A federal law passed in 2004 requires that all schools that receive federal funding provide a course to all students on the Constitution of the United States on Constitution Day, Sept. 17. The law is known as H.R. 4818, and the text is found in section 111(b). The Constitution was ratified on Sept. 17, 1787.

The law was passed with the urging of then Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W. Va., who is remembered for always carrying a copy of the Constitution in his pocket.

I urge all public and private schools to observe that law, and give the Constitution at least that one day of national observance. Some schools have a special assembly, but most just incorporate a constitutional lesson plan into the normal class day.

People need to refocus on the once radical idea that the powers of the federal government are given by the people and that those powers must be limited or tyranny will follow.

I sincerely hope to awaken a desire to restore the principles of the Constitution and turn toward the individual responsibility that the Founding Fathers envisioned.

George Mathews, Auburn