1997 U.S. Code
Title 36 - PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES AND OBSERVANCES
CHAPTER 9 - NATIONAL OBSERVANCES
Sec. 153 - Citizenship Day; designation; proclamation; observance

The 17th day of September of each year is designated as “Citizenship Day” in commemoration of the formation and signing, on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution of the United States and in recognition of all who, by coming of age or by naturalization have attained the status of citizenship, and the President of the United States is authorized to issue annually a proclamation calling upon officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on such day, and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies.

The civil and educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and towns be, and they are, urged to make plans for the proper observance of this day and for the full instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the States and localities in which they reside.

Nothing herein shall be construed as changing, or attempting to change, the time or mode of any of the many altogether commendable observances of similar nature now being held from time to time, or periodically, but, to the contrary, such practices are praised and encouraged.

(Feb. 29, 1952, ch. 49, §1, 66 Stat. 9.)

Citizenship clause, see Const. Amend. 14, §1.

Occasions for display of flag, see section 174 of this title.