Laserfiche WebLink
CHAMB£R5 OF <br /> <br />CHIEF JUSTICE BURGER <br />R£TIRED <br /> <br />August 20, 1987 <br /> <br />Dear Mayor, <br /> <br /> As we celebrate the Bicentennial of our United States <br />Constitution, it is important to recognize the continuing relevance <br />of this remarkable document in our daily lives and in the conduct of <br />government at all levels. <br /> <br /> It is especially important for citizens to participate in <br />appropriate and meaningful events that broaden civic awareness and <br />appreciation for the precious liberties and rights that emanate from <br />the Constitution. <br /> <br /> I urge you, as a public, to establish a local commission that <br />will participate in the Bicentennial--if you have not yet done so. <br />I encourage you to look beyond this September 17 and establish an <br />on-going program of education and commemoration for which we will <br />give full cooperation. <br /> <br /> The most important action a community can take is to become a <br />Designated Bicentennial Community, simply by naming a selection of <br />interested citizens to handle Bicentennial planning. The procedure <br />is quite simple and need not involve public expenditures. <br /> <br /> While there are many civic benefits that result from local <br />participation in the five-year Bicentennial, perhaps the most <br />important is an increased awareness and understanding of the <br />Constitution in our lives today. The Bicentennial does not end on <br />September 17 with the gala events in Philadelphia. It extends <br />through 1989 with the seating of our first government and to 1991 <br />with the ratification of the Bill of Rights. <br /> <br /> Thus, the commemoration of the signing of the Constitution this <br />September is only the first step in celebrating the Bicentennial. <br /> <br /> There is much that you can accomplish with a minimum of <br />resources, but with lasting benefits to both students and adults in <br />your community. Please contact our office of State/Local Affairs <br />(202/653-9808) for more information on how to become a Designated <br />Bicentennial Community.~./ACordially~j ~~ <br /> <br /> Warren E. Burger <br /> Chairman, Commission on <br /> the Bicentennial of the <br /> United States Constitution <br /> <br /> <br />