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ESSAY Why we celebrate Commonwealth Day
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Posted on Jan 08 1999
I have always wondered why my parents set rules at home, why my teachers at school always remind us about classroom rules and campus rules, and why the priest at church is very serious and expects everyone to be silent and attentive.
“Why?” I asked myself.
One night I asked my dad during dinner, “Dad, why do we always have to follow rules everywhere?”
He replied, “Freedom is the reason why we follow so many rules.”
He said further: “I didn’t mean freedom for wild animals. I meant freedom for mankind — to be able to feel secure, safe, comfortable, respected, and to be able to speak freely and express themselves. It is like our CNMI Constitution. This is a set of laws for the people to follow in order for each and everyone to respect the rights of others, to feel secure, as well as protected from those who may wish to harm us.”
“Well, Dad, now I am beginning to understand why rules and laws are important. How is the Constitution related to our Commonwealth Day?” I asked.
My dad replied: “Commonwealth Day is the day in January when we celebrate the beginning of our new political union with the United States of America. It is such an important day of the year for the people of the Commonwealth because it is the day a new political freedom for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands began.”
Then I began to understand the great importance of rules and policies. We are not one but many. We see things differently. I have different options. Thanks to the Commonwealth Day. My dad sure has a lot of freedom. I am just beginning to have some.
By Marco Castro
Fourth grade
San Vicente Elementary School
