September, 2002 Dear Educator: For the past ten years, at the encouragement of Celebration U.S.A., school children throughout the nation have participated in programs to observe the anniversary of the Pledge of Allegiance. In September, 2001 the celebrations took on special significance in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, and President George W. Bush led the country in reciting the Pledge at 2:00 p.m. EST so that children in every part of this great nation could simultaneously affirm their commitment to "the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands." President Bush will be leading the Pledge again this year. Celebration U.S.A. is moving the date of the Pledge Across America to September 17, Constitution Day, upon the request of the United States Department of Education. The Pledge observance will, therefore, enhance this tribute to the constitutional principles upon which this country is founded and will be established as an annual event on or around September 17. President Bush, in his radio address to the nation on August 31, 2002, designated September as "Students in Service to America." A guidebook has been developed by the Department of Education that provides teaching and community resources in which our educational curriculum is referenced. In support of "September of Service," Constitution Day sets the stage for year-long instruction on good citizenship, American principles, and American history. Enclosed, you will find the following materials to help you organize an ongoing program at your school: A letter from Secretary Rod Paige, United States Department of Education, confirming the date change of Pledge Across America An assembly formatted script A CD (Catch the Spirit!) with music appropriate for patriotic observances Lyrics to the musical selections on the CD We hope you will view Constitution Day not as an isolated event, but as a launching point for integrating and exploring the ideals and principles established by the Pledge and Constitution. Celebration U.S.A. acknowledges the invaluable support of Farmers Insurance Group, which generously makes hard copies of Celebration U.S.A. manuals and audio CDs available. To request your CD and printed materials, visit www.celebrationusa.org, or the Farmers Insurance website at www.americanpromise.com. Mark your calendar each year for the annual Pledge Across America on or around September 17th and "Catch the Spirit!" Celebration U.S.A. will also continue to promote an annual National School Celebration the second Friday of October.   Sincerely,         Paula Burton, President