Does anybody remember Constitution Day?
Hayden Yi | Staff writer
Out of the 365 days in the year, Constitution Day is probably not the first to come to mind. Yet on Sept. 17, Augusta University students, faculty, and community members participated in the fifth annual Constitution Read-In, commemorating one of the most important documents in American history.
Pamplin College’s Department of Communication and Department of Social Sciences cosponsored the event, setting up several booths for the community, including the CSRA League of Women Voters, Richmond County Board of Elections, ROTC, Augusta University Police Department, and Reese Library.
So why does such a vibrant day fly under most people’s radar? According to David Kearns, federal depository manager for Augusta University, “Constitution Day hasn’t taken root in popular observance the way George Washington’s birthday or MLK’s birthday has — things that people have a personal connection to.”
Despite its relative obscurity, community members like Samuel Geeer voiced their reasons for attending the Constitution Read-In.
“Getting back to the roots of American democracy, the Constitution should be our guide throughout the generations that make this country possible,” he said.
Co-presidents Gayla Keesee (left) and Catherine Davis (right) lead the CSRA League of Women’s Voters booth, explaining the importance of suffrage and democratic participation.
Gayla Keesee shared a similar reason for hosting the League of Women Voters booth at the event.
“I think the youth are our future, and they can make a change. And so Constitution Day is the perfect time — we’re able to talk about how they can get involved,” she said.
So, despite lacking the fireworks typically associated with patriotic events, Constitution Day remains one of the most meaningful days of the year, marking the birth of American democracy. Yet maybe it’s not the day itself that’s most important.
David Kearns said, “More importantly, understanding the ideas behind the Constitution is essential to having a functioning political society.”
So even if you forgot — or didn’t even know — about Constitution Day, that’s OK. Just remember: Get involved. Learn the ideals of democracy laid out in this document to understand what your own beliefs truly mean.
Contact Hayden Yi at hayyi@augusta.edu.
Augustus poses with Dr. Candace Griffith, Professor of Criminal Justice and organizer of the School of Social Sciences booth. At the top of the page, Samuel Geeer reads Article 1, Section 4 of the Constitution.
