On Independence Day, take a moment to ponder the Declaration of Independence, and the courage it took for the Continental Congress to vote to adopt it. Enjoy this powerful clip from the John Adams mini-series:
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The Treaty of Versailles was signed 91 years ago, on June 28, 1919, to officially end the first World War.
The actual fighting had ended in November of 1918, upon the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany, but the War was not officially over until the Treaty was signed at the Paris Peace Conference.
On June 10, 2010, Rocky Run Middle School, in Chantilly, Virginia, hosted its annual World War 2 Day, an extraordinary event designed to bring together World War II veterans, civilian volunteers from the war, and the school's students in small group settings.
This school-wide event--called "The Greatest Generation Meets the Latest Generation"--is a tremendous example of how a school can make a powerful impact on its students by inviting veterans into the school to interact with students.
As we observe the D-Day anniversary, we recognize the sacrifices made by all who have paid the ultimate price in service to our country. Anyone entering the Normandy American Cemetary and Memorial (near the beaches where our troops landed on D-Day on the coast of France) from the Visitors Center will approach the Memorial from this angle, and will see this phrase engraved into the base of the Memorial (the bottom portion of this photo):
To these we owe the high resolve that the cause for which they died shall live.
This is the spirit that led Joe Foss and his wife Didi to launch the Joe Foss Institute in 2001.
The purpose of this blog is to help promote and teach patriotism, public service, integrity, and an appreciation for America’s freedoms. The blog will contain useful information for anybody interested in our work—whether that’s a military veteran looking for volunteer opportunities, teachers looking for resources to share with their students, or students interested in scholarship opportunities or in learning about America's freedoms.
