WHEREAS, the President of the United States, through authority granted him by Congress has called for the observance of September 17, 1956 as Citizenship Day, the date formerly observed as Constitution Day; and
WHEREAS, the State of Delaware should take special interest in this day which marks the 169th anniversary of the adoption of the federal constitution in Philadelphia, Pa., the action which paved the way for Delaware to become the First State to ratify ; and
WHEREAS, it is most fitting that we give recognition to all of our people who have come of age during the past year, as well as those who have been naturalized and now practice their full rights as citizens for the first time ; and
WHEREAS, we are grateful for the system of government established for us by our forefathers, giving individuals that freedom of choice and action which was proclaimed a birthright in the Declaration of Independence; and
WHEREAS, it is our solemn duty to encourage new citizens to use their privilege at every opportunity in order to strengthen our system of government and to make certain that the will of the majority is heard; now
THEREFORE, I, J. CALEB BOGGS, Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby proclaim that Monday, September 17, 1956 be observed in the First State as
I particularly urge that our schools, colleges, churches, veteran and patriotic organizations plan special events and programs for this day, marking the full significance of American citizenship, especially upon our youth on whom we depend
for the future welfare of our state and nation.
We should also stress that it is the duty of the citizens to register and vote at the important national and state elections this fall and work in unison in order to accomplish that purpose.
I also order that the national and state flags be flown from public buildings and that our citizens generally display those beloved emblems wherever possible and appropriate. May our flags serve as visual reminders to all of us to practice our rights and privileges and to continue to work for a free and independent United States of America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, J. Caleb Boggs, Governor of the State of Delaware, have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the said State to be hereunto affixed at Dover this Twentieth
(Great Seal) day of August in the year of Our Lord One thousand nine hundred and fifty-six and of the Independence of the United States of America, the one hundred and eighty-first.