A Message from the CBA President Regarding Law Day

Written Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Colleagues:

Today we celebrate Law Day—a national day to celebrate the rule of law. President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared May 1, 1958 as the first law day. The rule of law requires that no one is above the law and the government may not arbitrarily use its power. In his proclamation, he declared that:

It is fitting that the people of this Nation should remember with pride and vigilantly guard the great heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under law which our forefathers bequeathed to us...WHEREAS, the principle of guaranteed fundamental rights of individuals under the law is the heart and sinew of our Nation, and distinguishes our governmental system from the type of government that rules by might alone; and WHEREAS our Government has served as an inspiration and a beacon light for oppressed peoples of the world seeking freedom, justice, and equality for the individual under laws.

Today is a day to celebrate our dedication to the rule of law and these principles.

This year, Law Day coincides with Yom Hashoah—the Jewish day of commemoration for the approximately six million Jews and five million others who perished in the Holocaust as a result of the actions carried out by Nazi Germany and its accessories, and for the Jewish resistance. The Holocaust is a reminder of what happens when a government rules by might alone. We must be steadfast in our protection of the rule of law. We must continue to safeguard liberty, justice, and equality and remain a beacon of light for those seeking freedom. These are the principles on which this great country was founded and they remain true today. Never forget.

Regards,

Jonathan M. Shapiro

CBA President