Spring Break
Clearinghouse for Volunteers
Citizenship Day
Corrine Hawes
Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
09/11/08 - The Clearinghouse for Volunteers would like to welcome students back to campus! We hope you had a great summer and are happy to be back.
What does Sept. 17, 2008 mean to you? For some of you it may mean the Involvement Fair, but on a broader spectrum, it's the country's newest national holiday, Citizenship Day. Citizenship Day was officially announced as a national holiday in 2004.
What exactly is Citizenship Day you might ask? It's a day to celebrate not only the United States but to celebrate your citizenship. The date is derived from when the constitution was signed in 1787. There have been variations of this holiday celebrated by states for years.
In the past, it's been called 'Constitution Day' and 'I am an American Day,' among other names. In celebration, any schools that receive federal funding are required to offer workshops and activities around issues related to citizenship and the constitution.
So what do you think? We asked some of your fellow classmates what being an American citizen meant to them.
Chris DaCosta said, "[Being a citizen] means a lot to me from firsthand experience because both my parents immigrated here so I saw how much hard work it took and how grateful they are."
Eli Moger stated, "Being an American citizen means that I get many freedoms, including the opportunity to play a role in how my country is run. It also means I have a responsibility to other citizens to participate actively."
When asked what you think is your most important right as a citizen of the United States, fellow URI students answered:
"Freedom of speech. We're allowed to express our opinions without being oppressed. We can stand up for what we believe in," Amanda Feinstein said.
The University of Rhode Island has decided to celebrate Citizenship Day in many different ways. On Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008 you can stop by or participate in:
Mock Presidential Election Poll with support from our College Democrats and College Republicans in the Union and on the Quad from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate! Results will be printed in our column during the following week. Who will URI elect?
What does Sept. 17, 2008 mean to you? For some of you it may mean the Involvement Fair, but on a broader spectrum, it's the country's newest national holiday, Citizenship Day. Citizenship Day was officially announced as a national holiday in 2004.
What exactly is Citizenship Day you might ask? It's a day to celebrate not only the United States but to celebrate your citizenship. The date is derived from when the constitution was signed in 1787. There have been variations of this holiday celebrated by states for years.
In the past, it's been called 'Constitution Day' and 'I am an American Day,' among other names. In celebration, any schools that receive federal funding are required to offer workshops and activities around issues related to citizenship and the constitution.
So what do you think? We asked some of your fellow classmates what being an American citizen meant to them.
Chris DaCosta said, "[Being a citizen] means a lot to me from firsthand experience because both my parents immigrated here so I saw how much hard work it took and how grateful they are."
Eli Moger stated, "Being an American citizen means that I get many freedoms, including the opportunity to play a role in how my country is run. It also means I have a responsibility to other citizens to participate actively."
When asked what you think is your most important right as a citizen of the United States, fellow URI students answered:
"Freedom of speech. We're allowed to express our opinions without being oppressed. We can stand up for what we believe in," Amanda Feinstein said.
The University of Rhode Island has decided to celebrate Citizenship Day in many different ways. On Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008 you can stop by or participate in:
Mock Presidential Election Poll with support from our College Democrats and College Republicans in the Union and on the Quad from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate! Results will be printed in our column during the following week. Who will URI elect?
