Law Day celebration honors legal systems, those who work to uphold them Published May 3, 2007 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- It's been almost 50 years since Law Day was established, but the observance's message still rings true, said retired Brig. Gen. Jarisse Sanborn. Speaking at a Law Day celebration May 1, General Sanborn, the first female judge advocate general in the Air Force to attain the rank of brigadier general, said the celebration is necessary recognition for something most of us take for granted - our legal system. "What makes our democracy work is the respect for and adherence to the governing law," said General Sanborn, who has worked on legal issues concerning important events such as the Gulf War and the crash of the space shuttle Columbia. "I think it's a really good thing that we pause each year and think about the liberties our forefathers bequeathed us. We rarely even give them a second thought." Established in 1958 to counteract Soviet countries' May Day weapons displays, Law Day has evolved into a celebration of our legal system and those who work to protect it. Dozens of servicemembers and civilians turned out for the annual celebration here, which also honored servicemembers who practice law. "The world is still a dangerous place for people who believe in freedom and democracy," said Capt. Alan Spencer, who helped organize the event for the 21st and 50th Space Wing law offices. "The JAG corps goes beyond merely doing legal assessments or courts-martial. We are also there, transforming Afghanistan and Iraq into nations that are ruled by law, not autocracy." Capt. Aaron Lindsey, 50th Space Wing, Judicial Affairs, said he has seen first hand the good things JAGs can accomplish. Speaking at the event about his recent deployment to central Asia, he said he spent most of his time writing legal reviews for fundraisers and donations - work that seemed trivial at first. But, once the programs he helped authorize got off the ground and started helping people, he realized just how important his work was. "It's winning the hearts and minds of the locals," Captain Lindsey said. "We're showing them, this is what America is about. We care about other people." Click here to comment on this story.