By the time they reached the shores of America, the Pilgrims had sacrificed much of what they held dear to worship God. They left their native country, family, friends, home, livelihood and many of the comforts of life, and landed in a cold and hostile wilderness.  

William Bradford tells us, “Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet  on the firm and stable earth, their proper element.”

But their troubles were far from over. Bradford recounts, “It pleased God to visit us then with death daily, and with so general a disease that the living were scarce able to bury the dead.” More than half of the Pilgrims died the first winter.

And yet, when spring arrived and the captain of their ship offered to return them to England for free, not one Pilgrim accepted his invitation. Their faith in God gave them the strength to persevere.

Governor William Bradford declared, “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have grown by His hand. Who made all things out of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light enkindled here has shone to many, yea, in a sense, to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise.”

The Pilgrims were willing to sacrifice everything for the freedom to worship God as they believed. In so doing, they laid the foundation for the creation of the greatest nation in the history of the world.

At this wonderful season of Thanksgiving, let’s take time to give thanks to God, to retell the story of the Pilgrims and the incredible price they paid to be faithful, and to recommit ourselves to pay the price to be true in our day. 

Things to Do

• Work together to prepare your Thanksgiving feast and to clean up afterwards.
• Do something nice for a military family and tell them how thankful you are for them.
• Help refugees or other immigrants in your community.
• Make or draw "We Are Thankful for You" posters or pictures and deliver them to friends and neighbors. Kids love to make it an anonymous surprise. Tape the picture to the front door or on the windshield of a car, ring the doorbell, and run.
• Take pictures of things you are thankful for and make a "Gratitude Scrapbook" or make a Gratitude Craft.
• The Pilgrims and Indians had friendly competitions.  You could participate in the local Turkey Trot, play games like catch, football, horseshoes, or frisbee golf.  
• Do some Plimoth.org: Just for Kids activities.

Things to Watch

• The Mayflower Compact (4:25)
• The First Thanksgiving Story (4:40)
• Plimoth Plantation Virtual Field Trips

          - Mayflower (19:52)
          - Pilgrim Village (17:54)
          - Wampanoag Homesite (16:51)
          - Plimoth Plantation (30:23)​

• Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims for Children (7:09)
• Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving - Drive Thru History (5:20)  
• History of Thanksgiving with David Barton - Glenn Beck TV (6:42)
• True Story of Thanksgiving - Rush Limbaugh (14:21)

Things to Read​​

• Paying the Price to Be True​
• George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation
• Abraham LIncoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation
• A Thanksgiving Message from Ronald Reagan
• Remembering Our Heritage of Religious Freedom

​

"My family attended the original performance of The Price of Freedom, and although
we've seen it many times since then, it always touches our hearts and lifts our view."  

"It lasts less than an hour, but you will remember it for a long time." 

The Price of Freedom is first and foremost a tribute to those who served in World War II and the loved ones they left behind. It could be called a piece of musical theater, since its story is told largely through song, but it differs from traditional musical theater in a few key ways.

First, it is performed as a concert—not as a dramatic piece—with just 9 actor/singers and an orchestra. There are no costumes or sets to distract from the message. Rather than perform as the characters in the stories, the actors perform in tribute to them, with nothing but the words and music written to tell their stories.

Second, the performance has a 'documentary' element to it. The actors’ stories are brought to life by authentic newsreels, photos and radio broadcasts from the time period, which transport the audience back to era of the 'greatest generation,' and make the experience that much more real.

Lastly, there is no dialogue or physical interaction between the characters. The interaction takes place entirely through letters written between the battlefield and the homefront. In this way, we watch each character’s very personal and intimate reaction to the events of the story as they unfold. We hear the words they wrote and see the meaning behind them.

All of these elements combine to make The Price of Freedom a very unique and powerful blend of original music, documentary footage, and simple storytelling to create an emotional message of hope and gratitude.
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The Price of Freedom is the result of a collaboration between composer Rob Gardner and songwriter McKane Davis. The show first premiered in November 2002. Since then, it has been performed live for audiences across the country. The response afterward from the tearful patrons is invariably: "This is something that everyone in America needs to experience." 

(Note: The above description was previously posted on SpireMusic.net)

The Price of Freedom is shown in 12 videos below. Most are 3 to 5 minutes long. In all, the presentation lasts less than an hour.  I hope this amazing musical message inspires us, as it has many others, to cherish and preserve the great heritage of liberty we have been given!

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​Over 160 years ago President Abraham Lincoln gave one of the most important speeches in American history.  The Gettysburg Address lasts less than three minutes, but it is still known as one of the most influential speeches ever given.  

At a time of great turmoil, division, and suffering, President Lincoln’s words were healing and unifying.  He invited all Americans to be "dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."  

Like President Lincoln, we live at a time of increasing turmoil, division, and suffering. Today is his birthday. Perhaps we could celebrate his birth and life by reaching out to political adversaries, communicating with respect, and inspiring healing and unity in our day. What a wonderful gift that would be for future generations!
​

​Below are three very different renditions of the Gettysburg Address.  They are all great and you can watch all three of them in eleven minutes.

The first uses wonderful pictures and music to share the message of the Gettysburg Address in two and a half minutes.

The second, a three minute video of a two-year-old boy reciting the Gettysburg Address from memory, is an inspiration for parents (and grandparents). If we use our time well, our children are capable of happily learning and remembering much more than we realize.  If we help them, they can carry our heritage in their minds and hearts.

The third is a moving six minute account by Ken Burns of Lincoln's experience and delivery of the address. "Lincoln felt he had failed the people with his short address, and yet, those 269 words were spoken and all speeches that came thereafter were measured against it." -- a wonderful lesson for all of us who may also feel inadequate as we seek to serve our country.
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The Gettysburg Address

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. 

"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."   ~Abraham Lincoln

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the great civil rights leaders of our day. This week is a great time to learn about his life and work. Here are some helpful suggestions and resources. Hope you choose a few and enjoy them with your family!

1. Learn about Martin Luther King's life. The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King has a short video biography you can watch, and some cool stories about him. Discover how Martin Luther King made a better world in just 10 years.  

2. Listen to and discuss one of Dr. King's speeches. Here is a link to an excerpt from his I Have a Dream speech. (The text of the full speech is there too.) Did you know that Dr. King, along with being a leader for civil rights, was pro-life, and was an active advocate for the unborn?

3. Draw pictures of your dreams for America. Discuss how you can make them come true.

4. Read Martin Luther King's Pledge. Talk about how he and his followers agreed to govern their lives with love. Point out that they were able to change the world because they were willing to change themselves first.  

5. Create your own Family Pledge. Discuss rules and principles your family would like to live. Talk about how those rules can help your family and those around you. Write up your Family Pledge and review it regularly. 

6. Read (or listen to) all or part of Dr. King's earliest recorded sermon in which he said, "Now that’s what we’ve got to do in our world today. We’ve left a lot of precious values behind; we’ve lost a lot of precious values. And if we are to go forward, if we are to make this a better world in which to live, we’ve got to go back. We’ve got to rediscover these precious values that we’ve left behind."

7. Learn about the lives of other people who worked for equal rights, including Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and John Newton.

