MCCC’s Student Life and Leadership hosted a Constitution Day event on Thursday, September 17, on MCCC’s West Windsor Campus outside of the Welcome Center. Student attendees learned what Constitution Day is, its purpose, and the importance of voting.
Constitution Day celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution in 1787. It was written to protect the liberties and freedoms of future US citizens.
Dozens of students gathered outside, exploring different tables while enjoying fluffy beignets, fried dough with powdered sugar. Last year, the food enticement was free boba for those who could prove they had registered to vote.
Also returning to the event is Woody Duncan this year, an Uncle Sam performer on stilts who has been an entertainer for over 30 years. Towering above students, Duncan drew a crowd by singing and playing the guitar.
Duncan said about the importance of the event, “This is part of showing America our history and, you know, where we stand as a nation and a community.”
Representatives from the Mercer County Election Board ran a table where they assisted students in the voter registration process.
Jessica Maldonado, a representative of the Election Board said, “So far we have three completed voter registration forms, and we’ve given out about, six or seven registration forms to be sent back. So it’s a good turnout.”
The newest addition to this event was the traveling Armed Forces Heritage Museum, which offered students a look at the battles of the Revolutionary War that were fought here in New Jersey. The AFHM, started in 2010 in Burlington, NJ, created the mobile museum in 2017 to “preserve, honor, and educate” the public.
Marvel Caroll, Treasurer of the AFHM, said “I think it’s more of a fun way to learn”.
While students mostly dropped by for the free beignets, Kaitlin Sanders, a second year Liberal Arts major explained that “bringing Constitution Day to life really helps us appreciate the cornerstones of what made this country.”
