What the U.S. Constitution means to me

Thank you for your editorial noting the celebration of the United States Constitution on Constitution Day, Sept. 17 and during Constitution Week Sept. 17-23.

As a member of Washakie Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, I had asked you to publish notice of this celebration. Perhaps you were also contacted by our Chapter Regent as well as other members. The appreciation of this special time written by different members of the 5th grade taught by Jessie Rode show, in general, how much freedom is provided for all citizens. At the end of the editorial you wrote, “What does the U.S. Constitution mean to you?”

In answer, I will say that the U.S. Constitution means to me that I not only have the freedoms mentioned by those students, but also that I am under an enduring Constitution; that in this outstanding document I find established a government with 3 branches – the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial. It is a government of checks and balances. Citizens are free to choose their religion. Basic requirements of running our country are set forth but much leeway is granted.

There is not room enough for listing all of my thoughts as to what this wonderful document means to me. It sets out a solid basis for a governing instrument, yet gives all citizens leniency in the interpretation of its parts. It sets up on one religion we are to follow, but leaves citizens their choice in the matter. These are a few of the things this great document means to me.

Our forefathers had great foresight in creating this masterpiece, yet we, and our citizens before us, must keep it intact and keep it a viable document. It exists today as one of the greatest Constitutions set up by man.

Ruth Clare Johnson