8. Learn lessons about leadership and entrepreneurship from the life of Dr. King. We love these insights on how great leaders inspire action. And here's a great article on four lessons entrepreneurs can learn from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  

9. Choose a way your family can make a difference in your neighborhood or community. Talk about people who could be struggling, how they might feel, and how you can help. You could help an immigrant family, befriend an elderly neighbor, help a child who is struggling in school, or assist at a local shelter. If we each make a difference in our own unique way, we can make the world a better place!
 
10. This inspiring article, The Wrath of a Great Leader, tells how Dr. King had to wrestle with his anger and what we can learn from his example. You might want to read the article with your family, or tell stories from the article and discuss the principles and some of the questions at the end. The article shares a very valuable perspective on how we can transform anger into a powerful and positive source of motivation  It's a very useful skill for us all to learn! And it's a good opportunity to teach our children that if we seek Him, God can transform our weaknesses into strengths!
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By the time they reached the shores of America, the Pilgrims had sacrificed much of what they held dear to worship God. They left their native country, family, friends, home, livelihood and many of the comforts of life, and landed in a cold and hostile wilderness.  

William Bradford tells us, “Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet  on the firm and stable earth, their proper element.”

But their troubles were far from over. Bradford recounts, “It pleased God to visit us then with death daily, and with so general a disease that the living were scarce able to bury the dead.” More than half of the Pilgrims died the first winter.

And yet, when spring arrived and the captain of their ship offered to return them to England for free, not one Pilgrim accepted his invitation. Their faith in God gave them the strength to persevere.

Governor William Bradford declared, “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have grown by His hand. Who made all things out of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light enkindled here has shone to many, yea, in a sense, to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise.”

The Pilgrims were willing to sacrifice everything for the freedom to worship God as they believed. In so doing, they laid the foundation for the creation of the greatest nation in the history of the world.

At this wonderful season of Thanksgiving, let’s take time to give thanks to God, to retell the story of the Pilgrims and the incredible price they paid to be faithful, and to recommit ourselves to pay the price to be true in our day. 

Things to Do

• Work together to prepare your Thanksgiving feast and to clean up afterwards.
• Do something nice for a military family and tell them how thankful you are for them.
• Help refugees or other immigrants in your community.
• Make or draw "We Are Thankful for You" posters or pictures and deliver them to friends and neighbors. Kids love to make it an anonymous surprise. Tape the picture to the front door or on the windshield of a car, ring the doorbell, and run.
• Take pictures of things you are thankful for and make a "Gratitude Scrapbook" or make a Gratitude Craft.
• The Pilgrims and Indians had friendly competitions.  You could participate in the local Turkey Trot, play games like catch, football, horseshoes, or frisbee golf.  
• Do some Plimoth.org: Just for Kids activities.

Things to Watch

• The Mayflower Compact (4:25)
• The First Thanksgiving Story (4:40)
• Plimoth Plantation Virtual Field Trips

          - Mayflower (19:52)
          - Pilgrim Village (17:54)
          - Wampanoag Homesite (16:51)
          - Plimoth Plantation (30:23)​

• Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims for Children (7:09)
• Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving - Drive Thru History (5:20)  
• History of Thanksgiving with David Barton - Glenn Beck TV (6:42)
• True Story of Thanksgiving - Rush Limbaugh (14:21)

Things to Read​​

• Paying the Price to Be True
• President Trump's Thanksgiving Proclamation
• George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation
• Abraham LIncoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation
• A Thanksgiving Message from Ronald Reagan
• Remembering Our Heritage of Religious Freedom​​

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The pilgrims who settled in America in 1620 loved and honored God. ​They did their best to govern their lives in a way that pleased Him. Their goodness and character were evident in the way they lived and in the governing documents they created. Their faith, courage, grit, and love for each other created the foundation for the greatest nation in the history of the world. 
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Here is a short video about The Mayflower Compact, the first governing document of their community, and a precursor of the United States Constitution. 

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​"This day, before we came to harbour, observing some not well affected to unity and concord, but gave some appearance of faction, it was thought good there should be an association and agreement, that we should combine together in one body and to submit to such government and governors as we should by common consent agree to make and choose, and set our hands
to this that follows, word for word."  ~William Bradford
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The Mayflower Compact

"​In the name of God, Amen. 

"We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. 

"Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; 

"And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. 

"In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."
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What does The Mayflower Compact  tell us?

• The Pilgrims created their governing document "in the name of God." God is very     important to them. They want to govern their lives in a way that is pleasing to HIm.
  

• They are loyal subjects of King James.

• Their purpose for leaving  their homes and sailing across the ocean to form a new colony in Virginia is to glorify God, to advance the Christian faith, and to honor their King and country.

• They are forming a government to keep order, stay alive, and to fulfill the purpose stated above.

• This document gives them the power to form the laws, rules, and offices needed for the good of the colony.

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• As leaders of the government, they promise submission and obedience to the people.

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Learn More  

• The Mayflower Compact
• ​Plimoth.org

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​As Americans, we live in abundant freedom, peace, and prosperity. Few people in all the history of the world have enjoyed the blessings we often take for granted.  

But there is a price attached to freedom. Our men and women in the military sacrifice every day. Many live in hell, some fight and are wounded, others pay the ultimate price. Each one sacrifices much they hold dear to keep us free. 

Below are some of our favorite ways to honor our veterans as we celebrate Veterans Day.
We'd love to hear your favorite(s) too! If you'd like to share, please comment below!

• Read the Presidential Proclamation on Veterans Day 2020.

 

• If possible, attend your local Veterans Day Parade. Wear red, white, and blue. Take pictures. Express appreciation to any veterans you may see. Invite your kids to look for opportunities to say thank-you too. Usually, even teens come home happy that they went.

 

• Visit with a veteran. Whether you take advantage of Veterans Day specials and take them out to eat, or call and visit with them, or invite a vet into your home, this can become a favorite family tradition. My dad and father-in-law both served in World War II. Every year we called them for Veterans Day and invited them to tell us about their experiences.  Of course, we heard some stories many times, but we never get tired of them. We hope our kids tell them to our grandkids so our family legacy is passed from one generation to the next.

 

• Thank a military family. You could make them a card or a poster and take them a treat. Tell them how grateful you are for the sacrifices they are making (or have made) for our country.  Be sure to make extra treats so your family can have some when you return home. 

 

• Pray for those who are serving and their families. Talk about some of the sacrifices military families make, and ask God to bless them.  

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• Watch films that show the sacrifices made by those who have defended our freedom, like:      * Sergeant York (WW I)
      * Taking Chance (Iraq War)
      * The Unknowns (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier)
      * Hallowed Grounds (Overseas Military Cemeteries) 
      * Soldiers Reunited with Families ​(Iraq War)

 ​               * The Price of Freedom (World War II)
                * 10 Life Lessons from Top Navy SEAL

• Serve. Not everyone serves in the military, but we can all do something to lighten the burdens of those who do and their families. Talk with your family about the best way you can help. The happy glow that comes from serving others may be your favorite part of the holiday. 

 

• Keep a family history book. Include in it stories of grandpas, uncles, and other family members who have served in the military. Share inspirational experiences and include plenty of pictures. A family history book can become a favorite source for bedtime stories! 

 

• Set up a tent. Talk about what the life of a soldier is like. If it's too cold outside, you could set up a tent in the house, complete with sleeping bags, snacks, and great stories.

 

• Read or tell or watch a patriotic story. 

