Study our Constitution; be aware of your rights

Constitution Week is Sept. 17-23 and commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

You might have heard the phrase, “That's unconstitutional” or “That's my constitutional right!” Many times Americans believe that sayings and phrases are in our Constitution, but they really aren't. Did you know that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal” and “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” are not in the Constitution, but are in the Declaration of Independence? And this quote, “Of the people, by the people, for the people” comes from the Gettysburg Address.

The U.S. Constitution is the oldest constitution in active use in the world and is the basic document of our republic. As past president of the Mayflower Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, I speak for them in urging you to study our Constitution.

Be aware of your rights and duties listed therein.

Nancy Brown

Cedar Rapids