Law Day, which is celebrated every year on May 1, is a special day focusing on our nation’s heritage of liberty under the rule of law. This national day of celebration was officially designated by joint resolution of Congress in 1961. Across Alaska, local courts commemorate Law Day in a variety of ways—through visits to schools, community events, or courthouse tours and mock trials.
Magistrate Blais at the Delta Court is coordinating a community program to celebrate Law Day this year that she hopes will foster a life time commitment of citizen participation and responsibility. The Blood Bank of Alaska will be at the Delta Junction community center on May 11th for those who are willing to roll up their sleeves and be a part of this year’s program. The Alaska State Troopers and the Fort Greely Police Department will be assisting to provide officers who are not only willing to donate their blood but answer questions and provide instruction on the proper use of child restraints and equipment. The Moose Lodge 911 has donated the cost of the rental of the facility and the Women of the Moose will be providing snacks and juices for the blood donors and workers. Anne Stoneking’s Culinary Arts Class will be baking cookies to provide additional sugar for those donating and attending. Magistrate Blais will be working with the schools and the DARE officers to provide education and information to the students for this community event. Collaborating with the schools, the law enforcement agencies, the Moose Lodge and the mobile Blood Bank, Magistrate Blais believes the entire community will benefit from this year’s law day program.
A quote from Sandra Day O’Connor a few years ago sums up the responsibility we all have, “you’re the ones who will help succeeding generations learn what they have to know to keep this country on the right track and to have understanding citizens who participate”. Law Day is a day on which we take time to examine and celebrate our commitment to the rule of law. The theme for 2011 is “The Legacy of John Adams, From Boston to Guantanamo.”
John Adam’s role in the 1770 Boston Massacre trials is regarded as a noteworthy example of commitment to the rule of law and the defense of the rights of the accused, even in cases where advocates represent unpopular clients and become involved in matters that generate public controversy.
As we look back to the Law Day theme and our commitment to the rule of law, what better way to celebrate than to confirm your rights and freedoms and sharing the gift of life to others in need. The demand for blood fluctuates from day to day and week to week; one car accident can have a great impact on the blood supply. One automobile accident can on an average require 50 units of blood. Even when seatbelts are used, injuries can occur so the need is always there.
So how do we tie blood donations back to this year’s Law Day theme? Our government mandates that a seatbelt be worn; the controversy surrounding that mandate is debated daily. Although the government has implemented a law and designated penalties for non compliance, the charges and penalties are minimal with specific provisions to encourage compliance and yet recognize the adult’s choice to disagree while protecting those too young to decide on their own.
The goal we have set in Delta Junction this year is to reach out to all the young people in our community to teach them about responsibilities and engage the broader community by encouraging the young ones to bring an older family member in to donate blood (citizen participation) while the younger ones will have the opportunity to see tactical and response equipment used by the military police. In addition to working with the DARE officers and the schools leading up to May 11th, Magistrate Blais will be available with officers from the Fort Greely Police Department and the Alaska State Troopers on the day of the blood drive to answer any questions. There will be materials available from the Alaska Highway Safety Office as well.
Anyone who is in good health and is at least 18 year of age (16 & 17 may donate with parental consent form signed by a legal guardian), and weighs at least 113 pound may donate every 56 days. Delta and Fort Greely donors may sign up as part of the high school challenge and credit is given to Delta High participation. Being a donor is safe, simple and very fulfilling. You can help as many as three to four patients with just one donation.
If you would like to donate blood, please call Tracy Blais at 895-4211 to schedule a time. The Buffalo Center Drive-In, The Wok and IGA have provided donor appreciations. The mobile donor unit is limited to one day of travel and so slots will be limited. There may be opportunities to walk in but those with scheduled appointments will be taken first. If you have any questions please call or stop by the courthouse. Let’s see if we can teach our children about the rule of law while contributing to those fellow Alaskans who may be in need.
Submitted by Magistrate Tracy Blais
The Alaska Law Enforcement Torch Run and Pledge Drive helped benefit Special Olympics.
Photo displays are courtesy of Carol Watkins.