strengthening our great heritage of

liberty, justice, and equality under the law.

In 1957, the American Bar Association (ABA) President Charles S. Rhyne, a Washington, D.C. attorney, envisioned a special day for celebrating our legal system.

In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower established Law Day USA to strengthen our great heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law.

In 1961, May 1^st was designated by joint resolution of Congress as the official date for celebrating Law Day USA.

Today, and annually, Law Day is an opportunity to expand awareness of our laws and justice system and their invaluable impact on our lives. May 1^st remains the official date, but Law Day often becomes Law Week as the ABA is joined by national organizations, state and local bar associations, business, and schools, in conducting thousands of programs on the rule of law in a constitutional democracy. More than just a single day to reflect on our legal heritage, it is a call to action that often encompasses weeks of programs and activities.

Law Day gives us tools to build citizenship and a shared concept of justice. To maintain the strength and vitality of our legal system, we need to understand the law and believe in its ability to protect our individual rights, settle disputes and bring us together. The vitality of our legal system depends on the vigor with which Americans pursue the rights and duties of citizenship. Through special presentations and educational activities, Law Day can help citizens focus on their rights and responsibilities.