Recently, I received this question from one of our participants at Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. He asks, “The problem (one of many) is, many modern Americans have a very haughty opinion of themselves, just because they are American…They have a high opinion of themselves simply because they can claim “citizenship”. Candace, please “dive in” […]
Remembering Pearl Harbor 12/07/41
“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory …We will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us … Hostilities exist. There […]
Honoring America’s Brave Veterans
Tuesday, November 11, is Veterans Day. Finding a conversation about real American heroes can sometimes be difficult. Instead, headlines often feature controversy or political debate. Why not commemorate and celebrate our eternally vigilant men and women who are America’s courageous living heroes? After all, Veterans know better than most what it takes to preserve true […]
Understanding the National Guard’s Dual Role
When storms hit our nation or major protests erupt, who shows up to protect our communities? Our National Guard is uniquely positioned as both a state‑controlled force and a federal reserve. Let’s dispel some common misconceptions. One of my students’ questions will serve as a springboard for our discussion. Why the No Kings Talk Matters […]
Essential Lessons for Today’s Students
When you see the yellow school buses rolling down your street in late August, you know it’s back-to-school time for America’s children. Whether children are public, private, or home-schooled, I wonder what they will learn about America this year. Will the curriculum be laced with political ideology? Or will their books be fact-based? Will there […]
America’s 250th Birthday Celebration Begins
You don’t have to wait to begin celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Preparations have already started. It’s a year-long celebration! To find out more about how our country plans to celebrate, check out the website https://america250.org. Here you will find the goals and plans for our semiquincentennial commemoration. Emphasis On Becoming an Informed Patriot Our celebration will […]
Washington’s Christmas Crossing
Christmas overnight, December 25-26, 1776. Rain turned to sleet, then ice, into a biting storm from the northeast. Who would brave a night like that with a poorly clad, hungry, tired army and the need to cross the ice-choked Delaware River? General George Washington would. A Stormy Night and a Desperate Plan The army was […]
1776: Christmas Defined America’s Destiny
This time of year always takes me back to the War for Independence, 1776. Without the bravery of those early Americans, you and I would not be celebrating Christmas as Americans today. I came across this article from William J. Federer in his email piece for December 19, 2024, called “The American Minute.” Federer sets […]
A Day That Will Live in Infamy (If We Tell the Story)
Is it a day that lives in infamy? That’s what FDR said concerning December 7, 1941, when ”the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” To live in infamy means that a criminal or evil act will be remembered for time immemorial. Yet, I’m […]
Competing Ideologies and the First Amendment
I don’t get it. There are competing ideologies, and many Americans want it both ways. It’s so bizarre. The Competing Ideologies Our young people chant pro-death slogans against the innocent. Have these people ever studied real history or science? Perhaps if colleges taught an actual body of knowledge and promoted patriotism (i.e., love of one’s […]
Patriotism Defined
Thank you for returning to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. How have headlines influenced our culture since the 1800s? Also, America’s founding generation had a working definition of “patriotism.” We examine these issues, noting how subtle forces influence us in ways that take us off point from what our country was created to be in […]
V-E Day 75th Anniversary
We commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, today, May 8, 2020. Five years ago, I was privileged to visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Normandy, France. We remember that incredible victory that changed the world and salute the bravery of Americans who gave their lives in the cause of freedom. […]
Passing On Our Patriotism
You don’t need a trip to Washington to learn about our House (The House of Representatives). No matter what your level of interest, you’ll find fun details and info at www.history.house.gov There’s information on everything from the 1927 Congressional Club Cookbook, to the House Practice and Traditions, to Minorities in Congress, tothe History, Art and […]
