Happy 233rd birthday, U.S. Constitution

In 1829, approaching the end of his life, James Madison penned these powerful words in retrospect and in awe of what he helped create: "The happy Union of these States is a wonder; their Constitution a miracle; their example the hope of liberty throughout the world."

On Sept. 17, 1787, Madison, commonly regarded as the Father of the U.S. Constitution, along with 38 other delegates to the constitutional convention, signed their names to the most important and influential document in American history.

Each year, on Sept. 17, we Americans are asked to take time from our busy lives to celebrate ou...