University students gathered Friday afternoon at the “Anniversary Plaza” behind the Illini Union to celebrate the 223 anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution.

The celebration took place between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. A hand-written copy of the Constitution were available for students to sign, according to the press release.

“We are not writing the constitution but this is saying this is something that we stand by,” said Hannah Ihms, graduate student and organizer of this event.

There will be a public reading of the constitution. Ihms said students seem to be very interested in this. She said she believes it is important to know the history of the United States and how it came together.

“That document provides a way to pass on a stable government to the next generation,” Ihms said.