By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice
Mesa County residents Edward and Betty Baltzer were in Grand County last summer when their Jeep broke down.
During repairs, Betty saw a sign for Constitution Day events there and snapped a photo to show her friend, Lisa Fry. This sparked the idea to organize a celebration in Mesa County.
Lisa Fry and Ruth Kinnett, co-hosts of The Mesa County Compass YouTube channel, led the initiative. Their efforts gained support from Mesa County Commissioners, resulting in a proclamation read by Commissioner Bobbie Daniel on Sept. 17 during a special ceremony.
“Celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution provides an opportunity for all Americans to realize the achievements of the framers and the rights, privileges and responsibilities it affords,” Daniel said.
Grand Junction City Councilman Scott Beilfuss echoed her remarks with a proclamation on behalf of the City Council.
The celebration began with patriotic songs by James Werner and a skit by Naomi White and her daughter, re-enacting historical scenes.
Voices of the Community: Local Presentations on Patriotism and Civic Engagement
Jason Bias, president of Turning Point USA Mesa County and a Rocky Mountain Voice ambassador, shared insights on the Constitution’s legacy.
“The Constitution of these states, forged in the fires of freedom and wisdom, stands as the cornerstone of our liberties and safeguards our rights,” he said. “For more than two centuries, this sacred document has bound together diverse people under a single banner of justice, equality and the rule of law. It is a beacon of hope and a shield against tyranny.”
Mathias Mulumba, a naturalized citizen from Uganda and founder of Father to the Fatherless, highlighted the importance of the day.
“America stands for justice and liberty for all. It doesn’t matter where you come from, when you do things the right way, America will give you the opportunity to thrive,” Mulumba said. “I remind my children that living in America is a privilege. And people are dying trying to come here. We must not take the freedoms we enjoy for granted.”
He added, “It breaks my heart to see some people throwing away the values that make America beautiful. We must stand firm to protect those values.”
Greg Haitz, CEO of Rimrock Wellness Center and Grand Junction Planning Commission member, emphasized local civic engagement. He linked this to the U.S. Constitution’s founding principles, empowering citizens to govern their communities. By getting involved locally, people can uphold the Founding Fathers’ vision of self-governance displayed in the Constitution, he said.
“Local elections and boards have a much more immediate impact on your life. The city planning commission, for example, is extremely important. We’ve all seen what’s happened with the 4th and 5th Street debacle,” he said. “All that went through the city planning commission through the Bike and Pedestrian Plan and then moved on to City Council for ratification.”
He added, “Your county commissioners, school board and city council determine property tax rates, school curriculums and much more. There are numerous volunteer boards and commissions available right now, and I encourage everyone to get involved.”
Constitution Day Challenge
Later that evening, state Rep. Matt Soper gave a presentation at the Mesa County Library. He urged attendees to revere Constitution Day as much as the Fourth of July. He detailed the founders’ challenges in drafting the Constitution.
“The Constitution wasn’t just about creating laws; it was about ensuring that power was divided and restrained to protect the liberties of individuals,” he said. “Local governments have an incredible amount of power. In many cases, your state or city decisions will impact your daily life more than federal policies. That’s why it’s so important for citizens to be actively involved at the local level.”
The event included a challenge to take a Constitution Day quiz. Although no one achieved a perfect score, three gift cards were awarded in a drawing.
Mesa County resident and attendee Annette Avery, a homeschooling mother, shared the importance of teaching constitutional principles. She expressed hope for increased attendance and appreciation for the nation’s founding principles in future Constitution Day events.
“I’ve taught my children about Constitution Day every year. If more people took the time to learn about the Constitution, I believe we’d be in a much better place as a nation,” Avery said.
She highlighted misunderstandings about the electoral college, pointing out its Constitutional foundation.
“The electoral college is explicitly outlined in the Constitution, but many people want to dismiss it,” Avery said. “They argue for a popular vote, but that would unfairly shift power to larger cities, neglecting the rest of the nation.”
A Reflection on National Principles
A year after their Jeep broke down in Grand County, Edward and Betty Baltzer reflected on the importance of national principles at Mesa County’s first Constitution Day Celebration.
“Our government wasn’t created to be controlled by the whims of people in power, but on a framework of laws enacted by the people’s representatives,” Edward said.
Betty added, “Our ancestors fought to create a nation that upheld freedom. Today it seems like too many Americans are willing to give away their rights. Celebrating Constitution Day reminds us of our national heritage.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Constitution Day in Mesa County?
As the event concluded, organizers Lisa Fry and Ruth Kinnett expressed optimism for the future of Constitution Day in Mesa County.
Kinnett said, “If we can get Mesa County fully involved, this event could become a major revenue generator, much like Grand County’s celebration.”