Governor Newsom proclaims Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring September 17, 2026, as “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.”
The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:
PROCLAMATION
For more than two centuries, the United States Constitution has been the bedrock of our nation’s government, providing a framework for the evolving American experiment that continues today. The Constitution, through collaboration and compromise, unified America’s states, with all their differing interests, into one voice — one nation — that derives its power from its people.
As we recognize this milestone in our history, we also reflect that the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution were denied to large swaths of the population for generations. Today, we honor the leadership and sacrifices of many Americans throughout history who have brought our nation closer to realizing its founding ideals.
We must never take this progress for granted; civic engagement is a lifelong commitment. We stand at the crossroads of history, where efforts to undo decades of hard-won victories have reached a fever pitch. In this moment, we cannot allow ourselves to be divided. We must carry forth the founding spirit of our nation and push back against tyranny. And we must remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the promise of our democracy and strive to live out the meaning of “e pluribus unum” – out of many, one.
On Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, California reaffirms its commitment to the principles of equality, freedom, and opportunity for all in the ongoing cause to form a more perfect union.
NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2026 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day,
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 17th day of September 2026.
GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California
ATTEST:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State