There are two books that Jim Perdue considers to be the two most influential books in his life.

One is a copy of the Bible.

The second is a book that contains the United State’s Constitution in its entirety.

“The Bible contains the framework for how Christians should live their lives,” Perdue said. “The Constitution contains the rules and framework for how government should work. They are distinctly different, but bound together.”

Perdue, Crenshaw County’s probate judge, served as the keynote speaker at LBW Community College’s Constitution Day program on Monday. Constitution Day is observed on Sept. 17, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787.

“This is a special day in our country,” said Dr. Jim Krudop, director of the LBW Community College’s Greenville campus. “Our freedoms are being attacked. There are decisions that need to made and are being made every day that affect our country.”

Perdue told the crowd gathered at the Wendell Mitchell Conference Center that the Constitution is “still relevant” and it gives them the power to make a difference.

“The Constitution gives us the rules that govern our nation, but rules are no better than the people who support them and defend them,” he said. “As individuals, you can make a difference. This country is always in the process of change. The cause of that change is usually done in an election. … Each of you should register to vote. Then you need to study your candidates. Then make sure you vote. Your vote matters.”