Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The American Patriot's Almanac


This book is full of compelling stories about American history, with a different historical event being presented each day of the year. Here is an entertaining way to learn about our country, in easy to read informative snippets. An attractive hardcover binding holds many treasures within, including the documents that help make this country a focus of liberty loving people all over the world.
The text of the Gettysburg Address and the Bill of Rights is right at hand here, and the story of Betsy Ross, pictures of the flags of the Revolutionary War, an entry about jazz, another about Labor Day, and the authors’ selections for the best 50 All-American movies.
I was reminded of many movies I have seen and am inspired to watch them again, and quite a few I have missed and will look for. “Best Years of Our Lives”, and “Seabiscuit” are two of the fifty recommended films.
For every American and particularly for families that home school the authors, William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb, are especially adept at making history fun. Did you know that St. Patrick’s Day was first celebrated in the U.S. colonies in 1737 in Boston? Now that is a long and venerable tradition. You will find many lesser known events including the entry for June 13 which has the story of Lafayette and the sentry.
There is a chapter of prayers for America written by many people, including Abraham Lincoln's Prayer for Peace.
August 20 presents “E Pluribus Unum” which highlights for me the strength of the United States, “Out of many, one.” We are a nation built by people from many lands, tied together by a bond of patriotism, love of freedom and mutual aid.

1 comment:

TAILS of TANKENE said...

I never knew that St. Paddy's Day was first celebrated in Boston so l ong ago.Sounds like a good book!