Constitution Day recognizes one of history's greatest documents

  • Published
  • By Debra Straight
  • 15th Airlift Wing Inspector General
Hickam AFB, Hawaii --  Written 220 years ago, the U.S. Constitution is one of the most influential documents in history.  Indeed, it stands as the oldest constitution in effect in any nation on the planet.  In recognition of this great document -- and the noble principles at its core, President George W. Bush has declared this coming Monday (17 Sep 07) as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. 

"Today, every American shares in this legacy of liberty, and we are grateful for the courage, conviction and sacrifice of all those who have helped preserve and uphold the principles of a free society," said President George W. Bush in a speech recognizing the importance of this date in history.  "As we remember the enduring importance of the Constitution, we also recognize our responsibility as citizens to respect and defend the values of our founding and participate in the unfolding story of freedom." 

Close to home, Col. JJ Torres, 15th Airlift Wing commander, is both a student and avid fan of the Constitution.  In fact, he keeps a copy of this historic document within arm's reach in his office and provides copies to Airmen and other base personnel who are promoted, reassigned and/or retired.  As we near this anniversary, he points out that members of the military have taken an oath to "... support and defend the Constitution of the United States."  

"When asked 'why do we serve?"  I like to remind people that we don't fight to protect any one person, ideology, geopolitical system or religion," the colonel said.  "No, our military services exist to protect an overarching idea of 'freedom.' And 'freedom" has been captured in perpetuity in the principles eloquently laid out in the Constitution of the United States -- the core values of which have remained unchanged over the past 220 years." 

Colonel Torres also pointed out that defending the Constitution is a responsibility all Americans share.  "We should never forget that freedom is not free," he said. "It was borne on the backs of our forefathers, protected through the years by intrepid patriots and will require the steadfast commitment of our generation today to insure freedom endures for generations of Americans yet to come."