From 1941 to 1945, a total of 17,955,000 Americans were medically examined for induction into the armed forces. Some 6,420,000 (35.8 percent) were rejected as unfit because of some physical disability. Altogether, 16,112,566 Americans served their country in World War 11. A total of 38.8 percent (6,332,000) were volunteers. In all, 405,399 American service men and women gave up their lives in a war that cost the US $288 Billion Dollars.

A very important U.S. civic holiday is coming up -- one that far too many Americans are not aware of.

Perhaps you can help bring it to their attention. It's never been more important than today.

December 15 is "Bill of Rights Day" -- a day to celebrate, honor and renew support for our precious Bill of Rights.

It was on December 15, 1791 that the Bill of Rights -- the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution -- went into effect.

One hundred and fifty years later, in 1941, "Bill of Rights Day" was officially recognized as a national civic holiday.

The Bill of Rights is, of course, the great protector of American liberties. It boldly declares that people have certain inalienable rights that government cannot abridge -- fundamental rights like freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to keep and bear arms, and more. It also provides procedures for defending those rights -- such as fair trials and limits on federal power.

The Bill of Rights doesn't just belong to America. It has inspired freedom fighters around the world. The Founders viewed their Revolution as the first blow in a struggle to win liberty for *all* the people of the world. So the Bill of Rights is truly a document for everyone.

That's why I hope libertarians and other freedom lovers will use this upcoming Bill of Rights Day as an opportunity to teach their families, friends, neighbors and others about our precious heritage.

It's a *great* time for a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, discussing the vital importance of our Bill of Rights freedoms and calling for reflection on our heritage -- and urging citizens to speak out against current calls to sacrifice liberty for (alleged) security.

With our fundamental Bill of Rights freedom under unprecedented assault in recent years, this has never been more important.

To help with that, here's a short summary of the Bill of Rights, prepared by students at Liberty Middle School in Ashley, Virginia. (I've added just a few words.) While this condensed version doesn't have the majesty, depth and detail of the entire document, it is short and easy to understand, and may be useful to you in discussions and letters:

THE BILL OF RIGHTS: First Ten Amendments to the Constitution

1. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, right to assemble peaceably, right to petition the government about grievances.
2. Right to keep and bear arms.
3. Citizens do not have to quarter soldiers during peacetime.
4. No unreasonable searches and seizures.
5. Rights of the accused.
6. Right to a fair trial.
7. Right to a trial by jury in civil cases also.
8. No cruel and unusual punishments.
9. Unenumerated rights go to the people.
10. Reserves all powers not given to the national government to the states or the people.

All Americans should be familiar with their Bill of Rights freedoms. Sadly, numerous surveys indicate most are not. A 1991 poll commissioned by the American Bar Association found that only 33% of Americans surveyed even knew what the Bill of Rights was!

Those of us who love liberty should do our best to correct that.

Happy Bill of Rights Day!