Today is no ordinary day on the calendar, but a special day where we celebrate our roots, our founding principles, and our civic duties as Americans. This is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, recognized annually on September 17th, marking the signing of that venerable document, the United States Constitution, back in 1787. It’s a time not merely for beer and barbecues, but for reflection on the duties and privileges of being a citizen in the world's oldest constitutional republic.
Now, I’m sure we can all agree that the U.S. Constitution
isn't merely ink on parchment. No, my friends, it's the beating heart of our
American experiment. It tells us how our government works, but most
importantly, it tells the government how it can't interfere with the
inalienable rights granted to us by our Creator.
The Importance of Civic Duty
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are not just about what
our country can do for us but also about what we can do for our country. I’ve
heard that somewhere before. Active participation in democracy is not a
spectator sport. We must be vigilant and actively participate in the governance
of our nation. This is where we ensure that our liberties are more than just
words on a paper.
But let us not forget, while our Constitution is a
magnificent document, it wasn't perfect. At its inception, it excluded women,
people of color, and those who didn’t own land from the rights and privileges
it extended. Yes, it’s true. Even the most beautiful rose has its thorns. And
while we revere the Constitution, it is our duty to ensure that it reflects the
freedom and equality for all as it was first envisioned to do. We do this by
applying those words written over two centuries ago to our hearts.
The Road Ahead
So as we commemorate this Constitution Day, let us commit to
be the stewards of our democracy. Let’s recommit ourselves to the values that
bind us as a nation and to the notion that we are all created equal. We are all
shareholders in the American Dream, and it is our collective responsibility to
ensure its growth for generations yet unborn.
Well, that's enough from me for now. God bless you, and may
God continue to bless these United States of America.
