The Judiciary of Guam, together with the Office of the Governor and the Guam Legislature, held a joint proclamation and resolution presentation commemorating Sept. 17 as Constitution Day and Sept. 17 to Sept. 23 as Constitution Week.

Observed annually across the United States, the occasion celebrates the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and serves as a reminder of the nation’s founding principles of freedom and democracy, promotes civic engagement, and educates the public on the document’s significance.

The ceremony took place in the Monessa G. Lujan Appellate Courtroom, where Justice Philip Carbullido and Presiding Judge Alberto Lamorena was joined by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio, and Speaker Therese Terlaje. Attending virtually were Chief Justice Robert Torres and Judge John Terlaje.

Also present in the ceremony were Judge Arthur A. Barcinas, Magistrate Judge Jonathan R. Quan, Senator Jesse A. Lujan, Senator Sabina F. Perez, Administrator of the Courts Danielle T. Rosete, and managers and attorneys of the Judiciary of Guam.

“Constitution Day is a special day to honor one of the most important documents in history. Signed 237 years ago, this document laid the foundation for the freedoms we cherish and the principles that guide our government,” said Lamorena. “But the Constitution is more than a framework; it is a promise to the people. It ensures that power rests with the people, that their voices are heard, and that their rights are protected. It reminds us that government exists to serve, not to rule.”

“This celebration is going to provide the community the opportunity to reaffirm and think about the importance of what our Constitution does for us…that means protection of our democracy, that means guidance towards law and order,” added Leon Guerrero.

As part of the festivities, the court will hold outreach presentations in middle and high schools throughout the week, where law clerks, research attorneys, and judicial officers will educate island youth about the importance of the Constitution and the rights it guarantees.