Since its commemoration from President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958, Law Day has been held on May 1st of every year. This year was celebrated on May 17th. This event focuses on the rule of law and how it became the building blocks of the nation.
“Law Day is an opportunity for law offices all over the country (civilian and military) to teach the public about the different aspects of the law,” Capt. Amy Sfara, 70th ISRW JA chief of military justice. ”The topic for this year was the 14th Amendment of the Constitution (citizenship rights, due process and equal protection of the laws).”
More than 40 students were present, who were currently studying human rights in several different countries.
“We were able to introduce to them the rights and freedoms that we often take for granted in the United States, which are protected by the 14th Amendment and the Bill of Rights of our Constitution,” Sfara said. “By discussing the 14th Amendment from the military perspective, we highlighted the importance of serving our country to uphold and defend our constitutional values and protections.”
She also mentioned that they discussed with the students the comparisons to the rights within the U.S. and how they differ from other countries’ limitations on human rights. The team enjoyed going out and interacting with their community and were excited that they could give back. Sfara said it gave them the ‘opportunity to engage and network with the local civilian community while inspiring the younger generation to pursue careers in both the military and the law.’
Not only were the students able to learn and interact with these Airmen, the faculty were appreciative as well.
“I think it was great, the kids got an opportunity to see people that actually deal with the law every day and can interpret it better than we can here,” said David Britton, Magothy River Middle School Department Chair of Social Studies. “It’s also great to see people that are serving our country and are doing great things. It worked out really well and this the first time anyone from the military has come out to meet the students.”
This year’s Law Day will not be the last of Airmen from the 70th ISRW reaching out to the local community. To learn more about how the 70th ISRW/JA can better serve you, contact them at 70isrw.ja@us.af.mil.