Tag Archives: Patriotism

My Country

Today, January 26th as it is already in our part of the world under the Southern Cross, is Australia Day. Our branch of the Sing Australia choir sang at Australia Day celebrations at Sussex Inlet. One the whole Aussies are a laid-back bunch and not given to huge displays of patriotism unless it’s Davis Cup or some other sporting event, although across the road in our neighbor’s yard is an Australian flag which flies all year round. Others only take to sporting a flag on this special day. But this is Australia Day, more than just a public holiday, it … Continue reading →

Upholding Our Country

In the United States it is time to celebrate the Fourth of July. This is a wonderful holiday when we celebrate the founding of our nation. I am particularly grateful for the religious freedom that has been given to us by our founding fathers and the early settlers of the United States. This freedom opened the doors so that the church could be restored on the earth today. In many ways this country has provided wonderful blessings to all its citizens. Many people think of the church as primarily as an American church, since it was founded in the United … Continue reading →

Johnny Tremain – Esther Forbes

If “Johnny Tremain” is not already included on every recommended reading list to be found in every public, private and homeschool in the nation, it ought to be. That’s how good this book is. Johnny Tremain is an apprentice in a silversmith’s shop. In his early teens, he’s already mastered much of the craft and is told by his teacher that he has a great skill for the trade. But an order comes in that is too large to fill by the appointed time, and the master will not work on Sunday. Determined to help his master meet his obligation, … Continue reading →

Nothing But the Truth – Avi

“Nothing But the Truth” is one of my favorite novels by Avi. Written in documentary style, with none of the traditional introspective narrative to take the reader into the minds and hearts of the characters, we are presented with just the facts and are left to make up our own minds. Our character is Phillip Malloy, a freshman in high school. Each morning in school, “The Star Spangled Banner” is played over the loudspeaker, and Phillip hums along. His teacher tells him that he’s causing a disturbance, but he continues to hum each and every morning as the music is … Continue reading →

Threads of Honor — Gordon W. Ryan

We all recall that fateful day in 1986 when the space shuttle Challenger blew up just moments after lift-off. I was just shy of ten years old, watching the historic moment on TV. I didn’t understand what had happened until it was explained to me, and I didn’t know until years later the story of the American flag that survived the explosion. “Threads of Honor” by master storyteller Gordon W. Ryan tells the story of that flag. Bill Tolbert, Air Force Major and Boy Scout Leader, told Ryan his story. Given the daunting task of taking six Boy Scouts under … Continue reading →

Family Home Evening: Patriotism

In honor of the Fourth of July holiday, this week’s family home evening will be based on patriotism and the wonderful liberties that we enjoy. If you do not live in the United States, you should be able to adjust the lesson accordingly. Most of the article links I have included are not specific to a single country. Open your lesson by reading Article of Faith 1:12. As a family discuss what it means. It is important that we each remain loyal to our country and take part in the political processes of our country. Since it is the Fourth … Continue reading →

Why Do We Celebrate the 4th of July?

A few days ago my son asked, “What day do we do fireworks?” My husband replied, “July 4th.” My son then looked on the calendar, he’s obsessed with calendars, and remarked, “That’s Independence Day.” My immediate thought was of course July 4th is Independence Day. Then I realized that he did not know what Independence Day meant and why we celebrated it. To him July 4th was a day where dad stayed home from work; we ate good food, and watched fireworks. I know that last year I explained that July 4th was America’s birthday, but obviously he had forgotten. … Continue reading →

Things I See Living in a Military Town

I went to the New River Marine Corps Air Station. It was just a normal visit to get groceries at the Commissary. Since the North Carolina heat made it feel like it was about 1,000 degrees outside, I stopped by the Wendy’s in the shopping center next to the Commissary. I noticed two new Marines – Geiger Tigers as they are sometimes called getting out of a cab. Camp Geiger is one of the first stops for many Marines after they graduate from Marine Corps boot camp. They report to Camp Geiger to attend the School of Infantry. You could … Continue reading →