Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam

WHEREAS, September 17, 2019, marks the 232^nd anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Constitution defined two axioms for our nation: the first for basic human equality and the second for a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights; and

WHEREAS, through all of its changes, the Constitution’s foundation has endured and adapted; and

WHEREAS, the aims of Constitution Week are to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America's great heritage and the foundation for our way of life, and encourage the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize September 17-23, 2019, as CONSTITUTION WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.