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Happy Birthday President George Washington

2/22/2016

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General George Washington



​February 22nd is the birthday of George Washington, the father of our country and a man many believe to be one of the greatest leaders America has ever had. 

This is a wonderful time to spend quality time teaching our children about President Washington. 

Understanding the character of Washington and how he grew into the challenges he faced can help us, and our children, rise to the difficult challenges of our day.  

President Washington can become our hero and friend as we study his life and try to follow his example.

Here are a few helpful resources.

 
Books about George Washington
  • The Real George Washington by Parry, Allison, and Skousen
  • George Washington's Sacred Fire by Peter A. Lillback
  • Founding Fathers Uncommon Heroes  by Steven W. Allen
  • 1776 by David McCullough
  • Being George Washington by Glenn Beck

Free Resources, Activities, and Ideas

1)  Learn about Washington.  
  • Look at a timeline of his life and take a peak at the other resources. 
  • Read a short biography for children.  
  • Invite family members to tell a story or give a report about what made Washington great. 
  • Watch historian David McCullough tell what makes Washington our greatest president.

Watch historical videos about President Washington's life.  (These last about 12 minutes each.)      
     George Washington - Part 1: The Early Years      
     George Washington - Part 2: The Military Commander      
     George Washington - Part 3: Guiding the New Nation

Listen to David McCullough telling about Washington and the early patriots.

Watch as Arnold Friberg shows how he painted the masterpiece "The Prayer at Valley Forge and tells what he learned about General Washington.

2)  As a young man, George Washington worked as a surveyor and map maker.  This experience helped him when he was a general fighting in unfamiliar territory.  If you have young children, you might want to teach them some simple map skills.  Or you could talk about the importance of learning geography and sing "Fifty Nifty United States."  

You could also discuss how the talents and skills we learn as young people can help prepare us for our life's work.  The Mapmaker of Mount Vernon explains how important Washington's experiences as a surveyor were to his success.

3)  Washington's work required that he be an excellent horseman.  If you have access to horses, it might be fun to go horseback riding and talk about the importance of the animals in our life. 
 
4)  You could tell the story about how General Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River, and take your family on a boat ride.  

Or you could watch this video about what it was like to cross the icy Delaware river at night in a snow storm when many soldiers lacked coats, and even shoes.  Discuss the great sacrifices George Washington and his men made.  Talk about the sacrifices we can make today.

5)  Washington was a competent marksman and a courageous leader.  You could have a friendly target shooting activity with whatever toys you might have.  Over the years we've used toy guns, BB guns, squirt guns, slingshots, bows and arrows, darts, horseshoes, balls of all shapes and sizes, etc.  (Be sure to talk about any safety rules that apply.)

You could tell the story or watch the video of when George Washington was colonel of the Virginia Militia and fought in the French and Indian War.  After one battle was over, it was discovered he had four bullet holes in his jacket.  He later gratefully acknowledged: "By the all powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation."  You could talk about times when you felt God  has blessed, protected, or prepared you.

6)  George Washington was a gentleman farmer.  He loved his home life at Mount Vernon and he enjoyed cultivating the land.  You could take a virtual tour of Mount Vernon.  Or you could plant an indoor herb garden or prepare a small outdoor garden.

7)  George Washington experienced sorrow and adversity in his early years that prepared him for later challenges.  For example, when Washington was 19, he went with his brother Lawrence to the island of Barbados to help Lawrence recover from a serious case of tuberculosis.  While there, George became very ill with smallpox.  It must have been a trial at the time, and left George with unsightly scars on his face.  But later, when he was general of the colonial army, George and his men were exposed to smallpox.  Many became very sick and were unable to perform their duties.  Due to his prior exposure, George was immune and able to carry out his heavy responsibilities.

George Washington was a man of great faith. Challenges helped to strengthen his faith, develop his virtuous character, and increase Washington's capacity to endure the indescribable hardships he and his men suffered during the Revolutionary War. Telling stories about George Washington's trials could be an opportunity to discuss any difficult experiences your family may have had, and to talk about how adversity can plant the seeds of increased opportunities and blessings.

8)  Explain to your children that George Washington was not always a great leader.  He was once a kid, not too different from other kids.  But he prepared himself, did his best when he was faced with new challenges and opportunities, and relied on God to help him.  Remind your children that they can prepare themselves, do their best, and rely on God too.

Have fun!  I hope the friendship you cultivate with this wonderful patriot and hero lasts a lifetime!



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Ronald Reagan: The Legacy of a Great Leader

2/6/2016

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Happy Birthday Ronald Reagan


Ronald Wilson Reagan was born 105 years ago on February 6, 1911.  On that day few, if any, would have guessed he would grow up to become one of America's greatest presidents. 

But President Ronald Reagan's faith in God, his belief in the goodness of the American people, and his confidence in the future changed the course of history.

We face many challenges today, but they are not new. Reagan experienced similar challenges and overcame them with faith, determination, optimism, and hard work.

May we honor President Reagan and the great legacy of liberty he left us by working to restore the conservative principles he championed!

Here are some favorite stories and videos about Reagan.  They are full of valuable lessons from the life of one of America’s best and most beloved leaders.  


