Commemorating Law Day Published May 4, 2009 By 1st Lt. Jarrod Stuard 97th Air Mobility Wing Judge Advocate office ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Seldom is the case that anyone feels the need to celebrate lawyers, much less grant them a day of commemoration. But every dog has its day, and May 1 was Law Day across the United States. It is a holiday that may not be well known, but it dates decades back in American history when the United States wanted to make a statement to counterbalance May Day celebrations in other parts of the world. On February 5, 1958, President Eisenhower recognized the holiday when he proclaimed that henceforth May 1 of each year would be Law Day. He then stated, "In a very real sense, the world no longer has a choice between force and law. If civilization is to survive it must choose the rule of law." It is a day when Americans can reflect on the security and value the rule of law ultimately brings to our everyday lives. Across the state of Oklahoma, celebrations were in full swing this Law Day with an official declaration from Governor Brad Henry and lawyers around the state offering citizens free legal advice. There were contests and "Ask a Lawyer" TV programs, all following this year's theme, "A Legacy of Liberty." You can see the winners of the Law Day art and YouTube contests at www.okbar.org. Yet, in the legal office here at Altus AFB, everyday is Law Day in a sense because free legal advice and free legal services are exactly what the base legal office offers Altus' airmen and their dependants all the time. The judge advocate office on base does a lot of work in a lot of areas, but legal assistance grants us the chance to help individual airmen face to face on a daily and continuous basis. With free legal assistance on a number of issues, from creating a will or power of attorney to offering advice on consumer and financial issues, this service has saved numerous Airmen countless dollars of through the years. It is estimated that legal assistance hours have saved Airmen over $50,000 in legal bills in 2009 alone. Also, Altus AFB continues to offer legal assistance hours by appointment or walk-in every single day of the week, with special hours set aside for wills on Thursdays. So, if you are an Airman or dependant in the on base with a legal question on your mind visit our office and remember that everyday is Law Day here at Altus AFB.