This past Thursday, I had the honor of speaking at the Constitution Week Community Celebration hosted by the Sioux Lookout Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The event was held under the Liberty Tree on the Lincoln County Courthouse lawn and concluded with the annual Bells Across America tradition. I want to thank the Sioux Lookout Chapter for organizing the event and for its more than a century of work preserving our history, educating future generations, and promoting patriotism. 

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as our nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration expressed the principles upon which our country was founded, including liberty, individual rights, and government deriving its authority from the people. Eleven years later, the Constitution created a framework for putting those principles into practice. 

The delegates in Philadelphia represented different interests and held strong opinions about the proper role of government. The Constitution resulted from months of debate and compromise. No delegate got everything he wanted, but they remained committed to a system through which they could resolve their disagreements. That remains an important lesson. We will never agree on every issue, but our constitutional system allows us to disagree, speak openly, and resolve disputes through elections, courts, and the rule of law. 

The success of freedom can also make us forget its cost. Most Americans have never been told what opinions they may express, which faith they may practice, or whether they may criticize the government or vote for their leaders. Because these freedoms are part of everyday life, we can begin to view them as ordinary. They are not. America is not perfect, but our constitutional system provides a way to address injustice and correct mistakes. Despite our challenges, I continue to believe there is no better country on earth. 

The freedoms protected by our Constitution have never been preserved without sacrifice. Generations of veterans and military members have left their families, suffered injuries, and, in many cases, made the ultimate sacrifice. North Platte also has its own remarkable example of service. During World War II, approximately 55,000 North Platte Canteen volunteers served about six million military personnel. These everyday citizens saw a need and took responsibility for meeting it despite wartime shortages. Their example reminds us that a strong country depends on people willing to show up for one another. 

The Constitution begins with the words “We the People.” Those words give citizens authority, but they also give us responsibility. The Constitution is not self-sustaining. It is only as strong as the people’s willingness to understand, respect, and defend it. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we should reflect on what we have inherited and recommit ourselves to preserving it for future generations.

It is a privilege to represent you in the Nebraska Legislature, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding issues that are important to you. I can be reached at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mike.jacobson@leg.ne.gov.