Originally Posted by Guest

I've been giving this issue a lot of thought. I think there is a lot of truth in the belief that many Americans are ignorant of American history in general and the facts surrounding our origins in particular. I'm not convinced it's anything new but it is more true today than it was a generation or two ago.

I consider myself lucky in that I raised two sons who understand completely the meaning of our independence. For one thing, I was a career soldier and respect for the country and knowledge of our history was regularly taught at home. Furthermore, my wife was an immigrant who embraced American culture and history completely. She helped our sons study American history because it helped her to better understand our country.

My sons also spent most of their primary school years in Department of Defense Schools and I think there was probably more emphasis on American history in that environment than there probably was in stateside schools.

I remember having a conversation with another dad when my sons were in high school. He also lamented the fact that young kids didn't understand American history. I suggested that maybe if all kids had the opportunity to serve in the military, they might have a better understanding of where we came from. He basically said that he didn't want his kids to spend a useless couple of years in the military because it would put them behind their peers when they began their "real" careers.

My older son served in Iraq for several years before he resigned his commission. My younger son serves today on the front lines against ISIS. I imagine, when they have children of their own, that they'll teach them a little about the meaning of America.