To the Editor:

In 1956, a decade after the brutality and sacrifices of World War II, President Dwight D. Eisenhower affirmed the establishment of Constitution Week by an act of Congress.

He spoke of the conveners of 1787, fifty-five delegates — literate, propertied, white men, slave owners, warriors — from the 13 states. Across four months they engaged in fierce debate and “wise compromise” to establish a government that would “form a more perfect union” and “secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.”

Recognizing the inevitability of change, they included an amendment process, first used to establish the Bill of Rights in 1791.

President Eisenhower asked the people of the United States to reflect on the vision of the framers by observing Constitution Week with “ceremonies and activities in their schools and churches, and in other suitable places.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, we will observe Constitution Day in Orsini Park from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; if it rains, the event will be held on Sept. 20.

Instead of speeches, the celebration will offer activities that invite schoolchildren, families, and the community to see how the Constitution embodies our nation’s continuing work toward liberty.

There will be activities on checks and balances of power, the democracy of the Haudenosaunee, the struggle for women’s suffrage leading to the 19th Amendment, and the enduring efforts toward civil rights following the 13th Amendment.

There will be bubbles, refreshments, and free children’s books while supplies last. Everyone will be welcome to take home a copy of the Constitution and information about our rights. Join us!

Sybillyn Jennings

Helderberg Indivisible