              * A Story from One of My Favorite Veterans
              * I Knew You Would Come
​              * Our Father
              * The Wall
​              * The Poppy Lady
              * Veterans -- Heroes in Our Neighborhood
              * H Is For Honor


​"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. 

"Freedom and the dignity of the individual have been more available and assured here than in any other place on Earth. 

"The price for this freedom at times has been high, but we have never been unwilling to pay that price." ~Ronald Reagan

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On Constitution Day we celebrate the anniversary of one of the most important days in history, September 17,1787, the day the Constitutional Convention ratified the United States Constitution. 

Constitution Day is a wonderful opportunity to study, and teach our children, the principles of government that have created abundant and unprecedented liberty, peace, and prosperity for millions of Americans. Some individuals and families may want to invest more time in learning about our Constitution. You may want to celebrate Constitution Week, Constitution Month, or devote much longer to understanding and preserving this inspired foundation of our freedom.

The better we understand the Constitution, the more prepared we can be to to do our part to "preserve, protect and defend" it. 

​Here are some ideas and resources that may be of help. Choose the learning activities that will be best for your family.   
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​Celebrating Constitution Day

Read the United States Constitution.  
Read the ​Constitution. Discuss what a remarkable, revolutionary document it is, and why we must each do our part to "keep" our republic.

Learn about part of the Constitution and/or memorize something about the Constitution.  
You could watch this video with John Stossel asking members of Congress to tell their favorite part of the Constitution, and then ask family members to tell their favorite part. You might even memorize a part of the Constitution or an inspirational quote about the Constitution. 

Learn about how the Constitution was created.  
Watch A More Perfect Union. Discuss the inspiring story and heroes behind the birth of our Constitution.

You could also watch Prayer and the Miracle in Philadelphia and explain that after much study, work, and discussion, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention were unable to create and agree on a constitution until they asked for, and received, help from God.
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Talk with your family about your heritage.
Share your feelings about the blessings and responsibilities of being a citizen of the United States of America. Tell stories about your family heritage, the one you've received and the one you want to create.

Discuss with your family why the Constitution is relevant, important, and essential today.
Watch the video below that tells why the Constitution is important today. Study and prepare to explain why you think the Constitution is relevant and important in our complex modern world. You might want to make a video and post it on social media, or share your views with a friend.

Consider what you can do.
Perhaps one of the most significant things you can do is to consider how you and your family can protect and preserve the Constitution, create a written plan, and begin to take action. (For ideas, see the excellent outline, The Patriot's Guide, created by Heritage.org.) 

Enjoy patriotic music.
Play inspiring patriotic music.  Sing some of your favorite patriotic songs.   

Serve refreshments.
After a lesson, video, or activity, you could serve patriotic refreshments.
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Why the Constitution is Important Today

Helpful Resources to Learn About the Constitution

The United States Constitution    
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Inspirational Quotes About the Constitution   
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The Preamble Set to Music  (3 minute video)

A More Perfect Union  (150 minute video)
Story of the creation of the United States Constitution

We Still Hold These Truths  (20 minute video)
Principles that make America great.

We Still Hold These Truths   
Leaders' guide about the principles that make America great (goes with book by the same name).  

The Patriot’s Guide: What You Can Do for Your Country   
PDF from the Heritage Foundation with ways you can make a difference

Why We're Losing Liberty (5:33)
How does the Constitution preserve liberty and prevent tyranny? Professor Robert P. George answers this important question.
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Consource.org
Online library of wonderful constitutional resources.

David McCullough speech at ConSource: The Storm Before the Constitution
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Our Lost Constitution Facebook Page 
​Senator Mike Lee's Facebook page where he teaches about our constitutional heritage and how we can help preserve it. The page amplifies Senator Lee's excellent books, Written Out of History and Our Lost Constitution.

The 10 videos below were created by Senator Lee to accompany his Our Lost Constitution book. They help explain what has gone wrong in Washington D.C., how the problems were created by violating the Constitution, and how they can be resolved by restoring the Constitution. The relevant chapters from the book are listed after the link to each video.

Video 1: Federalism and separation of powers provide structural protections for the Constitution.  (1:01:18)  Chapter 3: The Legislative Powers Clause, Chapter 6: The Tenth Amendment and the Commerce Clause

Video 2: Americans can help restore constitutionally limited government. (18:49)
Chapter 10: What You Can Do to Reclaim the Constitution

Video 3: The origins of the Second Amendment and how it was restored. (21:10)
Chapter 7: Reclaiming the Constitution Through the Courts

Video 4: The origins of the Fourth Amendment and its challenges today. (24:15)
Chapter 5: The Forgotten Fourth Amendment

Video 5: How Senator Lee became interested in the Constitution. (20:10)
Introduction (How Senator Lee's parents nurtured his lifelong love of the Constitution.)

​Video 6: Congress can restore the Constitution through the power of the purse. (17:05)
Chapter 9: Reclaiming the Constitution Through the Power of the Purse

​Video 7: The First Amendment’s Establishment Clause has been distorted to limit public expressions of religious belief. (23:11)  Chapter 4: The Forgotten Establishment Clause

Video 8: How the Second Amendment was “lost” before Its restoration in 2008. (18:28)
Chapter 7: Reclaiming the Constitution Through the Courts

​Video 9: We are subject to unelected, unaccountable federal bureaucrats. (22:04)
Chapter 3: The Forgotten Legislative Powers Clause

Video 10: The Tenth Amendment limits federal power and keeps most aspects of government close to the people. (13:50)  Chapter 6: The Forgotten Tenth Amendment and the Inflated Commerce Clause

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Freedom Project: Principles of the Constitution

• Preamble  (9:41)
• Limited Government  (8:02)
• Legislative Powers and Limitations  (7:23)
• Executive Powers and Limitations  (9:43)
• Judicial Powers and Limitations  (10:18)
• Bill of Rights, Part 1  (9:30)
• Bill of Rights, Part 2  (8:35)
• Amendments 11-18  (6:57)
• Amendments  19-27  (7:30)

​​On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King spoke to over 200,000 followers on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  His speech changed the world. 

Congressman John Lewis also spoke that day and said, "Dr. King had the power, the ability, and the capacity to transform those steps on the Lincoln Memorial into a monumental area that will forever be recognized. By speaking the way he did, he educated, he inspired, he informed not just the people there, but people throughout America and unborn generations."  

The following video has excerpts from his speech.  The text of the full speech is printed below.
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I Have a Dream
by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.

We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.

We cannot turn back.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: "For Whites Only." We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest -- quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that:

Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

 Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

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As John Adams contemplated the creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence, and all it meant for citizens of our fledgling country, and for generations yet to come, he expressed his feelings to his wife Abigail in an immortal letter:

"I believe that [Independence Day] will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

John Adams' vision of future celebrations has proven prophetic. Generations have remembered the "Day of Deliverance" with prayers of thanks to God, parades, fireworks (illuminations), and a variety of patriotic activities so glorious that when President Reagan recalled memories of his early Fourth of July experiences, describing a "special kind of nostalgia" and "a day almost as long-anticipated as Christmas," he was expressing the feelings of millions of patriotic Americans.

While Christmas is pretty hard to compete with these days, Independence Day can still be a special day full of happy memories. Here are some ideas. Select a few that will be meaningful for your family. Keeping it simple will help you and your loved ones have a fun time together and keep your focus on the things that matter most. 

