BYRD’S EYE VIEW: Marking the Lessons of Constitution Day
From the desk of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV
Washington, DC (HNN) -- Our Constitution is the foundation of our freedoms. Just a few pages, written on parchment, established for all time the direction and structure of these United States. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, guarantee our freedoms: freedom of speech; freedom of religion; the right to assemble; the right to petition the government; the right to bear arms; and the right to vote. Our liberties are protected by that Constitution, not only by the Bill of Rights but also by the separation of powers and the checks and balances among the three equal branches of our government.
But a great Republic cannot sustain itself unless its citizens participate actively in their own government. To do that our citizens must be familiar with the Constitution and the intent of the Framers who wrote it. That is why, two years ago, I included a provision in U.S. law which designates September 17 of each year as Constitution Day, so that, on or near this day, all Americans can learn more about the Constitution and reflect upon its importance. Once again this year, schools in West Virginia and throughout our country offered special Constitution Day programs. And citizens from all walks of life stopped to think about the role of the Constitution in their daily lives.
Each of us should give thanks that on September 17, 1787, our forefathers signed their names to the new Constitution and launched mankind’s most remarkable experiment in self-governance.
Constitution Day should remind us all that we the people are the ultimate guardians of our freedoms.
Unless we understand our birthright and guard it vigorously, we risk losing the gift of the Framers. Our Constitution continues to inspire millions around the globe. It has survived the stresses and strains of 219 years of incredible challenge and change.
Our Constitution’s Framers were willing to risk everything they owned, even their own lives, to give us the great treasure that is our nation and our form of government. Each of us has an obligation to hand that treasure on to future generations intact and strong and secure.