The Pennsylvania Bar Association, in conjunction with the National Constitution Center (NCC) and county bar associations, sponsored the fourth annual statewide I Signed the Constitution program. This unique program allows students to gain a greater understanding of their rights and responsibilities by signing their names next to the signatures of our founders on a mock U.S. Constitution. It is informative, engaging and, most importantly, a lot of fun for students. It also provides attorneys with an excellent opportunity to participate in a worthwhile and fulfilling public service project.

The theme for this year�s program was �One Nation Indivisible.� The events of Sept. 11, 2001, left a lasting impact on all Americans, including our children. As we work together to heal as a nation, we now have the opportunity and responsibility to teach children about our country�s strength and history. Words like freedom, democracy and equality can become commonplace in the classroom as we work with schools and parents to foster the spirit of America in our children.

The celebration began with a formal signing program at Marshall Elementary School in Harrisburg on Tues., Sept. 17. The featured speakers included Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin, Pennsylvania Bar Association President Timothy Carson and Harrisburg School District Superintendent Gerald Cohn, who talked with students about the importance of the Constitution and its relevance to their lives. There also were student speaker and special live musical performances.

But . . . the opportunity to participate in the program did not conclude at the end of Constitution Week - it continued with school signing programs across the state and a poster contest for elementary schools until Bill of Rights Week in December.

View the 2002 I Signed the Constitution Planning Guide*.

* To view the �2002 I Signed the Constitution Planning Guide� you will need to use Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you have to download Adobe Acrobat Reader, go to www.adobe.com.