Four observances and recognition days occur in September that provide important civic learning opportunities, one of them is required by federal law. They include:
Maine Week of Heroes: Sunday, Sept. 6 — Saturday, Sept. 12
Title 1 §146 Maine Week of Heroes is an observance commencing on a Sunday and ending on the next following Saturday, within which September 11th occurs.
Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance: Friday, Sept. 11
Patriot Day was designated by joint resolution of the U.S. Congress in December of 2001 to honor those who perished in the events of Sept. 11 of that same year. By public law adopted in 2009, Congress has requested Sept. 11 also be recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Constitution Day: Thursday, Sept. 17 (required by federal law)
In 2004, Constitution Day was designed to recognize the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. Under the law, all educational institutions receiving federal funding must observe Constitution Day with an “educational program on the United States Constitution.”
Prisoner of War – Missing in Action Recognition Day: Friday, Sept. 18
Title 1 §136 designates this day to encourage “remembrance of the courage and plight of American prisoners of war and those missing in action.”
For more information visit the Department’s Social Studies web page or contact Maine DOE’s Social Studies Specialist Kristie Littlefield at kristie.littlefield@maine.gov or 624-6828.