POL POSITION: Educate youngsters on importance of Constitution

When most Americans wake up today, they will be oblivious to the historical significance of that date. They will fail to realize it is not only an important date for Americans, but for that matter, the entire world.

I am saddened by the fact that very few remember the lessons learned in high school about the document that laid the foundation upon which our country has grown, thrived and prospered. Yes, I am talking about the Constitution of the United States of America.

Two hundred twenty years ago, on Sept. 17, 1787, 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention gathered in Philadelphia. With quill pens, they signed the Constitution, which not only is the cornerstone of our democracy, but also the blueprint by which countless other freedom-loving people throughout the world have legally established a democratic and free government.

As we continue to enjoy the blessings of the amazing form of government that our Founding Fathers built, we must always recognize the importance of the Constitution, not just as a great historical document, but as the ingenious, bold declaration of an oppressed people.

In 1794, Alexander Hamilton wrote, “If it be asked, what is the most sacred duty and the greatest source of our security in a Republic? The answer would be, respect for the Constitution and laws — the first growing out of the last. It is the sacred respect for the constitutional law that is the vital principle, the sustaining energy of a free government.”

But how will future generations acquire this “respect for the Constitution and laws” if we as a society do not stress its importance in the education of our children?

Helping young students learn abut the Constitution is not that easy given the limited resources of many of our local schools. Therefore, last month, I encouraged the schools in the 35th Senate District to contact my office and order complimentary copies of our United States Constitution. It was my hope that all schools would participate in celebrating our nation’s founding by teaching about the rights and protections contained within this amazing document.

The response was overwhelming! In just a few short weeks, I collected and distributed nearly 5,000 Constitutions to local schools.

It is my belief, however, that we must not only educate our youth, but also re-educate ourselves in order to put into historical perspective the true, original intent of the founding principles of the Constitution. These principles have allowed the United States to realize and experience unrivaled freedom and prosperity. On this day, let us remember the Constitution, the men and women who have fought and perished to uphold its content, and its promise of freedom to the American people. If we permit subversion of the original intent of the Constitution, we run the risk that we will lose the freedoms which have served us and the world so well.