Amendments Quote by Thurgood Marshall
“Some may more quietly commemorate the suffering, struggle, and sacrifice that has triumphed over much of what was wrong with the original document, and observe the anniversary with hopes not realized and promises not fulfilled. I plan to celebrate the bicentennial of the Constitution as a living document, including the Bill of Rights and the other amendments protecting individual freedoms and human rights.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on the Constitution Bicentennial, 1987
Reflects on honoring past struggles while recognizing ongoing unfulfilled promises, urging a living, evolving Constitution that protects freedoms.
In simple terms: Remember past struggles, aim for a Constitution that still protects rights.
Key Takeaway
Commit to upholding and expanding rights.
Themes
history
rights
justice
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
historical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- educational curricula
- public commemorations
Key Concepts
constitutional law
civil rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure the Constitution remains relevant?
- What rights need stronger protection today?
A Different Perspective
Challenges include political resistance to change.
![“Patriotic feelings will surely swell, prompting proud proclamations of the wisdom, foresight, and sense of justice shared by the Framers and reflected in a written document now yellowed with age . . . [F]or many Americans the bicentennial celebration will be little more than a blind pilgrimage to…” quote by Thurgood Marshall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0ba/thurgood-marshall-10063_age_patriotic-feelings-will-surely-swell-pro_3199201.jpg)
![“The 1976 Bicentennial is not going to be invented in Washington, printed in triplicate by the Government Printing Office [and] mailed to you by the United States Postal Service.” quote by Richard M Nixon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eea/richard-m-nixon-2-46348_government_the-1976-bicentennial-is-not-going-to-be_1772976.jpg)
