U.S. schools prepare to celebrate Constitution Day

During the next two weeks students in public schools and colleges will learn about the United States Constitution while abiding by a new federal law. A provision tacked onto an appropriations bill late last year by Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., requires federally funded educational institutions - elementary schools and universities alike - to observe the first Constitution Day.

Byrd, a history buff known for keeping a copy of the Constitution in his pocket at all times, sought to focus attention on a little known date in American history - Sept. 17, 1787, the day the Constitution was signed.

Since the holiday this year would fall on a Saturday, schools were given a two-week window in which to observe Constitution Day.