My grandfather delivered a Higgins boat full of soldiers to shore on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Bullets flying, men dying, waves splashing – was he doing this on behalf of a country founded on slavery, racism and oppression?
In the 1860s, during the Civil War, men fought and died to keep our country from undoing itself. Much blood was shed. Why did they fight so? To defend a country founded on slavery, racism and oppression?
In 1794, just four years after the U.S. Coast Guard was formed, it was tasked with preventing slave-trading ships from coming to America’s shores. They freed over 500 slaves. Did they do this on behalf of a country founded on slavery, racism and oppression?
In 1620, a small group of ocean-weary men, women and children found refuge at Plymouth, their Mayflower Compact in hand. Did they come to a country already established? A country founded on slavery, racism and oppression? Why would they do that?
The brave men and women in the accounts I’ve mentioned of course did not choose their actions based on oppressive principles. It is false and foolish to think so. Who would risk their life for such a base endeavor? Who would give it? No, it isn’t oppression that fills a person with courage. It isn’t oppression that brave souls pursue. No one runs to be put in shackles. No one hopes a tyrant will rule them.
The chance of freedom, the hope of liberty – is the elixir that births such courage in men and women that cannot be quenched. “Give me liberty, or give me death,” is not the cry of a man in a place built on principles of slavery; it is the cry of a man who has tasted and known freedom, and will not relinquish it no matter the cost. It is the cry of those who know a place exists where they may be free, and risk all to get there.
Consider too, that oath from men and women in our armed forces who commit to protecting the freedoms of their fellow countrymen. If the oath were a pledge to slavery and oppression, it would be evil. But it is not, never has been, and could only be forged under the guiding principles of self-government, unalienable rights given by God, and liberty and justice for all. If the United States hadn’t been founded on these principles, we’d still be practicing slavery and condoning racism.
So, I remember my grandfather. I recall with a grateful heart his courage to defend our great nation. I’m inspired by the selfless love for mankind’s freedom that all those who defend our liberties continue to pursue today. Freedom is not defended only on bloody battlefields –
In American classrooms, teachers must become defenders of freedom. The war of ideas is at a fever pitch. Many are pressing forward with interpretations of history twisted to suit their present desires. At this, I recoil. They mock and denigrate my grandfather’s service to this country – and every other service man and woman. They sling mud at those who bravely fought to protect their right to speak freely.
What greater pursuit does a teacher now have than to present to students primary historical documents, artifacts and accounts that show the logical progression of the founding of our great nation? In short, a guidance to the true principles upon which the United States of America was founded.
Recently, teachers were asked by their “teachers” union to sign a pledge. Supposedly, a pledge to teach the truth – except, it’s a pledge to further the twisting of our nation’s heritage into being one of slavery, racism and oppression – not freedom – a claim with no evidence to support it. Click here to see a list of teachers who (unfortunately) signed the pledge in opposition to freedom.
Teachers, make a better pledge. Pledge to defend our great nation by teaching your students the real founding principles of the freest nation in the world. You will not be storming the Normandy beaches as my grandfather did not so long ago on D-Day, but you may accomplish the same result – protecting the liberty of mankind the world over.
