Bonneville County Republicans commemorating Constitution Day with community celebration
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IDAHO FALLS – It had been four long, intensive months of deliberation for the 55 delegates at Independence Hall for the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
It was Sept. 17, 1787, and 39 of the delegates, each with different backgrounds and beliefs, were now preparing to sign a document they’d worked tirelessly to design. Somehow, through an act of Providence, they were able to reach a compromise in establishing fundamental laws, the roles of America’s national government, and guarantee certain basic rights for its citizens.
On the final day of the convention, James Madison, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and 33 others signed what we now know as the U.S. Constitution.
Franklin, the oldest and most respected delegate, had been responsible for quelling much of the opposition towards the document and helped the men to recognize it as the best compromise possible.
As the last of the delegates finished signing it, he looked at the image of the sun on George Washington’s chair.
“I have often … looked at that sun behind the President without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting,” Franklin is reported to have said. “At length, I have the happiness to know it is a rising and not a setting sun.”
As the convention came to a close and Franklin was leaving, someone shouted at him,
“Doctor, what have we got? A republic or a monarchy?”
To which Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
Today, Sept. 17, marks the 235th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. To commemorate this historic occasion, the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee is hosting a community celebration at Freeman Park in Idaho Falls.
“This is a non-partisan event where we can all gather to celebrate that wonderful document … on its very birthday!” the BCRCC writes on Facebook.
It kicks off at 10 a.m. There will be a flag ceremony, bagpipes and a children’s group will sing patriotic songs.
The committee will recognize all “who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens,” as well as those “who have taken the oath of office to uphold the Constitution,” according to a news release.
Games, face-painting and food from local vendors will be available. Patrick Henry is also expected a pay a visit.
The event will go until 1 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but organizers are asking those who attend to bring chairs and blankets.
