LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
May 1 is the 52nd annual Law Day. Originally declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958, Law Day aims to remind all Americans that we are a "government under law." For those of us serving in the military, Law Day is an opportunity to reflect on the important role the military plays in preserving the rule of law. As military members, we contribute in two important ways to the continued support of the law.
First, military members are a shining example to the rest of society and the world of the benefits of a law-abiding community. Every day and all around the world, military members faithfully obey the Constitution, the lawful orders of the President and of superior commanders, and the laws and regulations of the United States. When a military member fails to follow the law, they face consequences under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The American military is the most effective in the world because it is the most disciplined. Our ability to follow orders and act in accordance with the law provides our fellow citizens and those around the world an example of the supremacy of law over and within the military.
Second, military members ensure the continued preservation of the law. All military members take an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States." We pledge to defend America from "all enemies foreign and domestic" even though it may require great personal sacrifice, and for some the ultimate sacrifice. Our service provides a dividend of freedom for others to enjoy and benefit. Across the world, men and women are standing guard and flying missions to ensure that our children and grandchildren may enjoy the freedom and liberty provided to us by the Constitution and the laws of our nation.
By operating under the control of the law and by serving to preserve the law, we play an indispensable role in our nation's legal framework. This May 1, take time to consider the vital ways that our military service perpetuates "the great heritage of liberty, justice and equality under law" that President Eisenhower wrote about in 1958.