• Invite your family to dress in red, white, and blue (fun for pictures).    

 

• Play patriotic music as your family is waking up and during the day.  

 

• Learn about the Declaration of Independence:

          *  Read or listen to the Declaration of Independence.
          *  Learn about the key concepts in the Declaration.
          *  Talk about the importance of the Declaration of Independence.
          *  Learn about Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration.
          *  Learn about the signers of the Declaration.
          *  Remember the price paid by the signers of the Declaration.

• Learn why historian David McCullough (and many other Americans) believe George Washington is our greatest president.           

 

• Learn more about George Washington's life.  (Congress made Washington commanding general of the Continental Army, so he was unable to sign the Declaration of Independence. Yet his leadership and service in the founding of the United States is so significant that he is known as the "Father of Our Country.")

 

• Hold a Fourth of July Declaration Ceremony or create a simple patriotic program of your own. Select a few activities that would be most meaningful and enjoyable for you: 

          * Sing or listen to patriotic songs
          *  Read or recite patriotic quotes.
​          *  Tell stories about the sacrifices early patriots made for us.
          *  Tell why you love America.
          *  Discuss what your family can do to help preserve our heritage.

• Make and enjoy delicious red, white, and blue food.   

 

• Go camping or on a picnic.  If allowed, you could build a campfire, cook a campfire dinner,  sing patriotic songs around the fire, then talk about the things that make America great. 

          

• If permitted, watch a fireworks display with your family or light your own fireworks.

   

• Take pictures of your family and record all the family fun.

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"You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means."  ~John Adams 

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"This is the flag that stands for freedom, justice, & equality. It always has.
When we don’t live up to those values, we should speak out.

But we must not make the mistake of tearing down & disrespecting
​the very symbols that unify us, that stand for the best of America."

~Rep Dan Crenshaw

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Memorial Day is a special day set aside to remember and honor our fallen heroes. Though we can never repay those who have given their lives for our country, we can honor their memory. And we can honor their families. Each family has a unique and special story. And they will always have a tender place in their hearts and lives left by the loss of their loved one.

President Reagan described Memorial Day as "the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It's a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It's a day to be with the family and remember."

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​Below are some meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day (with links to helpful and inspirational resources).  Please select the ones that will be best for your family.

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Reflect on the Significance of Memorial Day

• Learn about Memorial Day and its history:

            * Memorial Day History -- History.com
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           * President Trump's 2020 Memorial Day Proclamation
              -- Unite in prayer (11 AM local time)
              -- Observe the National Moment of Remembrance (3 PM local time)

• Watch and discuss The Price of Freedom (Inspiring musical tribute.)

 

• Watch films that show the sacrifices made by those who have defended our freedom, like:

          * Sergeant York
          * Taking Chance
          * The Unknowns
          * Hallowed Grounds
​          * Hacksaw Ridge  (Rated R: Not appropriate for children. Incredible true story.)


Watch the Broadcast of the National Memorial Day Parade

Watch the broadcast of the National Memorial Day Parade on Memorial Day at 2 PM EST.  Talk with your children about the price that has been paid for our freedom, and why it is important to honor those who have sacrificed to keep our country free. 


Visit a Cemetery

Many communities have a veteran's cemetery or a memorial for those who have fought for our country. Visit a cemetery you. Find headstones of those who served in the military. Express your gratitude for the noble and selfless sacrifices made for America, and talk to your children about the price of freedom.  Teach them that not everyone can or should serve in the military, but each of us has a sacred duty to give our time and effort to preserve liberty in America. 


Write a Letter

Do you know a family who has lost a loved one serving in the military?  You could write them a letter of gratitude for their sacrifice for our country.  If they live close by, you could invite them to dinner, or visit them and express your appreciation for their service and sacrifice.  You could take them a card, flowers, or a small gift. Knowing you are thinking of them and are grateful to their family could be a comfort for them. 


Have a Special Campfire Commemoration

Build a campfire and gather around with family and friends for a special time of remembrance. It could include a few of the following activities:

• Share your feelings about Memorial Day and those who have given their lives for our country.
• Express your love for America and why our legacy of liberty is worthy of sacrifice.
• Discuss what you can do for our country.
• Tell a story or two of our Memorial Day heroes.
• Take time to share inspiring stories from your family heritage.
• Help your children read or recite Memorial Day quotes.
• Sing favorite patriotic songs. One of my favorites is To Be American.
• Have a family barbeque. Roast hotdogs, make s’mores, or serve your family favorites.

You don't have to be fancy or perfect. Just let your loved ones know how much they mean to you, and what a unique and precious heritage they have. With a little good humor, and patience, less than perfect times can become happy memories and a source of strength and inspiration for years to come.

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The Price of Freedom
​
We are free each day because of those who have paid The Price of Freedom.
Click here to watch all of this powerful and inspirational presentation.
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Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky on February 12th, 1809. When he was born, there was nothing to distinguish him from other babies.  

As a young boy he enjoyed walking, running, wrestling, reading, and doing math.   

Rising from the humblest of beginnings, Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States at a time of great national turmoil and division. His leadership was a key factor in the eventual unity and restoration that took place. He was a man with a mission, and that made all the difference.

WARNING: For parents with young children, the History Channel video below has a dramatic reenactment of President Lincoln's assassination between about 2:35 and 2:45. You might want to preview the video to see if it's appropriate for your children. 
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Abraham Lincoln’s Life

• Timeline of Lincoln’s Life
• Young Abe Lincoln
• Mini Biography  (3:54)
• The Story of Abraham Lincoln
• Abraham Lincoln’s Autobiography 
• Lincoln and Depression
• Quotations of Abraham Lincoln

Stories

• Lincoln and the Little Girl
• Training for the Presidency
• Honest Abe
• The Wisdom of Solomon
• George Pickett's Friend
• Lincoln the Lawyer
• Mr. Lincoln and the Bible
• The Springfield Farewell Address

Speeches

• First Inaugural Address
• The Gettysburg Address (2:49, 2:32, 5:53)
• “House Divided” Speech
• Second Inaugural Address
• Lincoln's Most Important Speech  (3:02)

Proclamations

• Proclamation of a Day of Fasting
• Emancipation Proclamation
• Proclamation of Thanksgiving

Possible Activities to Enjoy on President Lincoln's Birthday
(Choose the activity, or activities, that you think could be meaningful and fun for your family.)

• Young Abe enjoyed wrestling, walking, running, and an early form of baseball. Spend some time enjoying one of these, or another sports activity your family enjoys. Talk about the importance of wholesome recreation.

 

• Abe loved cats.  He adopted orphaned kittens, and enjoyed playing with them. He also enjoyed dogs and horses, and his family had two goats when they lived in the White House. You could spend some time enjoying your family pet(s), get a kitten for your family, spend some time with horses, or visit a local pet store. 

 

• Abraham Lincoln loved collecting and telling jokes and stories. Each family member could find one or more  stories or jokes to share with each other.

 

• Abe's favorite hobby was to read and learn. Have a family read-a-thon complete with fun snacks and soft pillows to relax on. Abe loved to read so much that he sometimes borrowed books from others. You could go to the library and "borrow" some fun books to read -- maybe something about Lincoln -- or read some of the stories above.  

 

• Abe's favorite foods were fruit salad, cheese, and crackers. You could enjoy these for a fun snack while you participate in your activities.

