HELENA – The 39 members of the Continental Congress met for the last time on September 17, 1797, and ratified the Constitution of the United State of America.
Government officials, historians and community members gathered at the State Capitol Rotunda on Monday to mark Constitution Day.
Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the United States Constitution and recognizes all who are born in the US — or by naturalization — who have become citizens.
The event was hosted by the Montana State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR) and speakers included Montana’s Lt. Governor Mike Cooney, Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen and Secretary of State Corey Stapleton.
“The Constitution is America’s most important document,” said Jane Hamman, MSSDAR Regent.
A statement confirming Montana’s commitment to the U.S. Constitution was read on Governor Steve Bullock’s behalf at the event.
“There’s always been one constant in our state, the guiding principles of the U.S. Constitution,” wrote Bullock.
Organizers say the event serves as a celebration of the defining tenants of America, but more importantly, it is a way to help educate future generations.
“If the children aren’t instilled with what it took to form this nation, the sacrifice to create it and the freedoms that are codified in the United States Constitution then maybe they won’t care about it or realize that they have certain rights or freedoms that are in law and are protected for them,” said Montana Society Sons of the American Revolution Guardian Chapter President Warren Dupuis.
Dupuis added that the historic signing of the U.S. Constitution was also on a Monday.
