Most Americans likely remember the first seven words of the U.S. Constitution, but far fewer are apt to remember the remaining words of the introductory sentence. Even fewer are likely to remember the date on which it was signed.

However, today is Constitution Day, which commemorates the Sept. 17, 1787, signing by Philadelphia Convention delegates of the document that eventually formed the backbone of American government.

The U.S. Constitution succeeded the Articles of Confederation, in which states operated as if they were independent nations. The Philadelphia delegates proposed a stronger federal government with three branches; previously, there was a single legislature with no executive or judicial branches.

Those signing the document knew it wasn’t perfect.

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying on the closing day of the convention, “I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such, because I think a central government is necessary for us … I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain may be able to make a better Constitution.”

Still, the document has stood the test of time.

The Bill of Rights, 10 amendments that guarantee additional human rights, were added to the Constitution in 1791.

Although thousands of amendments have been proposed, only 17 additional amendments have been adopted.

The adoption of Constitution Day is a result of efforts by the late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, of West Virginia, whose longstanding goal of recognition for the day was accomplished in 2004.

In an excerpt from his 2005 speech at Shepherd’s University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, Byrd said, “The anniversary of the signing of the Constitution is … a very important day, yet it is often not even printed on the calendar and is rarely observed. That is a shame. Why should the phases of the moon, or the first day of autumn, or Halloween, be granted more notice in the passing days of our lives than an event which has such impact on so many aspects of our daily occupations?”

He continued, “I hope that you will not see this annual event as a burden. Rather, I hope that each year, each of you will renew your sense of devotion to our great nation and increase your understanding of the mechanisms that make it great.”

Well said, Sen. Byrd.