We The People

On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history - the United States Constitution.

This document established the framework of our government and the rights and freedoms that 'We the People' enjoy today.

The Constitution was signed by thirty-nine courageous men who changed the course of history. Every American shares in this legacy of liberty and has the responsibility as a citizen to respect and defend the values of our founding fathers as well as participate in the unfolding story of freedom.

But how did we come to begin celebrating this day? 

Well, it began in 1939 when the newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst advocated a day to celebrate US Citizenship. Then in 1940, Congress created "I Am An American Day" which was to be celebrated on the third Sunday in May. 

In 1952 Congress repealed this joint resolution and passed a new law moving the date to September 17th to commemorate “the formation and signing, on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution of the United States.” The day was still designated as “Citizenship Day” and retained its original purpose of recognizing all those who had attained American citizenship.

Finally, Congress changed the designation of this day again, to "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day" in 2004, as the day for citizens to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and learn more about our founding document. 

There are several old time radio shows about the history of the United States Constitution, its creation, and how it has been interpreted over the years. 

The Cavalcade of America broadcast a show in 1937 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States and its inceptions.

The series Inheritance broadcast a show called Their Rights and Nothing Else regarding the amendments to the Constitution of the United States, Article 19.

And Destination Freedom broadcast a show called Thomas Wright, American Citizen in 1951, about a man and his right under the constitution to live where he chooses.

There are other shows too, which you can add to your playlist by doing a search on RUSC (my favorite feature - as you probably know!) 

Happy listening my friends,