St. Charles veterans organizing its first Constitution Day celebration Sept. 17

On Sept. 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created.

The U.S. Constitution acted like a colossal merger, uniting a diverse group of states holding different interests, laws, and cultures. Under America's first national government, the Articles of Confederation, the states acted together only for specific purposes. However, our Constitution served to unite its citizens as members of a whole, vesting the power of the Union in the people. Without it, the American Experiment might have ended as quickly as it had begun.

Today, the veterans of St. Charles recognize that, as long-standing members of the military community, our members and organizations have a united resolve and commitment to flag, country and to the Constitution of the United States of America.

That promise lies within our oaths of enlistment and office.

On Thursday, Sept. 17, the St. Charles Veterans Constitution Support Group invites the community to its inaugural "Constitution Celebration" from noon to 2 p.m.

Everyone is invited to peacefully and respectfully meet at the St. Charles Freedom Shrine, near the former St. Charles Police Department along the Riverwalk.

There will be a ceremony, followed by a walk to the Veterans Center, 311 N. Second St., Suite 109, for a flag dedication and keynote address by Medal of Honor Recipient Alan J. Lynch and light refreshments.

Free pocket Constitutions, flags and flag code booklets will be made available while supplies last.

Please observe social distancing and wear a mask.

This nonpartisan community event is sponsored by the St. Charles Veterans Center held at the Freedom Shrine.

For information, visit www.stcharlesveteranscenter.org or www.facebook.com/STCVets/.

Allen James Lynch is a former U.S. Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

The St. Charles Veterans Center, 311 N. Second St., Unit 109, is home to veteran posts: American Legion 342, Legion Auxiliary Post 342, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5036, AMVETS 503, and Vietnam Veterans of America 693.

For information, call (630) 377-9845.