Record Attendance at Constitution Day Celebration

The Constitution Day Celebration was held on Sept. 13 in Redlands with live music, food vendors, and a variety of activities and games. This year's record heat did not deter from the record attendance the event enjoyed. The 4400 Project organized the event as a way to recognize and celebrate the shortest written, yet longest lasting Constitution in all of history. “The entire nation celebrates our Declaration of Independence so it just makes sense to follow that up with recognizing the document that secures the rights laid out in the Declaration,” said Terri Wimer, director and founder of the 4400 Project. One of the goals of the 4400 Project and Constitution Day is to make that connection between the Declaration of Independence being the ‘why’ our country was created, and the Constitution simply being the ‘how’ our rights are secured. “That connection is very important for American’s to understand. One cannot understand our Constitution without the Declaration of Independence,” said Wimer. The theme for the year was “We The People; Citizens in a Republic” and the activities revolved around that theme. “Our form of government is a republic, not a democracy as many people believe. In a republic we maintain the greatest freedom, but that requires a certain amount of commitment and responsibility from the citizens,” Wimer explained. The entries in the All-American Car Show were the ‘candidates’ and the citizens followed the entire voting process from registering, receiving a sample ballot, learning about the candidates, and then voting in regulation voting booths. “It is great to see people, especially kids, walking around with their ‘I Voted’ stickers. Hopefully when they have the opportunity they will be more likely to vote in a real election because they’ve already done it here.” There was more to Constitution Day than just voting. Musical performances were enjoyed by all. The national award-winning Mountain Fifes and Drums opened the day with an extraordinary display and even took questions from the audience. They were followed by the Lindy Sisters, 1940s three-part harmony that had the crowds dancing and singing along, then Rock and Roll favorites by Tone Daddy were enjoyed by all. Just when it seemed like the day was winding down, Citrus Valley High School Blackhawk Theater Co. surprised the crowd with a “flash mob” performance that brought everyone to their feet. "The Lincoln Memorial Shrine is an often overlooked jewel in Redlands," Wimer explained, "and one of the best parts of putting on Constitution Day is seeing the many people discover and enjoy this jewel." The Shrine put out a special exhibit just for Constitution Day. Wimer summed up the feelings of the committee, saying “We had the best event to date. It will be difficult to top this next year, but we always strive to keep things fresh and put on the best event possible.” The 4400 Project followed up the community Constitution Day Celebration with a 5th grade field trip to the Lincoln Shrine on Wednesday, Sept. 17 — the actual Constitution Day. Schools are required by federal law to teach the Constitution during that week. Students enjoyed some of the activities that were available at the community celebration, and the Lincoln Shrine provided a special tour for students. Major sponsors of the 4400 Project include: Clark’s Nutrition, Graves & King, Walmart Foundation, Craig & Sons Termite and Pest Control, Beaver Medical Group, Heemstra Signs, Arthur Commercial Press, Subaru of Ontario, American West Bank, and Gallagher’s Finishing Touch Engraving. For more information on the 4400 Project visit 4400Project.org or facebook.com/4400Project. Donations are welcome.