WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08), together with Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson and Representatives Jack Kingston (GA-01), Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03), Doug Collins (GA-09), Paul Broun (GA-10), and Phil Gingrey (GA-11), encourage Georgia’s elementary and middle school teachers to take an hour out of their school day to educate students on the importance the U.S. Constitution in anticipation of Constitution Day, observed on September 17, 2014.

Sen. Saxby Chambliss: “As citizens across the country commemorate Constitution Day, I urge Georgia’s educators and students to set aside time in the classroom to study our Constitution and the principles it represents. Much more than a document, our Constitution has endured throughout America’s history as the foundation of our democracy and protector of the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today. Understanding its contents and significance is critical to educating our youth and preserving the legacy of our Founding Fathers, who recognized that a constitutionally-limited government is key to ensuring our nation’s continued prosperity.”

Sen. Johnny Isakson: “In honor of Constitution Day on September 17th, I encourage Georgians to read, study and learn the contents of the United States Constitution. I call on our educators, elected officials, community leaders and parents to educate our youth about the foundations of our great country and how the principles of the Constitution play out in our daily lives as Americans.”

Rep. Jack Kingston (GA-01): “I invite Georgia’s educators to discuss the United States Constitution in their classrooms and for students to write to me with their reflections. This document is unique in the history of civilization and should be well-known to all Americans. Gathering in Philadelphia in 1787, the authors of the Constitution wisely crafted a system that respected state sovereignty and provided for a limited federal government. By following the debates of the Constitutional Convention, recognizing the compromises in the text, and understanding its role today, the students of Georgia would be well-informed citizens and more able to participate in their government.”

Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03): “For over 200 years, Americans have turned to the United States’ Constitution for guidance, and as a reminder of our nation’s core values.  The framers of the constitution instituted checks and balances so we are reminded that this is the people’s nation, and we have a responsibility to protect our liberty and freedom. I encourage educators in Georgia’s Third Congressional District to challenge their students by having them study the Constitution so they can be reminded of the timeless values it upholds for all Americans.”

Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08): “During a time where our nation’s government seems divided on most issues, there is one issue that almost everyone can agree on—the importance of our Constitution. Our Founding Fathers created this framework to not only serve as a basis for our government, but also as a safeguard for our freedoms and our liberties. I believe that it is important now, more than ever, to ensure that our nation’s students understand the gravity and relevancy of this centuries-old document. As we celebrate Constitution Day, I encourage teachers to help educate our students on the importance of our Constitution, and I invite Eighth District students to send me a letter about why the Constitution is important to them and what they have learned about this document.”

Rep. Doug Collins (GA-09): “The Constitution should have a special place in our schools on September 17th and every day because it’s the roadmap for how we as Americans live life together. It provides the job descriptions for legislators and citizens alike, showing us how our government can be both accountable and accessible to every American. As I visit as many schools as I can across Northeast Georgia, I want to hear from students about what they’ve learned, and how the responsibilities and freedoms our constitution gives to every American means they can grow up to be anything they want to be.”

Rep. Paul Broun (GA-10): “On September 17^th, more than 200 years ago, our Founders signed our nation’s most precious document – serving as a timeless arbiter of principle and governance in America. Today, it is vital that our students are reminded of the importance of the U.S. Constitution and the critical role it plays in safeguarding our liberty and freedom. I encourage teachers in the state of Georgia as well as nationwide to take an hour out of their lesson plans to help educate our youth on the importance of the U.S. Constitution and constitutionally-limited government as our Founding Fathers intended. Additionally, I ask that students in Georgia’s 10^th Congressional District write to me on why the Constitution is important to them and what they have learned about our nation’s most important document.”

Rep. Phil Gingrey (GA-11): “September 17th honors the signing of our Constitution – a document that embodies our most precious principles and serves as a framework for our republic.  In the name of protecting the liberties and freedoms that it stands for, I’ve encouraged teachers in my Congressional District to use one hour of their lesson plan to educate the young Americans in their class – our future leaders – on the importance of the Constitution and the role it plays in our everyday lives. Additionally, I encourage students in my district to send me a note about what the Constitution means to them and what they’ve learned about this guiding document.”

On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the U.S. Constitution, thus securing the blessings of freedom that Americans enjoy today. 

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