Ronald Reagan’s Childhood

Happy Birthday Ronald Reagan!
Over 100 years ago today, an ordinary baby was born (if any baby can be called ordinary).   His parents named him Ronald Wilson Reagan.  He was born in a simple home, to an obscure mother and an alcoholic father.  

Learning About Ronald Reagan's Childhood (4:26) 
President Reagan grew up with all the challenges that can come with having an alcoholic father -- financial hardship, emotional turmoil, unpredictable home life, and moving from town to town.  Yet he became one of America’s most revered leaders.  

 
Reagan’s Family 

Insights Into a Legendary Love  (8:32)
This heart-warming interview is full of insights into one of the great romances of modern America. Nancy's words of wisdom are valuable for any couple trying to build a happy and lasting marriage. 

Michael Reagan Remembers His Father
In this beautiful eulogy, Michael Reagan explained what it's like to be the son of Ronald Reagan.

President Reagan Teaches His Daughter
Patti Reagan shared how her Dad took time to kindly and patiently teach her about death.  In so doing he also shared his great faith in God and his love for life. 

Ron Reagan Remembers His Father
It appears that President Reagan governed his family in much the same way he governed America.  What a great example for all of us! 


Faith and Prayer

Ronald Reagan - Man of Faith  (4:48)
This video was made to show President Ronald Reagan's sincere faith and that, even while he held the highest office in the land, he stayed true to his deeply held beliefs. 

The Importance of Religion in America  (15:17)
President Reagan believed the words of President Washington, "Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. 

Ronald Reagan on America's Heritage of Faith  (25:00)
President Reagan’s remarks reflect his deep faith, his belief in family values, his extensive knowledge of American history and heritage, and his hope for America’s future.

President Reagan Talks About Prayer  (2:07)
President Reagan prayed often and believed that prayer guides us in our daily lives and strengthens us in times of trial.


Freedom

We the People...  (1:38)
In less that 2 minutes, President Reagan summed up the basis of our liberty. Ours was the first revolution in the history of mankind that truly reversed the course of government, and with three little words: 'We the People.'

Renewing America  (3:32)
"If we look to the answer as to why for so many years we achieved so much, prospered as no other people on Earth, it was because here in this land we unleashed the energy and individual genius of man to a greater extent than has ever been done before."  This is 31/2 inspiring minutes from  President Reagan’s first inaugural address.

Liberty vs. Tyranny  (2:18)
"Freedom has never been so fragile, so close to slipping from our grasp as it is at this moment....I think it’s time we ask ourselves if we still know the freedoms that were intended for us by the Founding Fathers." 

Ronald Reagan on Socialized Medicine  (5:04)
President Reagan's advice on socialized medicine is even more relevant today than when he gave it.  We need to stop government encroachment on our liberty! 

President Reagan Remembers D-Day  (13:22)
President Reagan traveled to Normandy to remember and honor the heroic efforts of the Allied armies who courageously fought to reclaim liberty in Europe.

The Speech at the Berlin Wall Changed the Course of History (3:45, 4:53)
Sometimes it takes courage to stand alone as President Reagan did as he gave his historic speech at the Berlin Wall.  Sometimes it's hard to do the right thing.  But nothing is more important.  

A Time for Choosing  (3:44, 29:33)
Ronald Reagan warned Americans that we stand at the crossroads between two radically different visions of America and passionately encouraged us to defend our God-given rights and freedoms.

 
Tributes to President Reagan

Celebrating President Ronald Reagan's Legacy  (2:04)
We face many challenges as a nation today, but as we celebrate the life of Ronald Reagan, it is important to note that these are not new challenges. Reagan faced similar problems, but believed that it could be "morning in America."

Ronald Reagan, Great Person and Communicator  (several short videos)
We live in a time of divisiveness and strife.  Sometimes the differences of opinion in America appear too big to bridge.  Reagan lived in such a time.  His ideas were met with derision and scorn, yet, in just a few years,  people were praising him and calling him “the great communicator.”

Maggie and Ronnie  (10:20)
Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher recorded a special message about her dear friend "Ronnie" for his funeral.  

Tribute to Ronald Reagan  (9:55)
"Tribute to Ronald Reagan," was produced for the Ronald Reagan Award Gala in 2006.

RNC Tribute to President Reagan  (3:42) 
President Reagan appealed to our hopes, not our fears, and our confidence rather than our doubts.

Hillsdale's Young Americans for Freedom Celebrate the Legacy of President Reagan (3:23)
This video tells what President Reagan’s legacy means to young people today.   What a wonderful tribute to a great president put together by Hillsdale College’s YAF.


Holidays and Days of Remembrance

What July Fourth Means to Me
By: Ronald Reagan     From: Parade Magazine

Ronald Reagan Talks about Thanksgiving  (1:24)
"Thank God for the bounty and goodness of our nation. And as a measure of our gratitude, let us rededicate ourselves to the preservation of this, the land of the free, and the home of the brave." 

President Reagan's Inspiring Christmas Message  (3:27)
In a world of Christmas culture wars and political correctness, President Reagan's national Christmas address is absolutely refreshing!  What a blessing his example continues to be! 

President Reagan's Remarks at a Memorial Service Following the Challenger Disaster
Reagan delivered these powerful remarks at a memorial service for the Challenger  astronauts. 


Below is an inspiring tribute to President Reagan...




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