HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen joined constituents and fellow elected officials in celebrating Constitution Day in the rotunda of the State Capitol on Monday.
The event, which was hosted by the Oro Fino Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), celebrated the 236th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. Constitution Day is September 17 in recognition of the document being signed on September 17, 1787.
“Today, we gather to honor and celebrate the United States Constitution, which safeguards our God-given rights; protects our freedom and liberty; and encourages participation in our civic responsibilities, such as voting,” Secretary Jacobsen said during the celebration. “As Montanans, we can determine the future of our state and nation by recognizing the importance of voting, by educating ourselves about the candidates and ballot issues, and by casting our vote – not just in federal and statewide elections, but also in our local elections as well.”
Secretary Jacobsen reminded Montanans that September is National Voter Registration Month, and she encouraged all eligible Montanans to register to vote or confirm their registration status.
Secretary Jacobsen also announced the 2023 U.S. Constitution Contest, which is open to all Montana students in grades K-12. This year’s contest is titled “What Promises of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution Mean the Most to Me and Why?”and students may participate by writing an essay; submitting artwork, poetry, or music; or by creating another form of media.
Students, teachers, and parents interested in the Constitution Contest may visit the Secretary of State’s civics website for more information.
During Monday’s celebration, Great Falls Central Catholic student Michael Faccenda shared his winning submission from the 2022 Constitution Contest.
Gov. Greg Gianforte and Superintendent Elsie Arntzen also spoke during the event, which included patriotic music from the Helena Xpress Singers and the ringing of the Montana Statehood Centennial Bell.
“I’m honored each year to attend this wonderful celebration, and I would like to thank Jane Hamman for her incredible work with this event, as well as thank the Oro Fino Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution for recognizing the importance of this significant document,” said Secretary Jacobsen.
Constitution Week will be celebrated September 17-23.
