It was phenomenal to see The American Village pulling out all the stops to celebrate Constitution Day Sept. 17.

As a learning laboratory and as a “living museum,” The American Village has a responsibility to make the achievements of our founding fathers resonate with school children today.

The Montevallo landmark accomplished just that, as fifth-graders received visits from such American luminaries as Abigail and John Adams, got to serve as representatives at the constitutional convention and learned a historical dance.

Such interactive experiences are essential to making sure children learn historical facts within their correct context. Surely at least some of those students left The American Village after Constitution Day having learned much more than they realized.

Students aren’t the only ones who can learn from the history surrounding Constitution Day, though. The rest of us should always be aware of how blessed we are to live in the United States, where we hold rights of which so many others can only dream.

As we go through the days, we should keep in mind that 122 years ago, representatives produced and signed a document that has provided the framework for all of America’s achievements and progress. We may be standing on the shoulders of giants, but those giants stood on the foundation of the Constitution.