How many people in our country know their rights? If you asked a friend to tell you what amendment consists of the due process law, would they answer correctly? The most reasonable potential answer would probably be, “No,” they couldn’t give you the answer. That’s why a person should get right with their rights and on Sept. 17, MATC West Allis campus participated in helping people be aware of their rights for Constitution Day.
What is Constitution Day? Constitution Day was implemented nationwide in 2004 when Sen. Robert Byrd passed a bill designating Sept. 17 as the day for citizens to recognize the beginning of the U.S. Constitution and to learn about the nation’s founding documents. All educational institutions receiving federal funding are required to hold an educational program that consists of the U.S. Constitution.
Each year MATC has celebrated Constitution Day and this year the school decided to pass out “The U.S. Constitution and Fascinating Facts About It” booklets and miniature flags at each campus. At the West Allis campus, the Student Government voted to give out ice cream to draw more attention to recognizing Constitution Day and to make it more fun.
Student Life Coordinator Patrice Jefferies, and the Student Government at the West Allis campus started early in the morning to set up a joyful flag design wallpaper and red, blue, and white tables in front of the main entrance to immediately gather the eyes of the people.
It was vanilla and chocolate frozen yogurt and ice cream and a variety of toppings on one end of the table, miniature American flags and Constitution booklets on the other end, and happy smiles coming from the servers behind the table. It was a patriotic scene of pure joy and love.
“Constitution Day is cool,” expressed Matthew Fox, Welding program student. “It gets us thinking about what we can do to improve equality and fairness and the ability to amend it. Ice cream helps too! And friendly smiles.”
The day brought people together to understand a very special document that structures everyday life. “Constitution Day was a great way to remind the student body of the Constitution,” said Taylor Fox, Dietetics Technician program student.
People piled up and piled out with delicious ice cream spiked with toppings, and much needed information.
The honor the school achieves by participating in Constitution Day is evidenced by the people who served the booklet with smiles and by the people who received the booklet and returned the smiles. Yes, a difference has been made on this day.