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September 15, 2023

Statement of ABA President Mary Smith RE: Constitution Day

CHICAGO, Sept. 15, 2023 — On September 17, 2023, the nation celebrates Constitution Day. The Constitution begins with the phrase “We the People,” which stands as a powerful reminder that America was founded upon the principle that our government derives its power from its citizens and all their diverse voices.

As president of the American Bar Association, I hope to highlight the breadth and depth of these diverse—and often overlooked—voices. It is only by together lifting our voices and charting the future that we will realize the Constitution’s promise of a more perfect union. All of us together are the voices of democracy.

But American democracy requires our constant care, vigilance and full participation. The ABA has taken a leading role in encouraging people to be involved in our democracy, and our newly formed ABA Task Force on American Democracy will enhance those efforts and help bolster the protections of our institutions and the rule of law.

The ABA invites all members of the legal profession and people across the nation to become active participants in our democracy this Constitution Day!

The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.