D-M Judge Advocates teach the importance of voting

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sivan Veazie
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., --  More than 280 students from local schools in Tucson learned about the importance of law and why U.S. Government leadership is voted upon during Law Day, May 1.

Law Day is meant to emphasize the important role law plays in the foundation of the country. Law Day was originally the idea of Charles S. Rhyne, President Eisenhower's legal counsel at the time, who was serving as president of the American Bar Association from 1957-1958. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1 to be Law Day in the U.S. in 1958.

"This event is important because it's a way of bringing the concepts of what we do in the legal profession out to the local community," said Capt. Kathryn Christian, 355th Fighter Wing assistant staff judge advocate. "This year we wanted to make sure we could make an impact on the local community by having attorneys and law students go out to three different schools and provide knowledge about the legal profession."

The American Bar Association designates a theme to highlight an important issue relating to the law or legal system. This year's theme was American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters.

The theme reflects the importance of voting rights, ballot box accessibility and voter engagement.

"I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with students, grades third through fifth, at the local elementary schools," said Capt. Jenny Liabenow, 355th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate chief of military justice.

During Law Day, students from Summit View and Borman Elementary Schools, and the Sonoran Science Academy participated in mock elections for their favorite foods, played voting history trivia games and discussed the importance of voting in America.

"It was a memorable experience for me," Liabenow said. "I was overwhelmed by the children's excitement about voting and their understanding of its importance to our democracy."