At this time last week, with the help of the Pocahontas County Honor Corps, we were preparing for the Annual 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony at the gazebo area on Main Street in Marlinton.
It is a small, yet deliberate way, to pause to remember the 2,977 innocent lives taken 24 years ago. A solemn attempt to honor the 343 NYFD, NYPD and Port Authority officers who gave their lives responding to the horrific events of that day. With typically 80,000 or more souls in the twin towers on any given day, it is safe to say that thousands and thousands of lives were saved, before those first responders lost their lives.
This week, I wonder how many people know it is Constitution Week – much less, take time to acknowledge or consider it. To honor the timeless principles enshrined in our Constitution, Congress designated September 17 as “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
Later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower designated the period beginning September 17 and September 23, 1956, as Constitution Week, urging the people of the United States to observe that week with appropriate ceremonies and activities in their schools and churches and other suitable places.
The aims of the Constitution Week celebration are to:
• Emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution.
• Inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life.
• Encourage the study of historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
Constitution Week is a great time to learn more about this important document and celebrate the freedom it gave us.
The Founders put the power to decide our Nation’s future in the hands of “We the People.”
On Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and during Constitution Week, we recommit to preserving our republic, perfecting our Union, and ensuring our democracy survives and thrives.
It has been said that, when he was leaving the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked whether the Founding Fathers had given America a monarchy or a republic, and he replied: “A republic, if you can keep it.”
What does any of this have to do with Marlinton? Everything!
There was a reason for our Nation’s motto; “United We Stand.”
