Law Day In St. Mary’s County Highlights Justice, Service And The American Dream On May 1

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — With a mix of humor and reverence for the legal system, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County marked Law Day during their April 28 meeting, recognizing the enduring role of law in safeguarding rights and shaping the American experience.

“We all need lawyers every now and then,” Commissioner President Randy Guy said with a smile as he opened the proclamation. “Looks like we can’t do without them for some reason … you can’t understand it half the time. So we need these people to help us understand it.”

But beneath the lighthearted tone was a message rooted in history and civic responsibility.

A National Tradition Rooted In Democracy

Law Day traces back nearly seven decades, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower first proclaimed it in 1958 to honor the role of law in the founding of the United States. Just a few years later, in 1961, Congress formally designated May 1 as Law Day, a tradition that continues to highlight the importance of the rule of law across the nation.

Each year carries a theme, and in 2026, it is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” emphasizing how legal protections create opportunity, defend individual rights and uphold the ideals that define the country.

“Law Day is celebrated annually on May 1 to honor the rule of law and deepen the understanding of the legal system among all citizens,” the proclamation states.

Local Commitment To Justice And Service

In St. Mary’s County, Law Day is more than a symbolic observance — it is also a day of service.

John Houser, deputy county attorney and president of the St. Mary’s County Bar Association, reflected on the local significance of the event, noting its origins in grassroots efforts.

“Law Day is a tradition in America that began about 75 years ago … when the Oklahoma Bar Association began a weeklong event commemorating America’s ideals and its dedication to the rule of law,” Houser said.

He emphasized the core principles behind the observance, including due process and the protection of individual rights.

“This idea that liberty and property rights can’t be taken away from somebody without due process of law … is what the American Bar Association’s theme … is all about,” he said.

This year, the Bar Association partnered with the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services to offer free legal consultations for residents — particularly seniors — focusing on health care directives and powers of attorney.

“We’ve got about 40, 45 citizens signed up … lawyers here are volunteering about 30 minutes of their time to each person,” Houser said. “It’s a popular event.”

Recognizing Those Who Serve

Their presence underscored the proclamation’s message: that legal professionals play a vital role not only in the courtroom, but in strengthening the fabric of the community.

A Call To Civic Engagement

The proclamation also encouraged residents to take an active role in upholding democratic values from voting and civic participation to fostering respectful dialogue.

“Members of the legal profession should lead the way in promoting democracy … to speak up and vote but also to find the courage to listen, to show respect and to agree on paths forward,” the proclamation reads.

As St. Mary’s County prepares to observe Law Day on May 1, officials hope the recognition serves as both a reminder and an invitation: to learn, to engage and to appreciate the legal system that underpins everyday life.

And, as Guy suggested with a grin, maybe even to better understand it.

You can watch the Law Day proclamation at 18:18.

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