 

• Abraham Lincoln had more than his share of  struggles and failures. You could watch "Famous Failures" and talk about how our failures can help teach us what we need to know to succeed. Or you could tell a couple of experiences Lincoln had when he struggled with depression, and discuss how our struggles can help us grow.

 

• When he was president, Abraham Lincoln wrote a number of speeches and addresses that expressed his feelings. You could memorize or recite one of his speeches, like The Gettysburg Address, or The Emancipation Proclamation, or you could write something that expresses your feelings about America.

 

• One of the great accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln's life was helping to bring freedom to the slaves. You could watch this short video and talk about why that was so important.

 

• As an adult, President Lincoln enjoyed going to plays. You could go to a play together, or enjoy a modern day variation -- go to a movie, or watch a good video at home.  You could include this one minute summary of President Lincoln's life.

 

• Abe enjoyed people and loved to visit with friends and neighbors. You could visit some friends or invite them to join you for some activities in your home. You could even bake a birthday cake and have a birthday party for Abraham Lincoln where you tell a little about him (see above), enjoy a few activities, sing Happy Birthday, and have cake and ice cream.​

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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 greatest 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 tells us what it's like to be the son of Ronald Reagan.

President Reagan Teaches His Daughter
Patti Reagan shares 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)
"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)
Prayer guides us in our daily life and strengthens us in times of trial.


Freedom

We the People...  (1:38)
In less that 2 minutes, President Reagan sums 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 perhaps 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)
We're here to mark that day in history when the Allied armies joined in battle to reclaim this continent to liberty. For 4 long years, much of Europe had been under a terrible shadow. Here in Normandy the rescue began.

The Speech at the Berlin Wall Changed the Course of History (3:45, 4:53)
We need to tell our children the story of this speech and to teach them that sometimes it takes courage to stand alone.  Sometimes it's hard to do the right thing.  But nothing is more important.  

A Time for Choosing  (3:44, 29:33)
Ronald Reagan warns Americans that we are at the crossroads between two radically different visions of America and encourages 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.” 

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.  


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 remarks at a memorial service for the Challenger  astronauts. 

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In Conclusion, a Little Humor

President Reagan's gift for humor was a great gift to the American people at a troubled time. Here are a few favorite moments we shared with him that made us laugh and, more importantly, helped us believe in good things to come.

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the great civil rights leaders of our day. This week is a great time to learn about his life and work.  Here are some helpful suggestions and resources. Hope you choose a few and enjoy them with your family!

1. Learn about Martin Luther King's life.  The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King  has a short video biography you can watch, and some cool stories about him.  Discover how Martin Luther King made a better world in just 10 years.  

2. Listen to and discuss one of Dr. King's speeches.  Here is a link to an excerpt from his  I Have a Dream speech.  (The text of the full speech is there too.) Did you know that Dr. King, along with being a leader for civil rights, was pro-life and was an active advocate for the unborn?

3. Make posters / pictures of your dreams for America. Discuss how you can make them come true.

4. Read Martin Luther King's Pledge.  Talk about how he and his followers agreed to govern their lives with love.  Point out that they were able to change the world because they were willing to change themselves first.  

5. Create your own Family Pledge.  Discuss rules and principles your family would like to live.  Talk about how those rules can help your family and those around you.  Write up your Family Pledge and review it regularly. 

6. Read (or listen to) all or part of  Dr. King's earliest recorded sermon in which he said, "Now that’s what we’ve got to do in our world today. We’ve left a lot of precious values behind; we’ve lost a lot of precious values. And if we are to go forward, if we are to make this a better world in which to live, we’ve got to go back. We’ve got to rediscover these precious values that we’ve left behind."

7. Learn about the lives other people who worked for equal rights, including Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and John Newton.

8. Learn lessons about leadership and entrepreneurship from the life of Dr. King.  Love these insights on how great leaders inspire action.  And here's a great article on four lessons entrepreneurs can learn from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  

9. Explore other activities your family might enjoy at Apples4theTeacher.

10. Choose a way your family can make a difference in your neighborhood or community.  Talk about people who could be struggling, how they might feel, and how you can help.  You could help an immigrant family, befriend an elderly neighbor, help a child who is struggling in school, or assist at a local shelter.  

If we each make a difference in our own unique way, we can make the world a better place!
 

BONUS ACTIVITY  

An inspiring article, The Wrath of a Great Leader, tells how Dr. King had to wrestle with his anger and what we can learn from his example.  You might want to read the article with your family, or tell a few stories from the article and discuss the principles and some of the questions at the end.  

The article shares a very valuable perspective on how we can transform anger into a powerful and positive source of motivation  It's a very useful skill for us all to learn!  And it's a good opportunity to teach our children that if we seek Him, God can transform our weaknesses into strengths!

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​Did you know that the United States has a National Religious Freedom Day? It's January 16th!

Few people are aware of this important day because, unlike people in many other parts of the world, we have long been blessed with abundant freedom to live and worship as we desire.

It's a day when we celebrate religious freedom and the adoption of Thomas Jefferson's historic Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. 

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, says about Thomas Jefferson's legacy:

"If you've ever toured Monticello, then you know that Thomas Jefferson had very strong opinions about what his legacy should be. 

"He wanted to be remembered as the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence and as the 'father' of the University of Virginia. 

"Both are inscribed on his tombstone, along with his second proudest achievement--authoring the Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom.

"That might surprise Americans today, who wrongly believe that our third President wanted to divorce the government of all religious expression. On the contrary, what Jefferson wrote in Fredericksburg some 230 years ago was such a groundbreaking defense of freedom that the men who drafted our Constitution relied on it for the framework of the First Amendment. 

"'No nation,' Thomas Jefferson said years later, 'has ever existed or been governed without religion. Nor can be.' He understood then, as we do now, that religious freedom is fundamental to every other freedom on earth. Maybe that's why, despite all of his other accomplishments, Jefferson considered the statute one of his greatest legislative feats."

But today, many of us take our legacy of religious liberty for granted -- like the air we breathe, it has always been a part of our lives.  

Thanks to the faith, vision, wisdom, and courage of the Pilgrims, our Founding Fathers, and others, America is a beacon of hope for countless immigrants who have fled to her shores because they longed for the freedom to worship God as they believed was best.

Lately, as our rights have been questioned, it's more important than ever for us to appreciate the sacrifices so many have made to preserve religious freedom in America, and to take our turn to protect and pass on this noble heritage.

In the words of President Trump, "The free exercise of religion is a source of personal and national stability, and its preservation is essential to protecting human dignity.  Religious diversity strengthens our communities and promotes tolerance, respect, understanding, and equality.  Faith breathes life and hope into our world.  We must diligently guard, preserve, and cherish this unalienable right....

"I call on all Americans to commemorate this day with events and activities that remind us of our shared heritage of religious liberty and teach us to secure this blessing both at home and abroad." 

Learn More

• Text of the Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom
• Religion is Essential for Freedom  (Clayton Christensen - 1:39)
• The Genius of Thomas Jefferson  (David McCullough - 9:20)
• Goodness and Religion Are Essential for Liberty (Quotes)
• President Trump's Proclamation on Religious Freedom Day, 2020
• President Trump's Proclamation on Religious Freedom Day, 2021
• Why America Must Recommit to Religious Freedom

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"Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.”  ~George Washington
 

"Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone, which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand.  The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our people, in a greater measure, than they have it now, they may change their rulers, and the forms of government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty.”  ~John Adams
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In the winter of 1776, winning the Revolutionary War seemed hopeless for the Americans. They had lost major battles. They were starving, didn’t have adequate shelter or supplies, and morale was almost gone.  

