On this day 217 years ago, Virginia became the 10th of 14 states to ratify the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known collectively as the Bill of Rights. With it, American citizens were granted—among others—the freedoms of speech, press, and religion; protection against unreasonable searches and seizures; the privilege against self-incrimination; and the right to counsel, to a speedy and public trial, and to a trial by jury.
Yet despite being declared Bill of Rights Day by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the ratification, Dec. 15 often goes unnoticed. Don’t let Bill of Rights Day be overlooked this year. Celebrate in Fourth of July fashion with a parade, barbecue, and fireworks. Just make sure not to shoot your eye out.
View the actual Bill of Rights at the National Archives.
Tags: Bill of Rights, Constitution, history, National Archives
