How many of you knew that today (technically tomorrow, but observed today) is Constitution Day? How many of you know what that is?
On 17-September-1787, our 4200-word Constitution was signed by 39 of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention – which began in on 25-May-1787. It took 4 months of hard work by delegates from the several states, to come to a general consensus on a Constitution which would frame the best government, that the best minds of the day could come up with.
Not all were satisfied. Some felt that a Bill of Rights should be included – to specially protect certain freedoms that were essential to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. The first call for a Bill of Rights came on 12-September-1787. However, it was not until the Constitution had been sent to the States for ratification that it became clear that such as Bill of Rights would be essential to gain ratification and full acceptance.
In exchange for an agreement that the Constitution be amended with the Bill of Rights, the several States agreed to ratify it.
After the first Congress went into session, James Madison wrote what would become our Bill of Rights – the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. These were intended to protect those essential liberties. This was introduced jointly by Congress on 25-September-1789, and was fully ratified on 15-December-1791.
I’d recommend that all of you take some time to read both The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They are amazing documents, and they are a legacy that all of us must uphold and protect.
I’m thankful for them. I hope you are too.