Experts will discuss the history and relevance of the Constitution in a celebration of nationally observed Constitution Day at 1 p.m. today in the John Grisham room of the Mitchell Memorial Library.
Speakers will include Chief Justice Emeritus of the Mississippi State Supreme Court Lenore Prather, executive director of the Stennis Institute for Public Service Rex Buffington and director of the Stennis Institute of Government Marty Wiseman.
Although this is the first national celebration of Constitution Day, the event has been a part of many Americans’ yearly routine for some time. “Many have celebrated Constitution Day for years to recognize the work of the framers,” associated president of the Stennis-Montgomery Association Edward Sanders said.
The non-profit organization Constitution Day, Inc., has been commemorating Constitution Day for eight years, led by the founder Louise Leigh. Traditionally the day is celebrated Sept. 17, the date of the Constitution’s adoption, Sanders said.
The event is held to satisfy a legal requirement, and federally-funded schools must comply. Sanders explained that after Bush passed the Constitutional Lesson Amendment from Sen. Robert Byrd in 2004, universities must celebrate the day, or they could lose federal financial aid for students.
However, satisfying the federal requirement is not the only reason Constitution Day should be celebrated dean of libraries Frances Coleman said. “All of us need to be aware of the Constitution. This event is just an opportunity to emphasize its importance,” she said. “The Constitution is the foundation of our government and a very important part of our heritage as Americans.”
Sanders agreed. “People should attend to celebrate a Constitution which has served as a beacon of hope for many across the world,” he said.
Wiseman will be discussing the different interpretations of the Constitution. “The issue that is so prominent right now is strict interpretation verses the idea of a living Constitution,” Wiseman said.
The ability of the Constitution to stand the test of time, to still be relevant as technology, global policy and culture changes, is perhaps one of the greatest achievements of our founding fathers, he said.
Prather will lead in the Preamble, while Buffington will give a brief history of the Constitution, Coleman said.
She said she hopes to see local judges and government officials at the event.
The ROTC color guard will also make a presentation.
While the ceremony focuses on the past and present views of the Constitution, the event also draws attention to what this document means to Americans. People often don’t give history the reverence it deserves, Coleman said. Constitution Day is a way to take part in an important part of our history.
The event is sponsored by Mitchell Memorial Library, the Stennis Center for Public Service, the Stennis Institute of Government, the Stennis-Montgomery Association and the Pre-Law Society. A reception will follow.