They are only 52 words, but I actually get chills when I read them: “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Aren’t those introductory words moving in the preamble to the Constitution?
I think about when and why they were written and get more goose bumps.
The American Constitution is the oldest and most influential written constitution of any major government in the world. It has served as the model for more than 100 constitutions around the globe and is widely considered the greatest legal document ever written. It stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history who have fought to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights.
Our forefathers signed the constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and ratified it nine months later. In 1955, the Daughters of the American Revolution successfully petitioned Congress to annually set aside Sept. 17 – 23 as Constitution Week. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law creating Constitution Week in 1956.
Constitution Week offers Americans the opportunity to deepen our appreciation of this important document and celebrate the freedoms it gives us.
Joanne McCoy
Bayfield
