Constitution Day event coming Sept. 16

The Constitution Day celebration hosted by Rep. Ron Young, is coming back to Downtown Painesville on Sept. 16.

The Constitution Day celebration hosted by Ohio Rep. Ron Young, R-Leroy Township, is coming back to Downtown Painesville on Sept. 16.

Young created the event last year. In a time where people are “being divided into tribal groups,” the Constitution is a symbol of unification.

“In talking to other people, we want to celebrate diversity, but on Constitution Day, I think it’s a good day for us to come together and recognize the blessings we all have in a founding document like the Constitution,” Young told the News-Herald last year.

This year’s event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Painesville Gazebo (the rain location for the event is at First Church Congregational of Painesville, 22 Liberty St.)

Local political figures and others will present speeches by George Washington, Betsy Ross, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. and Ronald Reagan.

“They’re foremost figures in American history, but I’m not sure if the average citizen has ever really heard highlights of some of their speeches, or at least a speech that’s representative of who they are and what they achieved as contributors to American society,” Young said.

This year’s event will be more family oriented, Young said. That includes children’s games popular during the Revolutionary War period.

“I think that’ll be fun for the kids,” Young said.

The Daughters of American Revolution will have activities and presentations on the amendments to the Constitution. Patriotic music will be performed by the Harvey High School band and choir as well as the Mentor High School choir. Free pocket constitutions will also be given out.

U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township, is the VIP guest for the event. Other guests include Lake County NAACP President Al Jones; state Senator John Eklund, R-Munson Township; state Sen. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Height; state Rep. John Barnes, D-Cleveland; state Rep. John Rogers, D-Mentor-on-the-Lake; state Rep. Bill Patmon, D-Cleveland; Painesville City Manager Monica Irelan and Lake County Sheriff Daniel Dunlap.

A certificate of attendance is available for any who may be able to use the event to fulfill Federal Constitution Day and Citizenship Day education requirements.