By Caroline Santiago
Terrorism may have damaged the country''s structure, but its foundation based on the Constitution stands strong.
The United States Constitution was signed and sent to Congress on Sept. 17, 1787. Monday, Sept. 17 is its 214th birthday.
The celebration starts in Provo with a free concert Friday, Sept. 14 at the Provo Tabernacle, according to a news release.
Many Americans say the Constitution stands as a symbol of the country and the freedoms it offers.
'It represents our diversity, unity, and also our goals to protect liberty and freedom,' said Katie Cowley, 20, a junior majoring in humanities from Lakewood, Colo.
'Some people might be feeling threatened after what happened on Tuesday, but we can find comfort in knowing that our country was founded on great ideals as we trust our leaders and support them in their upcoming decisions,' Cowley said.
The tragedy on Tuesday, Sept. 11 is a reminder to students how resilient the Constitution is, said Neil Sood, 22, a senior majoring in political science from Galthersburg, Md.
'The Constitution kept our society from falling apart on Tuesday,' he said.
The Constitution has survived tragedies before, and it will continue to survive in this changing world because it is the one force that is constant, he said.
The Foundation on the Constitution of the United States (FOCUS) is hosting the anniversary of the Constitution on Friday, Sept. 14; Saturday, Sept. 15 and Monday, Sept. 17 to celebrate and discuss the Constitution along with the Declaration of Independence through music, workshops and meetings, according to a news release.
FOCUS was founded on the ideal to honor and promote the God-given principles of liberty that are stated in the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, said Levor Oldham, an officer in FOCUS.
He said that nothing is more important to the country right now than the Constitution, and although everyone knows it exists, no one understands the important differences between the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
A goal of FOCUS is to educate the public about the Constitution and the rights Americans have, he said.
Students can sign up to join FOCUS at the concert beginning at 7 p.m., Oldham said. This will then give students access to the other events.
FOCUS continues the celebration on Saturday, Sept. 15 with a constitutional conference and workshop at the Provo Marriott Hotel from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to a news release.
The workshop will be followed with a banquet meeting at 7 p.m. at the BYU Skyroom ELWC, Oldham said.
The celebration will conclude with a free picnic at 5:30 p.m. at the Orem Scera Park, he said.
FOCUS offers a charter membership for $25 per person or $40 per couple or family. While a 'Patriot Sustaining Membership' can be purchased for varying amounts depending on the status of the patriot membership wanted, according to the news release.
For instance, an Alexander Hamilton membership costs $100 or more while a more prestigious George Washington membership costs $2,000 or more, according to the news release.