or economic
status.
This proclamation acknowledges the U.S. Constitution as the foundation for the United States
as a place where the fair and equitable treatment of all people is valued.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
CONSTITUTION AND CITIZENSHIP DAY AND CONSTITUTION WEEK 2015
WHEREAS, on September 17, 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution
of the United States in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with the intent of forming a more
perfect Union with a foundation in liberty,justice, equality, dignity, and fairness; and
WHEREAS, the Hillsborough, North Carolina Convention in 1788 delayed ratification by North
Carolina pending the addition of the Constitution's Bill of Rights; and
WHEREAS, the later Constitutional Amendments provided additional protections and liberties for
women, enslaved individuals, and those who were historically disenfranchised, with these
rights being vigorously demanded through the Constitutionally-granted right to protest and
contest the policies which inhibited the equitable treatment of all persons; and
WHEREAS, our Nation's, State's and County's success is attributable to the diverse heritage and
contributions of all of its citizens, naturalized immigrants and native-born, who seek to
enjoy the blessings of liberty afforded by the Constitution; and
WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States has designated the 17th day of September of each year as
"Constitution Day" and "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 full status of citizenship; and
WHEREAS, by joint resolution of August 2, 1956, Congress requested that the President of the United
States proclaim the week beginning September 171h and ending September 23rd of each
year as "Constitution Week;" and
WHEREAS, it is most fitting that every citizen of the United States, whether native-born or foreign-
born, should on September 171h of each year observe Constitution and Citizenship Day and
Constitution Week by giving special thought and consideration to his and her rights and
responsibilities under our Constitution;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina, do
hereby proclaim September 17, 2015 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and September 17 through
September 23, 2015 as Constitution Week in Orange County, and encourage all residents and citizens to
participate responsibly in the service of our Country, our County and to one another in the joint quest to
form a more perfect union.
This the 15th day of September 2015.
Earl McKee, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners