Constitution Day was observed in Oneida County at the City Park on Saturday (the official national day falling on a Sunday this year).  The day was first officially recognized in 2005 to commemorate the day in 1787 when 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the nation’s lasting founding document.  Prior to that point, the official name had been Citizenship Day, and it was celebrated in May.  The current law recognizing the day states that civic and educational institutions should provide information about the Constitution on the day of the observance.  The organizers of the event at the park took it as their mission to provide that education.  During the event, the crowd was treated to the words of Patrick Henry (Tamen Whipple), the thoughts of George Washington (Ben Anderson), and Benjamin Franklin (Farley Anderson), as well as the patriotic musicianship of Kathryn Fossum, Christie Oja, Danielle Pettis, Caroline Whipple, and Hannah Anderson.  The event closed with the solemn retiring of flags by the American Legion Ernest W. Jones Post 65.

Although there are many national days recognizing important parts of American history, Constitution Day is the only one that specifically highlights the importance of the document itself, which is the critical cornerstone of American democracy.

After an invocation by Pastor Jack Harwell of the Victory Baptist Church and introductory music by Lee Ivie, the Interfaith Council and Republican Committee served hot dogs and chips to the crowd.  Larry Oja introduced the speakers and the event, and the Star-Spangled Banner, verses one and four were sung with the audience, led by Kathryn Fossum and Christie Oja.  

The evening’s first speaker was Patrick Henry, in the form of local performer Tamen Whipple.  Whipple read from Patrick Henry’s speech given in March of 1775 at St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia.  The speech was given in support of the formation of militia to oppose the British.  Colonists were torn between attempts to mollify Britain and maintain a political relationship or break apart and seek independence.  The growing presence of British military and naval forces directly inspired Henry’s speech, which included the forceful lines: “There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.”

The speech of course also concluded with some of the most famous lines in American history: “Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

Following Whipple’s presentation, a violin piece was well-played by Danielle Pettis.

Ben Anderson next took the stage in the person of George Washington.  Ben and Farley Anderson are dedicated to touring the region and educating listeners on American history.  Ben began by stating, “it is wonderful to see how many people here, how many ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, families and friends are gathered here in unity and celebration of the Constitution of the United States of America.  America is a beautiful thing, and to see so many people here to celebrate it really warms my heart.”  Unity continued to be a theme of Anderson’s speech.  “It is worth noting that there is one thing that is necessary to the continuation of this country, and that is courage.  I mentioned this at my farewell address over two hundred years ago, and I mention it again.  But I have come here to tell you to have courage in these three things: courage in unity, courage to take pride, and courage to press forward and seek virtue without hate.”

Anderson continued by elaborating on those points, lamenting the division that could be seen across the country at present.  “First and foremost, we need to remember that more than any specific group we may belong to, political or otherwise, we are Americans.  We are that first.  Whatever ideals and creeds you may have, first and foremost you are American.”

“Before we had the Constitution, we had the Articles of Confederation…the problem was that it did not create a unified government.  Our Constitution keeps us together—to make us Americans first, and everything else second.”

Anderson emphasized the importance of taking pride in the country itself.  “Part of being proud of being an American is recognizing what things we need to do better.  We cannot forget the things we have done that were less than perfect.  But we can take pride in how we have improved on them.  Do not ignore history, study it.  And as you do, take pride in how far America has come.”

“Most people you disagree with are trying to make America a better place, just as you are.  We may disagree on their points, but we have to approach those discussions with love.  You can’t force virtue with laws…seek virtue, but do not do it with hate or you’ll never get anywhere.  You will miss one of the things that has made America great, the differences among us.”  He concluded with an acknowledgment that fulfilling the promise of the Declaration can be difficult, but added that “just about everything in life that is worth it is difficult.”

Farley Anderson, as Benjamin Franklin, last addressed the audience.  He discussed ways that he felt Franklin had saved the country.  Franklin, as a newspaper editor, was critical to the formation of an American identity.  Both his writing in favor of the cause of independence, as well as his famous woodcut of the thirteen colonies as represented by a snake, provided an intellectual framework that helped colonists begin to conceive of “a nation of freemen extending from the sea in the east to the sea in the west.”

During the Constitutional Convention at which the document was finally signed, tensions had flared and it appeared that the project would not move forward.  Benjamin Franklin rose to speak to the body, reminding the Convention that they had not yet sought to address the Maker for wisdom.  “Without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this endeavor no more than the temple builders of Babylon.”  Franklin requested that every morning before the business of the day began, a member of the clergy would be present to pray over the deliberations, which was taken to heart by the body.

Anderson concluded by repeating George Washington’s words that while he had “fought for America, Franklin had thought for America.”

Following the presentations, a retirement ceremony for flags which were deemed no longer serviceable was conducted by the American Legion Ernest W. Jones Post 65.