ABILENE, Kan. - The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum will celebrate the 224th birthday of the U.S. Constitution with a series of events. The official Constitution Day falls on Saturday, Sept. 17. All activities are free and open to the public.
First-person interpreter, George Baker, New Canaan, Conn., will perform for the public at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15 in the Library Courtyard. Baker portrays John Adams, Founding Father and second President of the United States. Wine and cheese will be served during the hour program. RSVPs are appreciated and can be made by calling 785.263.6700 or on Facebook.
On Sept. 16 school children from St. Andrew's, Garfield Upper Elementary, and Concordia Elementary will celebrate Constitution Day in a program beginning at 9:30 a.m. The students begin with a patriotic procession from the Museum across the campus to the Library building, led by the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard and "John Adams." The program takes place in the Courtyard of the Library building where students sign a facsimile of the Constitution with plumed pens and receive a pocket Constitution and American flag. Students contribute to the program each year with an inspiring performance of the song, "We the People" in the Library lobby around 10:15 a.m.
Additionally, a film titled "Creating a Constitution" developed by the Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, will be shown in the Library Auditorium. In an engaging presentation of our history, the film explains why the framers created the Constitution. Showings are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The film is 36 minutes in length. Film-goers will receive a pocket Constitution.
"We are delighted that area elementary students will join us in our 12th annual celebration of Constitution Day. Once again, the Sons of the American Revolution, first-person interpreters, and living-history characters will join us for a morning of learning, fun, and inspiration," observes Kim Barbieri, education specialist at the Library and Museum.
President Eisenhower signed an Oct. 30, 1956, proclamation declaring the week of Sept. 17 to 23 as Constitution Week. The proclamation was a result of the efforts by the Daughters of the American Revolution. |