Public invited to program on Constitution on Sept. 17

Every year, USC Sumter hosts a program on Sept. 17 to celebrate Constitution Day. This year USC Sumter, in teaming up with the Sumter County Historical Society, is offering a program that will integrate local history with the Constitution, and I would like to take this opportunity to invite the citizens of Sumter to the program.

While Thomas Sumter has gained his fame and iconic nickname — The Gamecock — as a result of his exploits as a general during the American Revolution, Sumter also served in many important roles after America gained independence. He served as an important and influential member of the state convention that debated ratification of the Constitution. He served as a United States senator and congressman in the early years of the republic, helping to assure a Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. He was looked upon by fellow South Carolinians to establish the position that South Carolina should take in determining the powers of the national government under the Constitution and always asserted with vigor the rights of the states as the proper protector of liberty. It will be this part of Sumter’s life that will be the topic of the program, giving a local link to the Constitution.

There will be light refreshments prior to the program, around 6:30 p.m., along with pocket Constitutions, posters of key figures of the Constitution and teaching materials for educators. At 7 p.m., I will be giving a lecture of about 35 minutes followed by a brief question-and-answer session. I am hoping to help expand knowledge of both the important role Thomas Sumter played beyond his military exploits and increase awareness of the history and working of the Constitution.

Hopefully, I will see everyone on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at USC Sumter as our community celebrates Constitution Day.

TOM O'HARE

Sumter