There are many reasons to look forward to this weekend, whether you're a Bulls fan eagerly awaiting the first home game or a holiday-enthusiast excited to celebrate the nation's first-ever Constitution Day.
The holiday was born last December when President Bush signed a billed designating September 17 to be the day when the country would remember the creation of its' primary framework for democracy. Robert C. Byrd, democratic senator from West Virginia, is the longest serving member of the Senate and the bill's top supporter.
"It passed after several years in Congress and requires any and all federally funded institutions to celebrate it," said Timothy A. Tryjankowski, program coordinator for the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.
UB's celebration of Constitution Day starts at the stadium right before kickoff on Saturday. The first thousand people arriving at the game will go home with a complimentary miniature copy of the U.S. Constitution. Then a recitation of the Preamble will ensue before the traditional singing of the "Star Spangled Banner."
Additionally, on September 22 Timothy Boyd, a classics professor, will examine the Constitution in a discussion entitled "The Strange Idea of a Permanent Body: Creating the Constitution."
"It will show the interesting context of how the U.S. Constitution came to be and why it is so important," said Michael E. Ryan, dean of undergraduate studies.
The forum will include an assessment of a letter written by Thomas Jefferson in 1783 and takes place in the Student Union Theatre at 3 p.m. Mementos of the experience will be given out to participants.
"The combination of the two events will show how the constitution has pulled this unique country together and pushed us forward," said Dennis Black, vice president of student affairs.
On campus, students said they have mixed feelings about the new holiday.
"Saying the 'Preamble to the Constitution' during the football game is a good way to actually celebrate the day but I don't think the nation needs any more holidays to distract us from our real problems," said Amanda Castros, a junior legal studies major.
Some people said they feel that the day couldn't come at a better time, politically.
"With two new appointments to the Supreme Court and the rise of democratic states around the world remembering our constitutional rights and privileges is necessary," said Jeffrey Gonzalez, a senior business management major.
Since 2005 is the first year that the holiday has existed, predicting its popularity is a difficult task.
"The expected numbers for the two events are unclear but there have been advertisements in campus papers, on bulletin boards and in UB101 classes," Ryan said.
What is clear is the purpose and meaning of Constitution Day.
"I hope students take pause and remember that the constitution stands for America's democracy, especially when there are people all over the world fighting for their democracy right now," Tryjankowski said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
