Celebrate Law Day

In 1958 President Dwight Eisenhower established May 1st as Law Day, a day designed to counteract the Soviet Union’s celebration of communism and to remember our own American heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. It’s the 54th time we have been given the chance to reflect on these important democratic principles.

For 2012 the American Bar Association has adopted the Law Day theme “No Courts. No Justice. No Freedom.” This theme boldly states the importance of the third branch of government. Ohio’s Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor says, “Law Day is an opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to ensuring that our courts are properly funded. It is an opportunity to see to it that access to justice is universal; that the courthouse doors are open to all; and that we always have fair, impartial, and peaceful venues to resolve our disputes.”

There will be many events to recognize the importance of this day. You can find more information at the site of the American Bar Association: http://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/initiatives_awards/law_day.html.

In an August 22, 1864 speech to the 166th Ohio Regiment, President Abraham Lincoln took a long-term view of why we reinforce our American ideals and the rule of law:

“It is not merely for to-day, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children's children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives.”

Let’s remember and pass on our heritage with pride, and vigilantly guard the ideals of liberty, justice and equality under law that we have been bequeathed. Not just on Law Day--always.