Greater Cincinnati Chapter • Freedoms Foundation at Valley ForgeSummer 2019 • Theresa Bradley, President

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GREATER CINCINNATI CHAPTER

AN ERADICATION OF AMERICAN MEMORYHighlights of David Harmer’s Message to Members

On April 28, Freedoms Foundation President and CEO David Harmer delivered the evening message at our annual membership and student recognition dinner. The following are highlights from his message.

These opening words set the stage for the evening’s message. He quoted from President Reagan’s farewell address:

“An informed patriotism is what we want. Are we…teaching our children what America is and what she represents in the long history of the world? Those of us over 35 or so …were taught, very directly, what it means to be an American…we absorbed, almost in the air, a love o country and an appreciation for its institutions…you could get a sense of patriotism from school…or popular culture…But now, well grounded patriotism is no longer in style… We’ve got to do a better job of getting across that America is freedom – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise. And freedom is special and rare. It’s fragile; it needs protection.

“So we’ve got to teach history based not on what’s in fashion but what is important…If we forget what we did, we won’t know who we are. I’m warning of an eradication of the American memory that could result…in an erosion of the American spirit” [1]

Of all that we might pass along, what will our children and grandchildren value? Will the rising generation appreciate what we bequeath?

Mr. Harmer shared the following statistics in answer to the question, “Has the nation heeded [President Reagan’s] plea?”

Among high school seniors on the latest test of American history: 12% proficient or better understanding 45% basic understanding “Not even half of high school seniors have a basic understanding of American history.” [2]

Among seniors from 55 elite universities: 19% earned a C or better 81% earned a D or F [3]

Among adult citizens: People who want to become American citizens must answer correctly 60 of 100 questions on the US Citizenship test. Among existing citizens, 2/3 did not pass the citizenship test. Of those 65 or older, 74% passed. Of those younger than 45, only 19% passed. [4]

Mr. Harmer continued: “The retiring generation knows American history; the rising generations do not. ‘Historical amnesia’ is too mild a term; one can’t forget what one never learned. The more accurate diagnosis is ‘historical ignorance’, and it has reached pandemic proportions. The result?

• First amendment freedoms are under assault. [5]

• Most millennials prefer socialism to capitalism. [6]

• Political discourse has degenerated into a miasma of tweeted insults and televised shout-fests.

(Continued…)

SPIRIT OF AMERICA FOLLOW-UPOur Greater Cincinnati group of six who attended the Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference in April were part of a larger group of 68 students and 11 chaperones. 43 schools and 11 chapters and partners from across the nation were represented at the conference. Most chapters sent between 2 and 8 people, except the Utah chapter which had 30 attendees!

The conferees took pre and post tests on American history and the Constitution. There was a 12% increase in knowledge gained. That is good news.

Our goal for the 2020 Spirit of America Conference is to send 20 students from the Greater Cincinnati area.

If you know of a high school student who you believe would benefit from the Spirit of America experience, please contact Theresa Bradley (tkobradley@gmail.com) or Bob Stevens (res1937@gmail.com)

The most serious danger Americans now face – greater than terrorism – is that our country’s future may not end up in the hands of a citizenry capable of sustaining the liberty that has been America’s most precious legacy.

Professor William Damon, Stanford University

Mr. Harmer included statements from and about the Founding Fathers, which reflected important ideas about knowledgeable citizenship… He said, “Indeed the lessons of the Founding transcend politics, and the examples of the Founders illuminate innumerable fields of endeavor – or would, if more widely known.”

Mr. Harmer concluded by encouraging us to become involved in reaching students and teachers. He reminded us that hundreds of students come to campus for “immersive, intensive, multi-day educational experiences in the history, ideals, and continuing relevance of the American Founding. Throughout the summer we do the same for teachers, providing college-accredited, graduate level, professional development courses exploring the ideals as manifest throughout American history.”

“This year, 440 teachers will not be merely informed but transformed, returning to their classrooms reinvigorated with a profound appreciation of American history and entrepreneurship, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and the link between character and freedom.”

“Help us inspire informed patriotism and responsible citizenship in the rising generation.”

NOTES

[1] https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/011189i

[2] https://www.nationsreportcard.gov

[3] https://www.goacta.org/initiatives/historical_literacy

[4] https://woodrow.org/news/national-survey-finds-just-1-in-3-americans-would-pass-citizenship-test

[5] https://nytimes.com/2018/03/12/us/college-students-free-speech.html

[6] https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/14/fewer-than-half-of-young-americans-are-postive-about-capitalism.html

[7] https://tjrs.monicello.org/letter/327

“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free”, warned Thomas Jefferson, “it expects what never was and never will be.” [7]

THANK YOU, GREATER CINCINNATI CHAPTER

Dear Cincinnati Chapter

I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend the leadership conference in Valley Forge. I have gained so much interesting information in the duration of the past three days. I had the chance to hear multiple speakers, see famous landmarks, and make amazing friends. Not only did I make unlikely friends, but I plan on continuing these relationships throughout the future. This trip bas been an experience I will never forget. I am blessed to have been able to attend.

Thank you so much, Haley Hartung

Dear Cincinnati Chapter,

I had an amazing time on this trip, and I learned so much. When I left for this trip I thought I was going to a conference that would be full of people that didn’t want to have fun but instead wanted to read and learn 24/7. Right when we arrived, Haley and I found our “group” and immediately we made relationships that will last a lifetime. I never expected to have best friends from all over the nation, but I am thankful that you chose me to go on this trip because I have new friends, learned a lot and I had one of the best weekends of my life.

Thank you, Sarah Carr

This was the trip of a lifetime. During my time here, I gained some of the most valuable information in my life. This experience helped shape me for the better. Furthermore, I met some amazing people from all across the nation and forged friendships that will last a lifetime. This trip allowed me to really strengthen my connection with my country. This opportunity has allowed me to learn so much about the founding of our nation. This experience will stay with me forever, and shape my future. None of this would have been possible without the amazing generosity of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of Freedoms Foundation. I would love to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Best Regards, Tucker Hughes

Dear Greater Cincinnati Freedoms Foundation Chapter,

Thank you so much for making this event possible. I enjoyed the time I spent in Valley Forge. I made a lot of new friends and learned a lot of really cool things.

God Bless, Deryk Frank

P.S. It was a truly inspiring experience

118 Tremont Avenue Fort Thomas, KY 41075

GREATER CINCINNATI CHAPTER

2020 SPIRIT OF AMERICA MARCH 12-15Our goal is to send 20 students. If you know of a high school student who you think would benefit from the Spirit of America experience, please contact Theresa Bradley: tkobradley@gmail.com or Bob Stevens: res1937@gmail.com

The deadline for application is December 17, 2019

2020 Essay TopicUnder what circumstances is it the duty of citizenship to challenge a law?

The essay, 500-1000 words, is part of the application process. It is submitted at the time of application.