Balloons flew in Washington, bright lights were on in New York, and bells rang across the U.S. But Philadelphia's rollicking celebration of the 200th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution was the centerpiece and culmination of the nation's yearlong bicentennial commemoration. While rain fell on the climactic events, it failed to dampen either the soaring spirits or the high-flying oratory.
Speaking outside Independence Hall, President Reagan hailed the completion of the Constitution as the moment "the Revolution truly began." Former Chief Justice Warren Burger, who has promoted the bicentennial since he retired from the high court in 1986, praised...
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