We the people ... Those three words say it all. We the people are self-governing --- a radical idea in 1787 when the brightest minds convened in Philadelphia, Pa., to draft the United States Constitution. September 17th marks the date when the writers adopted the Constitution and sent it to eleven states for ratification.

   The Philadelphia Winn Chapter NSDAR of Lawrenceville will commemorate the 225th birthday through public awareness. In the weeks to come, Constitution Week Chairman Janet Perry will distribute information packets throughout Gwinnett County and ask local mayors to sign Constitution Week proclamations at their September city council meetins.

   Did you know that the Constitution is the oldest national constitution in perpetual active use anywhere in the world? The foundation of our law, it establishes and separates the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government. The first ten amendments, the Bill of Rights, guarantee basic freedoms, such as free speech, worship, and press.

   We the people . . . What better words than those to describe an election year? Janet Perry says, "Let's celebrate the Constitution and make this election year one to remember."