Senator John Thune

In Philadelphia 223 years ago this week, 39 men joined together to sign the final draft of the U.S. Constitution. September 17, 1787 marked a new day for our young country and ensured freedom for both the new Democracy and its future generations.

George Washington once remarked that the "Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon." Washington, along with his fellow Founding Fathers, possessed the wisdom and foresight to understand that the Constitution was more than just a set of laws created to govern and guide the fledgling states, but also a promise of liberty for citizens across our country.

Liberty and its preservation are the central theme coursing through the Constitution. From the Preamble's promise "to secure the Blessings of Liberty," the intent to create a new form of government dedicated to freedom could not be more clear.

This week, students across South Dakota will pay tribute to the Constitution and the Founders through classroom activities, campus lectures, and freedom of speech forums. They will have an opportunity to learn the way that initial promise of freedom was formed and the role it has played throughout our history.

We should all take a moment this week to reflect on the document that has provided for our precious freedom and liberty.