Fun Run Kicks Off 2012 Law Day

The Base Legal Office is slated to host a 5K fun run on April 30 to kick off this year’s Law Day. The run will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. in front of the West Fitness Center. All are encouraged to participate and compete in support of this American Bar Association (ABA) event.

Law Day is an annual event, originally conceived in 1957 by ABA President Charles Rhynes as a testament to our nation’s commitment to the rule of law. The following year, President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the inaugural Law Day. Congress followed suit in 1961 with a joint resolution designating Law Day as an annual celebration.

This year’s Law Day theme is “No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom.” The theme provides an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the profound role our courts have played and will continue to play in our country’s history.

“Courts, be they civilian or military courts-martial, are designed primarily to protect our rights as citizens and members of society,” said Col. Mark Allison, 11th Wing Staff Judge Advocate. “Without robust judicial protection, our constitutional rights and liberties would be rendered meaningless. The courts play a critical function in preserving the American way of life we all hold dear.”

As members of the military, we’ve all sworn an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Participation in the Law Day 5K fun run by the Joint Base Andrews community sends a message and puts actions to our words in a visible way. Last year’s Law Day 5K fun run was a great success and the legal office hopes for an even better one this year and in years to come.

For more information, contact Capt. Gabe Podesta at gabriel.podestaafncr.af.mil.