“If every nerve is not strained to recruit the New Army with all possible expedition…I think the game is pretty near up," wrote General Washington to his brother Samuel.  

But God raised up help for our young nation through the power of the pen. Thomas Paine wrote these inspiring words that gave the troops renewed courage and determination:  

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it.”

General Washington knew this was his last chance to act. He formed a courageous, nearly impossible plan. He would cross the Delaware river with almost half of his army, about 2400 men, and surprise the enemy soldiers on the day after Christmas.  

They began crossing the Delaware at six in the evening on Christmas day. A remarkable troop of fishermen from Massachusetts worked for nine long hours, rowing boatload after boatload of men, cannons, and ammunition across the ice-choked river through a punishing gale of sleet and snow.  The last soldier reached shore at three o’ clock in the morning.

Then, the exhausted soldiers marched nine miles to Trenton through freezing wind and hail. A member of General Washington’s staff wrote, “It will be a terrible night for soldiers who have no shoes. Some of them have tied old rags around their feet, others are barefoot, but I have not heard a man complain.” Bloody footprints marked the path of these brave men.

The British Commander, Colonel Rall spent the night drinking and playing cards. When a local farmer tried to warn him that the Americans were coming, the servant who answered the door refused to interrupt the party to tell the Commander. So, the loyalist farmer scribbled a warning note to Colonel Rall. But Rall only stuffed it into his pocket—unread—which saved the weary American troops from disaster. Washington’s men were exhausted, freezing cold, and hungry.  They would have been an easy target for the strong enemy army.

With the help of God, the Americans won the fight in about two hours. The enemy troops were totally unprepared for battle. Of the 1,000 enemy troops, many were injured, and 948 were taken captive. Only four Americans were wounded in battle, and none were killed—although two froze to death.  It was an incredible victory—nothing short of a miracle—especially since it provided our soldiers with much needed food, clothing, bedding, and ammunition.  

As word of the victory spread, confidence in the Revolution and in General George Washington was revived. This Christmas victory marked an important turning point in the War for Independence. 

The courage and sacrifices of ordinary men and women have changed the course of history in so many ways. Because of these courageous early Americans, we have the freedom to worship God as we believe. And at this Christmas time, we are able to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ. May we do our part to preserve and pass on this precious legacy of liberty!

​Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote this beloved song on Christmas morning in 1863.

Life had been very painful for him. The Civil War was long and distressing and most people had a hard time just getting by.  But Henry had an extra heavy burden because he had lost his wife in a fire, and he was caring for his son who had been wounded in battle. 

Christmas was a bitter reminder of all Henry had lost.  And yet, as he sat quietly reflecting, he heard the church bells ringing a message of hope.  Although Henry had reason to be sad, even bitter, he penned the words to a beautiful Christmas message of faith, hope, peace, and good will. 

I love this song.  Not one of the better known Christmas carols, this is my Mom's favorite.  All of us, my Mom, Dad, six brothers and I, memorized all five verses.  Each year we had a Christmas caroling party with family, friends, fun treats, and favorite songs.  "I Heard the Bells" was always part of our celebration.  Its message may be more relevant now than ever.  Hope you enjoy!
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I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Pearl Harbor Day is the day we pause to remember the December 7, 1941 attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor that killed 2,402 Americans, and precipitated U.S. involvement in World War II.

It's a good time to visit with our children about the courageous sacrifices many have made for freedom. The stories of the heroes who make these sacrifices are often lost, but those that are recorded can be remembered and recounted, and inspire us and our families to do what we can to preserve the blessings of liberty in America in our day. Few Americans actually fight in wars, but we all can, and should, do our part to preserve the great legacy of liberty we have received.


The Attack on Pearl Harbor
(This content is courtesy of The American Patriot's Almanac)

Sunday, December 7, 1941, began as a serene morning at the U.S. Navy base on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The warships of America’s Pacific Fleet rested at anchor. Many sailors were preparing for church or relaxing, and all was quiet at Pearl Harbor.

At about 7:55 a.m. a buzz from the sky broke the calm as a dive-bomber bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun of Japan dropped out of the clouds. Seconds later, a swarm of Japanese warplanes followed. Sirens wailed as explosions sounded across the harbor and black smoke poured into the sky.

American sailors scrambled to battle stations while the Japanese planes screamed in for the kill. The main targets were several huge battleships moored in the harbor. Antiaircraft guns roared to life, but they did little good. Bombs and torpedoes hit ship after ship: the Arizona, the Oklahoma, the California, the West Virginia, the Utah, the Maryland, the Pennsylvania, the Tennessee, the Nevada.

Sailors fought to save their ships, their comrades, and their own lives. Much of the California’s crew abandoned ship after flames engulfed its stern. When the captain determined the battleship might be saved, Yeoman Durrell Conner hoisted the American flag from the stern. At the sight of the colors, the sailors returned to fight the fires and keep her afloat.

Despite such heroism, the attack reduced much of the fleet to smoldering wreckage. The Japanese planes disappeared into the sky, leaving 2,400 dead, 1,200 wounded, and 18 ships and more than 300 American planes destroyed or damaged.

News of the disaster left Americans stunned, but not for long. A remark attributed to Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who planned the attack, sums up the result of Pearl Harbor: “I fear we have awakened a sleeping giant and instilled in him a terrible resolve.”

​​President Roosevelt's Speech After the Pearl Harbor Attack: 
"A Day of Infamy"

Click here for the Text of President Roosevelt's Speech.
​

The Attack on Pearl Harbor

1941 footage documents the attack on Pearl Harbor.
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Memories of Those Who Survived the Pearl Harbor Attack

On the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, veterans who survived the raid recall the day.

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By the time they reached the shores of America, the Pilgrims had sacrificed much of what they held dear to worship God. They left their native country, family, friends, home, livelihood and many of the comforts of life, and landed in a cold and hostile wilderness.  

William Bradford tells us, “Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet  on the firm and stable earth, their proper element.”

But their troubles were far from over. Bradford recounts, “It pleased God to visit us then with death daily, and with so general a disease that the living were scarce able to bury the dead.” More than half of the Pilgrims died the first winter.

And yet, when spring arrived and the captain of their ship offered to return them to England for free, not one Pilgrim accepted his invitation. Their faith in God gave them the strength to persevere.

Governor William Bradford declared, “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have grown by His hand. Who made all things out of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light enkindled here has shone to many, yea, in a sense, to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise.”

The Pilgrims were willing to sacrifice everything for the freedom to worship God as they believed. In so doing, they laid the foundation for the creation of the greatest nation in the history of the world.

At this wonderful season of Thanksgiving, let’s take time to give thanks to God, to retell the story of the Pilgrims and the incredible price they paid to be faithful, and to recommit ourselves to pay the price to be true in our day. 


