Bush, Burger Open Festivities for Constitution

Vice President George Bush formally opened the summer-long 200th birthday party for the U.S. Constitution on Monday, helped by pomp, pageantry and 30,000 red, white and blue balloons released in front of Independence Hall.

“I am proud to live in the fairest, the freest, the most generous country on the face of the Earth,” Bush told about 50,000 people on the mall near the Liberty Bell Pavilion. “Our American heritage is grounded in a living Constitution.

‘Has Enhanced Freedoms’

“Because the document lives, it has enhanced our freedoms and supported a system that seeks to unleash the God-given talents of every individual to grow and prosper. The energy that gives our Constitution life and meaning comes from the American people.”

Former Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, chairman of the national Constitution Bicentennial Commission, shared the rostrum with Bush.

“The Constitution was not perfect by any means, but . . . let’s keep it,” said Burger, who retired from the Supreme Court to organize the national Constitution celebration.

During the speeches by Bush and Burger, a noisy crowd of 200 demonstrators across Independence Mall chanted slogans protesting U.S. support for the rebels in Nicaragua.

Four demonstrators were arrested after several tried to cross the barricades to present a wreath to Bush “for all the victims of his illegal war in violation of the Constitution.”

Joining the dignitaries in front of Independence Hall were clergy, representing several religious denominations, who gave a joint invocation.

“Our country was founded in large measure by people seeking religious freedom,” Rabbi Patrice Heller said.

Joined in Singing

The crowd joined in singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” as the U.S. flag went up a 100-foot pole, first to the top, then back to half-staff in memory of the 37 sailors killed on the U.S. frigate Stark in the Persian Gulf last week.

When the speeches ended, boys and girls marched behind the officials. They lugged 100-foot-high bags of helium-filled red, white and blue balloons that formed the image of a U.S. flag, then released them.

On May 25, 1787, delegates from 12 of the 13 original states began meeting to draft the Constitution in the historic Statehouse where the Declaration of Independence had been written. The new document was to replace the Articles of Confederation, which had held the states together only loosely for six years.

Those days of controversy were re-enacted over the holiday weekend by scholars and governors who debated--like James Madison, Benjamin Franklin and the other Constitution drafters--the tough questions of the day.

Rhode Island, which refused to participate 200 years ago, was represented in the re-enactment.

As happened 200 years ago, the participants found no easy answers in arguments over employment, education, taxes and budgets.

“Making the original colonies into one government, one union, was difficult, and to remember what happened is to take pride in our heritage and our rich history,” Pennsylvania Gov. Robert P. Casey said.

Proposed Changes

The modern-day delegates, five from each of the 13 original states, came up with proposals on how they would change the Constitution if they had a chance.

Massachusetts suggested “a Declaration of Citizens Rights that would create a more perfect union.” Connecticut wanted to make American English the official national language. Pennsylvania insisted that there was an urgent need to guarantee a job for everyone who wanted to work.

Before Monday’s official opening ceremony, thousands of tourists walked the cobbled streets and brick sidewalks of the historic area, touring the homes, banks and churches where American history was made.