NNSY Celebrates Constitution and Citizenship Day

NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD CELEBRATES CONSTITUTION AND CITIZENSHIP DAY

STORY BY ALLISON CONTI • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

At every New Employee Orientation (NEO), Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Commanding Officer, Capt. Kai Torkelson asks the next generation of shipyard employees to raise their right hand and take an oath swearing to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. This promise is made by every federal employee and a similar oath is taken by those serving in all branches of the U.S. military. The oath asks every employee to make a commitment to his or her nation and provides clarity on the overall mission of all federal employees and service members.

The Constitution of the United States was signed on Sept. 17, 1787 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Signed by 39 of the nation’s founding fathers, 30 of whom were veterans of the Revolutionary War, the historic document laid a framework for the new nation’s federal government and the rights that “We the People” enjoy today.

Constitution and Citizenship Day is celebrated annually on the anniversary of the signing the historic document. The day gives federal employees an opportunity to

reflect on the commitment they’ve made and the oath they’ve given. Employees are encouraged to enrich their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and recommit on the oath they have taken.

For more information and resources related to the U.S. Constitution and Constitution Day, visit constitutionday. cpms.osd.mil.