Things to Do

• Work together to prepare your Thanksgiving feast and to clean up afterwards.
• Do something nice for a military family and tell them how thankful you are for them.
• Help refugees or other immigrants in your community.
• Make or draw "We Are Thankful for You" posters or pictures and deliver them to friends and neighbors. Kids love to make it an anonymous surprise. Tape the picture to the front door or on the windshield of a car, ring the doorbell, and run.
• Take pictures of things you are thankful for and make a "Gratitude Scrapbook" or make a Gratitude Craft.
• The Pilgrims and Indians had friendly competitions.  You could participate in the local Turkey Trot, play games like catch, football, horseshoes, or frisbee golf.  
• Do some Plimoth.org: Just for Kids activities.

Things to Watch

• The Mayflower Compact (4:25)
• The First Thanksgiving Story (4:40)
• Plimoth Plantation Virtual Field Trips

          - Mayflower (19:52)
          - Pilgrim Village (17:54)
          - Wampanoag Homesite (16:51)
          - Plimoth Plantation (30:23)​

• Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims for Children (7:09)
• Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving - Drive Thru History (5:20)  
• History of Thanksgiving with David Barton - Glenn Beck TV (6:42)
• True Story of Thanksgiving - Rush Limbaugh (14:21)

Things to Read​​

• Paying the Price to Be True
• President Trump's Thanksgiving Proclamation
• George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation
• Abraham LIncoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation
• A Thanksgiving Message from Ronald Reagan
• Remembering Our Heritage of Religious Freedom​​

​As Americans, we live in abundant freedom, peace, and prosperity. Few people in all the history of the world have enjoyed the blessings we often take for granted.  

But there is a price attached to freedom. Our men and women in the military sacrifice every day. Many live in hell, some fight and are wounded, others pay the ultimate price. Each one sacrifices much they hold dear to keep us free. 

Below are some of our favorite ways to honor our veterans as we celebrate Veterans Day.
We'd love to hear your favorite(s) too! If you'd like to share, please comment below!

• Read the Presidential Proclamation on Veterans Day, 2020

 

• Attend your local Veterans Day Parade. Wear red, white, and blue. Take pictures. Express appreciation to any veterans you may see. Invite your kids to look for opportunities to say thank-you too. Usually, even teens come home happy that they went.

 

• Visit with a veteran. Whether you take advantage of Veterans Day specials and take them out to eat, or call and visit with them, or invite a vet into your home, this can become a favorite family tradition. My dad and father-in-law both served in World War II. Every year we called them for Veterans Day and invited them to tell us about their experiences.  Of course, we heard some stories many times, but we never get tired of them. We hope our kids tell them to our grandkids so our family legacy is passed from one generation to the next.

 

• Thank a military family. You could make them a card or a poster and take them a treat. Tell them how grateful you are for the sacrifices they are making (or have made) for our country.  Be sure to make extra treats so your family can have some when you return home. 

 

• Pray for those who are serving and their families. Talk about some of the sacrifices military families make, and ask God to bless them.  

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• Watch films that show the sacrifices made by those who have defended our freedom, like:      * Sergeant York (WW I)
      * Taking Chance (Iraq War)
      * The Unknowns (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier)
      * Hallowed Grounds (Overseas Military Cemeteries) 
      * Soldiers Reunited with Families ​(Iraq War)

 ​               * The Price of Freedom (World War II)
                * 10 Life Lessons from Top Navy SEAL

• Serve. Not everyone serves in the military, but we can all do something to lighten the burdens of those who do and their families. Talk with your family about the best way you can help. The happy glow that comes from serving others may be your favorite part of the holiday. 

 

• Keep a family history book. Include in it stories of grandpas, uncles, and other family members who have served in the military. Share inspirational experiences and include plenty of pictures. A family history book can become a favorite source for bedtime stories! 

 

• Set up a tent. Talk about what the life of a soldier is like. If it's too cold outside, you could set up a tent in the house, complete with sleeping bags, snacks, and great stories.

 

• Read or tell or watch a patriotic story. 

              * A Story from One of My Favorite Veterans
              * I Knew You Would Come
​              * Our Father
              * The Wall
​              * The Poppy Lady
              * Veterans -- Heroes in Our Neighborhood
              * H Is For Honor


​"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. 

"Freedom and the dignity of the individual have been more available and assured here than in any other place on Earth. 

"The price for this freedom at times has been high, but we have never been unwilling to pay that price." ~Ronald Reagan

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On Constitution Day we celebrate the anniversary of one of the most important days in history, September 17,1787, the day the Constitutional Convention ratified the United States Constitution. 

Constitution Day is a wonderful opportunity to study, and teach our children, the principles of government that have created abundant and unprecedented liberty, peace, and prosperity for millions of Americans. Some individuals and families may want to invest more time in learning about our Constitution. You may want to celebrate Constitution Week, Constitution Month, or devote much longer to understanding and preserving this inspired foundation of our freedom.

The better we understand the Constitution, the more prepared we can be to to do our part to "preserve, protect and defend" it. 

​Here are some ideas and resources that may be of help. Choose the learning activities that will be best for your family.   
​

​Celebrating Constitution Day

Read the United States Constitution.  
Read the ​Constitution. Discuss what a remarkable, revolutionary document it is, and why we must each do our part to "keep" our republic.

Learn about part of the Constitution and/or memorize something about the Constitution.  
You could watch this video with John Stossel asking members of Congress to tell their favorite part of the Constitution, and then ask family members to tell their favorite part. You might even memorize a part of the Constitution or an inspirational quote about the Constitution. 

Learn about how the Constitution was created.  
Watch A More Perfect Union. Discuss the inspiring story and heroes behind the birth of our Constitution.

You could also watch Prayer and the Miracle in Philadelphia and explain that after much study, work, and discussion, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention were unable to create and agree on a constitution until they asked for, and received, help from God.
​
Talk with your family about your heritage.
Share your feelings about the blessings and responsibilities of being a citizen of the United States of America. Tell stories about your family heritage, the one you've received and the one you want to create.

Discuss with your family why the Constitution is relevant, important, and essential today.
Watch the video below that tells why the Constitution is important today. Study and prepare to explain why you think the Constitution is relevant and important in our complex modern world. You might want to make a video and post it on social media, or share your views with a friend.

Consider what you can do.
Perhaps one of the most significant things you can do is to consider how you and your family can protect and preserve the Constitution, create a written plan, and begin to take action. (For ideas, see the excellent outline, The Patriot's Guide, created by Heritage.org.) 

Enjoy patriotic music.
Play inspiring patriotic music.  Sing some of your favorite patriotic songs.   

Serve refreshments.
After a lesson, video, or activity, you could serve patriotic refreshments.
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Why the Constitution is Important Today

Helpful Resources to Learn About the Constitution

The United States Constitution    
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Inspirational Quotes About the Constitution   
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The Preamble Set to Music  (3 minute video)

A More Perfect Union  (150 minute video)
Story of the creation of the United States Constitution

We Still Hold These Truths  (20 minute video)
Principles that make America great.

We Still Hold These Truths   
Leaders' guide about the principles that make America great (goes with book by the same name).  

The Patriot’s Guide: What You Can Do for Your Country   
PDF from the Heritage Foundation with ways you can make a difference

Why We're Losing Liberty (5:33)
How does the Constitution preserve liberty and prevent tyranny? Professor Robert P. George answers this important question.
​  
Consource.org
Online library of wonderful constitutional resources.

