More than 200 years ago, the newly born United States of America codified the Bill of Rights on Dec. 15, 1791. These ten amendments guaranteed every American citizen rights not explicitly stated in the Constitution, such as the rights to free speech, to bear arms, to receive a fair trial, etc. It is these rights and freedoms that our military veterans risked their lives to protect.

To commemorate this anniversary, President Obama has declared via executive order that Dec. 15 is now Bill of Rights Day.

Today, we stand on the shoulders of those who dedicated their lives to upholding the meaning of our founding documents throughout changing times — a mission made possible by the fundamental liberties secured in the Bill of Rights. As we reflect on the strides we have made to lift up an engaged citizenry, we pay tribute to the extraordinary foresight of our Founders who granted the protections that enable us to bring about the change we seek. Let us recommit to continuing our legacy as a Nation that rejects complacency, empowers its citizens to recognize and redress its imperfections, and embraces the struggle of improving our democracy so that all our people are able to make of their lives what they will.

So take a moment on Dec. 15 to brush up on your history, review the Bill of Rights and thank a military veteran for protecting those rights.