History of Citizenship Day Date of celebration: September 17  Save as Bookmark  Send this Page to Friend. Citizenship Day Of USA Home   Citizenship Day Celebrations   Citizenship Day Observances   History of Citizenship Day   Outline of the U.S. Constitution   In 1939, William Randolph Hearst advocated, through his chain of daily newspapers, the creation of a holiday to celebrate citizenship. In 1940, Congress designated the third Sunday in May as "I am an American Day". The Citizenship Day is one of the newest federal holidays to be established by U.S. in 2004. It is also know as Constitutional Day. The roots of Citizenship Day stretch farther back beginning in 1940 when the U.S. Congress initiated "I am an American Day". Initially the day was celebrated third Sunday in May, but later the September 17th was chosen as a celebration day by citizens themselves. In 1953 State of Ohio named the date "Constitution Day". Louisville, Ohio, calls itself Constitution Town and credits one of its own for getting the holiday national recognition. In 1952, resident Olga T. Weber petitioned municipal officials to establish Constitution Day, in honor of the ratification of the US Constitution in 1789. Mayor Gerald A. Romary proclaimed September 17, 1952, as Constitution Day in the city. The following April, Weber requested that the Ohio General Assembly proclaim September 17 as state-wide Constitution Day. Her request was signed into law by Governor Frank J. Lausche. In August 1953, she took her case to the United States Senate, which passed a resolution designating September 17-23 as Constitution Week. The Senate and House approved her request and it was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. On April 15, 1957, the City Council of Louisville declared the city Constitution Town. The Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society later donated four historical markers, located at the four main entrances to the city, explaining Louisville's role as originator of Constitution Day. The Space Shuttle Enterprise was originally planned to be named Constitution. However, even after the name was changed, the Shuttle was dedicated on Constitution Day, 1976. The 2007 University of Florida Taser incident occurred at an event arranged for Constitution Day. Today Americans consider Constitution Day as a birthday for United States and express their pride in their citizenship. Constitution Day also designates a time to honor the U.S. Constitution and learn more about the famous piece of legislation.