David McCullough speech at ConSource: The Storm Before the Constitution
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Our Lost Constitution Facebook Page 
​Senator Mike Lee's Facebook page where he teaches about our constitutional heritage and how we can help preserve it. The page amplifies Senator Lee's excellent books, Written Out of History and Our Lost Constitution.

The 10 videos below were created by Senator Lee to accompany the Our Lost Constitution book. They help explain what has gone wrong in Washington D.C., how the problems were created by violating the Constitution, and how they can be resolved by restoring the Constitution. The relevant chapters from the book are listed after the link to each video.

Video 1: Federalism and separation of powers provide structural protections for the Constitution.  (1:01:18)  Chapter 3: The Legislative Powers Clause, Chapter 6: The Tenth Amendment and the Commerce Clause

Video 2: Americans can help restore constitutionally limited government. (18:49)
Chapter 10: What You Can Do to Reclaim the Constitution

Video 3: The origins of the Second Amendment and how it was restored. (21:10)
Chapter 7: Reclaiming the Constitution Through the Courts

Video 4: The origins of the Fourth Amendment and its challenges today. (24:15)
Chapter 5: The Forgotten Fourth Amendment

Video 5: How Senator Lee became interested in the Constitution. (20:10)
Introduction (How Senator Lee's parents nurtured his lifelong love of the Constitution.)

​Video 6: Congress can restore the Constitution through the power of the purse. (17:05)
Chapter 9: Reclaiming the Constitution Through the Power of the Purse

​Video 7: The First Amendment’s Establishment Clause has been distorted to limit public expressions of religious belief. (23:11)  Chapter 4: The Forgotten Establishment Clause

Video 8: How the Second Amendment was “lost” before Its restoration in 2008. (18:28)
Chapter 7: Reclaiming the Constitution Through the Courts

​Video 9: We are subject to unelected, unaccountable federal bureaucrats. (22:04)
Chapter 3: The Forgotten Legislative Powers Clause

Video 10: The Tenth Amendment limits federal power and keeps most aspects of government close to the people. (13:50)  Chapter 6: The Forgotten Tenth Amendment and the Inflated Commerce Clause

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Freedom Project: Principles of the Constitution

• Preamble  (9:41)
• Limited Government  (8:02)
• Legislative Powers and Limitations  (7:23)
• Executive Powers and Limitations  (9:43)
• Judicial Powers and Limitations  (10:18)
• Bill of Rights, Part 1  (9:30)
• Bill of Rights, Part 2  (8:35)
• Amendments 11-18  (6:57)
• Amendments  19-27  (7:30)

​

Looking for some fun Labor Day activities?  Here are six ideas.  Simple activities can be meaningful, and become pleasant traditions for your family to share and remember.


1 Enjoy a Red, White, and Blue Meal Together

Our family celebrates Labor Day (and other patriotic holidays) with a red, white and blue breakfast.  Our favorite is waffles topped with cream, strawberries and blueberries.  

We have enjoyed red, white, and blue waffles for lunch and dinner too.  Or, vanilla ice cream and berries make a tasty red, white, and blue desert.  


2 Talk with Your Family

Take a few minutes to talk about Labor Day and how America was built by the work and sacrifice of many great men and women.  Remind your children that their labor can add to the legacy of liberty in America.

You might want to share some quotes about work, and talk about what they mean.

Tell any stories you know about hard-working grandparents and other ancestors.  Some families call grandparents to thank them for all they’ve done for the family and to ask them to tell about their work.  This is a great time to ask grandparents to tell stories about their experiences and to give any advice they might have for their grandkids.

You could also talk about your work and how you prepared to provide for your family.


3 Explore Professions

Help your children learn about a variety of professions as they think about the work they want to do.  Invite them to consider what their talents and abilities are, what skills they would like to develop, and what they would enjoy doing.  Make a list of their ideas.  Keep it in a folder or notebook and add to it as they think of new possibilities.

Introduce your kids to a variety of professions.  Interview friends, family, neighbors, and other professionals about their work, what they enjoy about what they do, what the challenges are, how they prepared, etc.  Take notes (and pictures if you want) and add them to your notebook.


4 Work Together as a Family

Labor Day is a good time to clean up a family garden and get your yard ready for winter.  Or you could clean out the garage, work on projects inside your home, or help a neighbor.  

You can take pictures and keep a record of what you accomplish during your special family work projects.  It will be fun to see progress over the years.

Some of our happiest memories can be of working together as a family.  Our family plays loud, lively music and we do a little singing and dancing, and a lot of laughing, as we work together.


5 Serve Others

An important part of teaching children to work is to prepare them to be self sufficient.  Equally important is to prepare them to love and serve their fellow men.  Labor Day is a good time to find someone you can help.  Look for someone who needs you and can't pay you back.  

Some families serve at a local homeless shelter.  Others do yard work for a military family whose Dad is gone.  Others visit the elderly.  Older folks may just need to know you care, or you could invite them to dinner, or do a work project that may be hard for them to do.  

There are so many ways we can lighten the burdens of those around us!


6 Enjoy a Fun Family Activity

After working and serving together, it might be nice to get out and enjoy a fun afternoon at the park.  Or you might enjoy a family bike ride, hike, or picnic.  Somehow the fun is even better after you’ve accomplished something together as a family.

In the evening you could invite family and friends for a BBQ or potluck dinner.  Or you could invite them over after dinner and serve something simple, like ice cream sundaes.  

You could play games together and even have a talent show (planned or spontaneous) afterwards for the kids to share the fruits of their labors.

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"Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration."  ~Thomas Edison


“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”  ~Martin Luther King, Jr.


"Find something you love to do, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." ~Harvey Mackay


"I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I travelled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer." ~Benjamin Franklin 


“Every noble work is at first impossible.”  ~Thomas Carlyle


“There is joy in work.  There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something.”  ~Henry Ford 


“Pray as though everything depended on God.  Work as though everything depended on you.”  ~Saint Augustine


“Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.”  ~Booker T. Washington


“Nothing will work unless you do.”  ~Maya Angelou


“Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need.”  ~ Voltaire


“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.”  ~Mahatma Gandhi 


“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”  ~Thomas A. Edison


"Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration. The rest of us just get up and go to work.: ~Stephen King

​
“There is no substitute for hard work.”  ~Thomas A. Edison


"I learned the value of hard work by working hard." ~Margaret Mead


"The miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy to do it." ~Mother Teresa


"Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson


"The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work." ~Oprah

Americans celebrate Flag Day on June 14th to commemorate the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777 -- over 240 years ago! 

Here are some good ways to teach our children the meaning of our flag and to help them appreciate our unique and precious heritage of liberty. Choose a few for your family to enjoy and create happy, meaningful memories together.

*  Display the flag. Talk about what it represents, and what it means to you.

*  Say the Pledge of Allegiance and discuss what it means.  

*  Learn the history of Flag Day. 

*  Read the 2019 Presidential Flag Day Proclamation.
   
*  Learn flag etiquette, how to fold the flag, and why the way it's folded is significant.

*  Learn about and sing our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. Other fun songs about
   the flag include You’re a Grand Old Flag and There are Many Flags.

*  Sing or listen to other patriotic songs. Independence Day is just around the corner, so t's a great
   time to learn and practice songs about America. 

*  Make patriotic crafts, then use them to decorate for the 4th of July.

*  Serve patriotic treats. Or keep it simple with watermelon or root beer floats. 

I hope you have a fun and meaningful celebration!!!