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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 570 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 570

 Designating the month of September as ``National American History and 
                           Heritage Month''.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 14, 2006

  Mr. DeWine (for himself and Mr. Voinovich) submitted the following 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 Designating the month of September as ``National American History and 
                           Heritage Month''.

Whereas the United States has a remarkable history and a cherished legacy 
        abounding with stories and biographies of heroes and patriots;
Whereas time has proven that, by teaching the principles of the foundation of 
        the United States, the children of the Nation grow up to become good 
        citizens;
Whereas George Washington stated, ``A primary object ... should be the education 
        of our youth in the science of government'';
Whereas the children of the United States have the right and the responsibility 
        to know the history and heritage of the Nation;
Whereas, in 1952, Olga Weber, a mother and homemaker from the State of Ohio, out 
        of concern that citizens of the United States were taking their freedoms 
        for granted, petitioned the municipal officers of her town to establish 
        a Constitution day in honor of the ratification of the Constitution of 
        the United States, and further requested that the State of Ohio 
        designate September 17, 1952, as ``Constitution Day'';
Whereas, in 1953, Governor Frank J. Lausche of the State of Ohio signed a law 
        designating September 17, 1953, as ``Constitution Day'';
Whereas, in August 1953, Mrs. Weber urged the Senate to pass a resolution 
        designating the period beginning September 17, 1953, and ending 
        September 23, 1953, as ``Constitution Week'';
Whereas, in 1955, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law the request of 
        Mrs. Weber, and designated the period beginning September 17, 1955, and 
        ending September 23, 1955, as ``Constitution Week'';
Whereas many parents have become increasingly concerned by the lack of knowledge 
        and interest that the people of the United States have for their history 
        and heritage;
Whereas the period beginning September 17, 2006, and ending September 23, 2006, 
        is nationally designated as ``Constitution Week'';
Whereas September 17, 2006, is nationally designated as ``Citizenship Day'';
Whereas September 11, 2006, is nationally designated as ``Patriot Day'';
Whereas the Constitution of the United States was signed on September 17, 1787;
Whereas the greatest honor that the citizens of the United States can give to 
        all of those citizens who have dedicated their lives and sacrificed so 
        much to preserve the freedom and legacy of the United States is to 
        remember what those citizens have done;
Whereas the designation of September as ``National American History and Heritage 
        Month'' will--

    (1) emphasize to the citizens of the United States the importance of 
knowing the history and heritage of the Nation; and

    (2) pay tribute to the Founding Fathers and the many patriots, heroes, 
and heroines who built the Nation;

Whereas a month-long celebration honoring the history and heritage of the United 
        States will encourage more organizations, including schools, businesses, 
        faith communities, and individuals to get involved in programs and 
        opportunities to incite interest and foster respect for understanding 
        the history and heritage of the United States; and
Whereas celebrations relating to the history and heritage of the United States 
        will encourage more individuals to engage in a study of the history, 
        heritage, and foundation of the United States, and will instill pride in 
        the citizens of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates the month of September as ``National 
        American History and Heritage Month'';
            (2) recognizes that the President issued a proclamation 
        encouraging Federal, State, and local officials, as well as 
        leaders of civic, social, and educational organizations, to 
        conduct ceremonies and programs that celebrate the Constitution 
        of the United States and reaffirm our rights and obligations as 
        citizens of our great Nation;
            (3) recognizes with great appreciation--
                    (A) the contributions of the millions of citizens 
                of the United States who have devoted their lives, 
                often at great sacrifice, to the improvement and 
                preservation of the Nation; and
                    (B) those who continue to devote their lives for 
                the betterment of the United States; and
            (4) encourages more citizens of the United States to share 
        their time, knowledge, and talents to share the light of 
        liberty with our children, the future leaders of our Nation.
                                 <all>
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