Do You Know Why?
Although there are holidays and other memorable days in December; there’s one date that, while far less known, deserves at least a little remembrance.
I’m referring to Bill of Rights Day.
Never heard of it? That’s okay—many people haven’t. But it’s an important date nonetheless, because it’s the day we commemorate the anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights. On December 15, 1791, Virginia became the last state needed to ratify the first ten amendments of the Constitution, thereby passing them into law. For this reason, Bill of Rights Day falls on December 15th every year.
In some ways, the Bill of Rights is as important as the Constitution itself. In fact, many of the delegates who participated in the drafting of the Constitution two years earlier refused to sign it unless a Bill of Rights was included.
As you know, the Bill of Rights is important because it guarantees many of the basic liberties and freedoms that ensure a just, peaceful, and democratic society. And while we as a country have often argued on how to interpret some of those rights, I think just about everyone would agree on their importance. In fact, not a day goes by where we do not benefit from those rights in some way or another. Whenever we express an opinion on our government; whenever we enter a house of worship; whenever we read a newspaper; whenever we have cause to defend ourselves or our homes; whenever we sit in judgment over a fellow citizen or be judged in turn, we are exercising and benefiting from the Bill of Rights.
Unfortunately, Bill of Rights Day doesn’t get much attention … maybe because there’s no way for corporations to profit from it? As a result, it doesn’t contain the kind of memorable traditions other holidays do. But this year, I’d like to suggest a new tradition. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it doesn’t cost any money … but it’s a powerful one all the same.
I propose that on Bill of Rights Day, we all take just a few minutes to re-read the first ten amendments. I propose we take just a few minutes to ponder and understand them. I propose we take just a few minutes to discuss them with our friends and loved ones. See Bill of Rights.
I propose we take just a few minutes to be thankful for them.
Maybe, if we do that, we can strengthen an even older tradition: the tradition of being knowledgeable, engaged, and active citizens. That way, we can better fulfill the promise of the Constitution itself:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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.
Happy Bill of Rights Day!
