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I . M <br /> Also, the Twentieth Century has presented many <br /> hurdles that the Constitution has had to overcome. In <br /> this century the Constitution has met the challenge of two <br /> world wars, a crippling economic depression and two <br /> presidencies in turmoil. <br /> On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy <br /> was struck dead by an assassin's bullet in Dallas, Texas, <br /> and in August of 1974, under threat of impeachment and <br /> conviction, Richard M. Nixon became the first President <br /> in our nation's history to resign. In many nations of the <br /> world these two incidents would have brought about na- <br /> tional anarchy. But, the Constitution, under the provi- <br /> sions of the 25th Amendment, provided for a safe and <br /> orderly transfer of power. <br /> Dr. Robert Tudor Hill suggests in his book, "Liberty <br /> and the Constitution" that the Document is. .. . . . the <br /> fundamental law of the land to which the government <br /> and people turn in moments of crisis . . . it is anchorage <br /> for the Ship of State." <br /> The Constitution is also our guardian: our protector <br /> of individual liberties. Enclosed in the Document are <br /> safeguards against tyranny and the loss of personal <br /> freedom. The first Ten Amendments, known as the Bill <br /> of Rights(so critical for the survival of liberty)have often <br /> been used as a pattern in the design of other nations' <br /> federal charters. <br /> The Constitution has always played a major role in <br /> American History,and will continue to play a major role <br /> in shaping our nation's future. <br /> Our Constitution is the world's first, last and greatest <br /> hope for a more peaceful planet. It is the light which <br /> guides democracy on its turbulent course. Again, to <br /> paraphrase President Kennedy, "it is the light that shines <br /> in the darkness of tyranny, poverty, disease and war <br /> itself". <br /> It is the responsibility of the American People to keep <br /> this great light, the Torch of Freedom and Democracy <br /> burning. We, the people must be ever vigilant in seeing <br /> that the patriotism and love of country that has sustain- <br /> ed us and our government through two-hundred years of <br /> progress is nurtured and maintained. <br /> We are Americans. We are a proud people. If we sus- <br /> tain our pride and fulfill our responsibilities as Citizens <br /> of the Greatest Republic man has ever known, then our <br /> Constitution and the spirit in which it was written shall <br /> endure forever. <br /> 105 <br />