(Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the July 2022 print edition of The Stand)
In Ronald Reagan’s 1967 inaugural address as governor of California, he observed:
"Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. And those in world history who have known freedom and then lost it – have never known it again."
He spoke the truth about what could happen if America forgets her heritage and history. And unfortunately, many today have forgotten or lost the meaning of freedom – and its cost. Instead of respecting the Founding Fathers, today’s cancel culture crowd would purge from history the very men who fought for their freedoms.
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (FFVF) has worked for 73 years to preserve the nation’s history accurately.
“There’s an ongoing debate about what America stands for and believes,” FFVF vice president of advancement Jack Wyman told The Stand. “We must embrace our country’s founding ideals and principles so we can be united in our determination to preserve and advance freedom for all.”
Bravery of the founders
After experiencing the horrors of World War II, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower wanted to make sure Americans never forgot their heritage. He had seen concentration camps in Germany, destruction in Japan, and what happens when a nation loses sight of morality and virtue.
“Valley Forge is the place where brave patriots fought,” Wyman said. “It really was the cradle of independence. There was a lot of suffering and deprivation during that cold winter of 1778.”
As president, Eisenhower along with other concerned citizens, founded Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in 1949. It was dedicated to preserving American patriotism through a renowned national awards program recognizing civic leadership.
In 1965, FFVF expanded its mission to educate American youth about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Through age-specific programs, the Valley Forge staff conducts interactive experiences for students and equips teachers with invaluable knowledge of American history and civics to impact students for years to come.
Since student programs began, more than 100,000 students have participated in them. But what’s even more impressive is that FFVF estimates 14 million students have been impacted through the 14,000 educators trained during the organization’s summer programs.
Broadened student horizons
Student programs are divided by age groups. For elementary students (fifth- and sixth-graders), their own teachers, and chaperones escort the children to FFVF’s beautiful 75-acre campus. Once there, in a History Encounters series, they are immersed in history including visits to historic sites such as the Museum of the American Revolution and Independence Hall.
FFVF presenters explain in depth the founding of the country and key documents such as the Constitution, the First Amendment, and the Bill of Rights. Actors dressed in historically accurate attire portray characters such as John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, bringing history to life as they illustrate colonial America’s most significant discussions and debates.
“At Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, we endeavor to teach the truth,” said Wyman. “We look back now, and say, ‘Well, we know the outcome.’ But in 1776, it was far from certain that we would win. Back then, it was an open question as to whether or not we would prevail against Britain.”
For high school students, FFVF offers the Spirit of America Youth Leadership program. This four-day, fast-paced event involves speakers, videos, and activities via debates, workshops, discussions, and presentations. Just as with the younger scholars, FFVF takes high schoolers to area historic sites where many of America’s founding moments occurred.
At the end of both elementary and high school programs, FFVF conducts the Signers’ Ceremony led by a living history presenter dressed as James Wilson, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
“In character, he talks to students about everything done to help make America the nation it is today,” Wyman explained. “He tells the students, chaperones, and teachers that there’s still room for more signatures, and he encourages them to sign. So they all line up and sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence!”
Better prepared teachers
“We not only serve students, but we also serve teachers,” Wyman added. “We want to encourage them.”
For more than 50 years, FFVF has hosted educators from around the nation for professional development summer seminars. Each seminar covers at least 40 hours of instruction. Every summer, FFVF trains 250 teachers in five weeklong courses on the Valley Forge campus.
The 2022 lineup includes four seminars and a history workshop that allows educators to tour historic sites. Seminar topics include The First Amendment; The Constitutional Convention and Ratification; The Medal of Honor Legacy: War on Terror; and The Medal of Honor Legacy: World War II. A traveling American Revolution North history workshop is the fifth course.
“Both teachers and students are equally important to us,” said Wyman. “We see them both as indispensable to the preservation and advancement of American freedom. You can reach the students – but unless you reach the teachers too – you’re only getting the job half done.”
In current academia, there is great emphasis on science, technology, and mathematics. While these topics are important, they should not be taught at the expense of America’s history, responsibilities of a citizen, and forms of government, especially America’s own. Teachers must be ready to share with passion the knowledge they gain from FFVF.
“We do not believe there has been a time in American history any more important than the time we’re living in today for an organization like Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge,” said Wyman. “We are at a critical time in the history of America right now.”
As President Reagan warned a generation ago, American freedom may be only “one generation away from extinction.”
