2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 53 - Sundays, Holidays and Other Special Days › Chapter 3 - Special Days › Section 53-3-150. Patriot Day, Constitution Day, and Patriotism Week observations.

(A) The week which includes the eleventh day of November in each year is designated as "Patriotism Week" in South Carolina. The Governor shall issue appropriate proclamations to commemorate "Patriotism Week" which must be observed throughout South Carolina with appropriate ceremonies and events to:
(1) recognize the important contributions made by our military veterans to American society;
(2) honor the supreme sacrifices made by our veterans in defending the freedoms and protections afforded by the United States Constitution; and
(3) memorialize those men and women who lost their lives in military service.
(B) The State Superintendent of Education shall require school districts to:
(1) observe "Patriot Day", "Constitution Day", and "Patriotism Week" by holding appropriate ceremonies, events, and assemblies on school grounds, including time allotted for youth patriotic society addresses to students as provided in Section 59-1-465; and
(2) develop appropriate curricula that focus on the purposes of "Patriot Day", "Constitution Day", and "Patriotism Week".
(C) Commissioners and directors of state agencies and governing bodies of political subdivisions shall encourage participation by public employees in ceremonies and events during "Patriotism Week".
HISTORY: 2001 Act No. 4, Section 6, eff November 30, 2000; 2022 Act No. 177 (S.969), Section 3, eff July 1, 2023.
Editor's Note
2022 Act No. 177, preamble and Section 4, provide as follows:
"Whereas, July 30, 2016, marked the 60th anniversary of 'In God We Trust' as the official motto of the United States; and
"Whereas, in 2011, by resolution of the United States House of Representatives, with the concurrence of the United States Senate, the United States Congress reaffirmed 'In God We Trust' as the official motto of the United States and supported and encouraged the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other governmental institutions; and
"Whereas, 'In God We Trust' appears over the south entrance to the United States Senate Chamber and above the Speaker's rostrum in the Chamber of the United States House of Representatives; and
"Whereas, the motto has been an integral part of the society of the United States since its founding and first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864; and
"Whereas, 'Dum spiro spero', which translates to 'While I breathe, I hope' is perhaps the most well known of South Carolina's two mottos and appears on the State Seal that was adopted in 1776; and
"Whereas, reflecting the character and beliefs of the citizens of South Carolina, 'Dum spiro spero' illustrates the inherent spirit of South Carolinians to overcome obstacles and face each day with the courage and determination to do what is just in the face of adversity; and
"Whereas, 'Animis opibusque parati', which translates to 'Prepared in Mind and Resources', is the other South Carolina state motto. It is especially fitting that this motto appear in state schools, as it reflects the central aim of South Carolina's education system."
"SECTION 4. The provisions of this act take effect July 1, 2023."
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 177, Section 3, in (B), substituted "require" for "encourage", in (1), inserted "'Patriot Day', 'Constitution Day', and" following "observe" and ", including time allotted for youth patriotic society addresses to students as provided in Section 59-1-465" following "school grounds", and in (2), inserted "'Patriot Day', 'Constitution Day', and".