On Tuesday, Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley signed a joint proclamation declaring May 1, 2024 as Law Day in Berea, Richmond and Madison County.
Endorsed by Madison County Judge Executive Reagan Taylor and Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe, the theme of this year’s proclamation is Voices of Democracy, underscoring the importance of the law in the founding of America, as well as the continuing influence of the law in preserving democracy.
Many Americans do not intend to vote, believe their vote does not matter, or they are afraid to speak their minds for fear of being ostracized or harmed, the proclamation states. It further asserts that members of the legal profession should lead the way in speaking up, encouraging voting, but also in finding the courage to listen, respect and to agree on paths moving forward toward a more perfect union.
Finally, the measure urges citizens to observe Law Day by renewing their commitment to democracy, becoming informed, participating in elections, and holding our elected officials accountable.
The national proclamation was first introduced in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
At front left, Mayor Bruce Fraley presented the Law Day proclamation to attorney L. Brooke Bowman Mitchell, representing the Madison County Bar Association. Looking on from the second row (from left) were Berea City Council members Steve Caudill, Ronnie Terrill, Cora Jane Wilson, Jerry Little, Katie Startzman, Teresa Scenters and Jim Davis.
City of Berea, KY 