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On this day, December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights was enacted.
I was in downtown DC on December 15, 2022, but the weather was pretty nasty -- cold, nearly freezing rain. I might have managed to go over to the National Archives later to look at a copy up close and personal.
On this day in 1791, the Bill of Rights became law when it was ratified by the Virginia General Assembly.
Perennial local writer of letters to the editor Ellen Latane (it's pronounced "laa'-tuh-nee," not "luh-tain'" ) Tabb makes note most years of the legacy of George Mason. Here's 2013's letter.
Give George Mason his rightful place in American history
26 December 2013
By Ellen Latane Tabb, Alexandria
To the editor:
December 15 marked the anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights in 1791.
George Mason IV, of Gunston Hall, (George Washington’s next-door neighbor on the Potomac; both considered themselves Alexandrians) is the person most responsible for its inclusion. He refused to sign the U.S. Constitution without a statement of our rights — and he also wanted it to provide for emancipation.
When the Virginia General Assembly debated its adoption, he was among the foremost opposing it for those reasons. Virginia narrowly voted to ratify the Constitution with the proviso that a Bill of Rights must accompany it.
This also is an appropriate time to remember Mason because his birthday was December 11. It should be widely observed; he was one of the most important Founding Fathers.
Mason authored the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Fairfax Resolves (ratified in Alexandria), which set the precedent of one colony supporting another in resistance to British tyranny. He was a major contributor to the discussions resulting in the creation of our federal republic.
{snip}
26 December 2013
By Ellen Latane Tabb, Alexandria
To the editor:
December 15 marked the anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights in 1791.
George Mason IV, of Gunston Hall, (George Washington’s next-door neighbor on the Potomac; both considered themselves Alexandrians) is the person most responsible for its inclusion. He refused to sign the U.S. Constitution without a statement of our rights — and he also wanted it to provide for emancipation.
When the Virginia General Assembly debated its adoption, he was among the foremost opposing it for those reasons. Virginia narrowly voted to ratify the Constitution with the proviso that a Bill of Rights must accompany it.
This also is an appropriate time to remember Mason because his birthday was December 11. It should be widely observed; he was one of the most important Founding Fathers.
Mason authored the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Fairfax Resolves (ratified in Alexandria), which set the precedent of one colony supporting another in resistance to British tyranny. He was a major contributor to the discussions resulting in the creation of our federal republic.
{snip}
And then she heads off into a diatribe, but never mind that. The big deal is that there's a reason that George Mason has an elementary school, a high school, and a university named after him.
So make sure as you spend the day, that you "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
I could say more, but it would only upset people.
Fri Dec 15, 2023: On this day, December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights was enacted.
Mon Dec 11, 2023: On this day, December 11, 1725, George Mason was born. He conceived the Bill of Rights.
Thu Dec 15, 2022: On this day, December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights was enacted.
Mon Dec 12, 2022: On December 11, 1725, George Mason was born. He conceived the Bill of Rights.
Wed Dec 15, 2021: On this day, December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights was enacted.
The Bill of Rights was written by George Mason. You can read about him here:
Sat Dec 11, 2021: On this date, December 11, 1725, George Mason was born. He conceived the Bill of Rights.
Tue Dec 15, 2020: On this day, December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights was enacted.
Fri Dec 11, 2020: On this date, December 11, 1725, George Mason was born. He conceived the Bill of Rights.
Fri Dec 13, 2019: Happy 228th birthday, the Bill of Rights, enacted on December 15, 1791.
Wed Dec 11, 2019: Happy 294th Birthday, George Mason. Founding Founder, He Conceived the Bill of Rights.
Friday, December 14, 2018: Happy 227th birthday, the Bill of Rights, enacted on December 15, 1791
Fri Dec 14, 2018: SC Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg delivered remarks at the National Archives on Bill of Rights Day
DECEMBER 14, 2018
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Bill of Rights Day
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg delivered remarks at the National Archives Naturalization Ceremony marking Bill of Rights Day. Officials plan to swear in more than 30 candidates from 26 countries as new U.S. citizens.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Bill of Rights Day
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg delivered remarks at the National Archives Naturalization Ceremony marking Bill of Rights Day. Officials plan to swear in more than 30 candidates from 26 countries as new U.S. citizens.
Tue Dec 11, 2018: Happy 293rd Birthday, George Mason. Founding Founder, He Conceived the Bill of Rights.
Friday, December 15, 2017: Happy 226th birthday, the Bill of Rights
Mon Dec 11, 2017: Happy 292nd Birthday, George Mason. Founding Founder, He Conceived the Bill of Rights.
Sun Dec 11, 2016: Happy 291st Birthday, George Mason. Founding Founder, He Conceived the Bill of Rights.