| Last week’s curation at RealClear’s American Civics portal begins with a piece that highlights Flag Day, the often overlooked but nevertheless important holiday in the American calendar. At RealClearPolitics, Elliott Drago of the Jack Miller Center notes, “On Flag Day, Americans honor the sacrifices made by many to safeguard the symbol of our national union.” He recounts how the flag-bearer of the 54th Massachusetts regiment, William H. Carney, saved the American flag during their famous siege on Fort Wagner, which was depicted in the award-winning movie "Glory." “Born enslaved in Norfolk, Virginia, on Feb. 29, 1840, Carney eventually found freedom,” Drago writes. “Then, he wanted to fight for it.” Later in life, Carney humbly said of his heroic deed on July 18, 1863: “Boys, I only did my duty. The old flag never touched the ground.” Drago concludes by noting, “Nobody embodied bravery and patriotism in defense of the American flag more than Sgt. William H. Carney. He was an American whose wartime efforts epitomized the lengths to which one might strive to fulfill America’s founding ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” At the Miami Herald, Judge Beth Bloom and Jack Miller Center Chairman of the Board Michael Weiser reflect on the pivotal act of becoming a U.S. citizen. Judge Bloom and Weiser help put together an annual naturalization ceremony that averages 1,000 people in Miami, so they know first-hand the accomplishment and privilege it is to become a naturalized citizen. “Watching a naturalization ceremony is a powerful act of civic education, because it is a reminder that citizenship is a choice,” they write. “People from all over the world dream of coming to America for the freedoms at the heart of our society.” They note that some of the greatest Americans, including Elie Wiesel, Alexander Graham Bell, and Sergey Brin, have enriched our country. Judge Bloom and Weiser conclude by calling students to understand “that American citizenship is a privilege for which many have struggled and still struggle — and understand the magic of freedom and its cost.” Essential Reading Elliott Drago, RealClearPolitics William Carney heard a familiar voice roar, "Forward 54th!"; Dashing up a steep slope with sand chafing... Hans Zeiger, American Habits Hans Zeiger is president of the Jack Miller Center, a nationwide network of scholars and teachers who.... Beth Bloom & Michael Weiser, Miami Herald Every year, we work together to hold a big naturalization ceremony in Miami, where 1,000 new citizens... In the News Michael Knox Beran, City Journal Mark David Hall, Acton Institute Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman James Wallner, R Street Institute John Kenneth White, The Hill Yuval Levin, National Review Trygve Throntveit & Harry Boyte, Time Christian Avery, AZ Central Associated Press, Fast Company Charles Cooke, Law & Liberty Maureen Groppe, USA Today Thomas Kidd, Gospel Coalition Isabella Volmert, Associated Press Aliah Keller, Spectrum News Elliott Drago, Jack Miller Center Madison's Notes What are political beliefs and how do we form them? Oliver Traldi, a current John and Daria... We the People On May 30, former President Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records... Carl Cannon's Great American Stories Eleven days ago, the New York Times published a guest essay by Alina Chan, a molecular biologist who teaches at ... Good morning. It's Friday, June 7 – "D-Day, Plus 1," in U.S. Army nomenclature, circa 1944. Friday is also the day ... Friday is also the day of the week that I invoke a quotation meant to be enlightening or uplifting. Today's ... |
