Agenda - Council - 09/08/1987 - Closed Executive Session and Special Meeting

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SUGGESTED GENERIC PROCLAMATION FOR NATION'S GOVERNORS AND MAYORS On September 16, 1987, Americans w,, ill have the unique opportunj,ty to honor the Constitution of the United States in A Celebration of Citizenship. In this year of the Bicentennial of the signing of the Constitution, it is fitting that we celebrate our heritage of freedom under law that was granted by this national charter. In 1787, the United States was a nation of 13 sovereign states, independent of each other, aligned along the eastern seaboard, from New Hampshire to Georgia. They were the United States in name only, barely held together by the Articles of Confederation. Only six years after the War of Independence, the new experiment in democracy was in danger of collapse. Most of the states had their own armies, printed their own currencies, and charged tariffs to other states for using their ports and roads. A Convention was called in Philadelphia, for the sole purpose of making revisions to the Articles. But national leaders like Madison, Hamilton and Franklin feared that unless a strong central government was created, the country would fall apart, forming independent republics, or coming under the control of foreign powers once again. Despite the odds against success, the writers of the Constitution were able to reach compromise after compromise, until they fashioned a blueprint for a new government -- a government of the people. In the 200 years since that Convention, WE THE PEOPLE have been fine tuning that concept of republican government. Today, our Constitution is the oldest written instrument of national government in the world. We will be celebrating the Bicentennial of the Constitution's signing on September 17, 1987, and the establishment ofthe new government underthe Constitution in later years, through the commemoration of the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1991. All Americans can participate in this celebration on September 16, during A CELEBRATION OF CITIZENSHIP. On this day, millions of students, across the country and in American schools abroad, will learn about the blessings of liberty bestowed by our Constitution. All Americans can join our youth in recognizing and honoring the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. At 1 P.M., E.D.T., a live national radio and television broadcast from the west front steps of the U.S. Capitol will enable all Americans to join in the Pledge of Allegiance, as well as to hear the words of the Preamble to the Constitution. While our (state/local) government is significant, it is the words of the Constitution that guarantee our freedoms and liberties. Through the reading of these powerful words, it is my hope that all Americans will join in paying tribute to the treasured concepts of our governing document. NOW, THEREFORE, I, , Mayor/Governor of , do hereby proclaim September 16, 1987 as A CELEBRATION OF CITIZENSHIP DAY in , and urge all citizens to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of our heritage. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this day of , in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven.