CostumeVersettes

B1. American Eagle [make costume of bald eagle only (use of the Great Seal is strictly limited)]
Is 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
[ The American bald eagle is the central focus of the obverse (main) side of the Great Seal of the United States. Our government seals 2,000-3,000 important documents each year with the Great Seal. Additionally, the obverse design, which is also our coat of arms, appears officially on or at such things as our public monuments, public buildings, embassies, passports, stationery, flags, publications and military uniforms.
The Great Seal's basic design was approved by the Continental Congress in 1782 (you can see both sides of the current design on the back of a one-dollar bill). The symbols used are very interesting:

OBVERSE: Above the eagle is a "constellation of stars [which] symbolizes a new nation taking its place among other sovereign states." In the eagle's mouth is a scroll saying E Pluribus Unum,meaning "Out of many, one" and showing the unity of the states. In the eagle’s right talon is an olive branch, symbolizing the power of peace. As we are a peace-loving nation, the eagle faces toward the right (Eccl 9:18, Rom 14:19). In the eagle’s left talon are arrows, symbolizing the power of war. Although we prefer peace, if peaceful methods fail, we are willing and able to defend ourselves (Neh 4:14). The shield on the eagle’s chest has 7 white and 6 red vertical stripes (for the original 13 states), under a horizontal blue field (called the chief, "which unites the whole and represents Congress"). The colors stand for: (1) white: purity, innocence, (2) red: hardiness, valour, and (3) blue: vigilance, perseverance, justice.
REVERSE: The motto Annuit Coeptis (meaning that "He/God has favored our undertakings") is centered over the Eye of Providence. These things help remind us that our Founding Fathers believed in and honored the Lord. Under that is an unfinished pyramid labeled MDCCLXXVI. That is the year we declared our independence, 1776, shown in Roman numerals. At the bottom is Novus Ordo Seclorum, meaning "A new order of the ages," which "[heralds] the beginning of the new American era in 1776."

We can let the American eagle and our official seal remind us of the blessings (Ps 33:12) and renewed strength the Lord gives to obedient, believing people and nations "who hope in the LORD."1 ]
Ps 103:2-6

[[Note: For more information, see http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/27807.pdf. For a close-up view of the seal's design, see page 15 at that site.]

[Activity: Remember how we had 13 original states? Go to page 15 of the above website or get out a one-dollar bill and a magnifying glass. See how many groups of 13 you can find on our seal. Look at both the obverse and the reverse.
Answer: stripes, arrows, stars, olive leaves, olives, levels in the pyramid, letters in two of the mottos.]

1 The Great Seal of the United States (Washington, DC: United States Department of State, 1996) 1-7, 18-20.

B2. Astronauts [boy- and girl-space-walking astronauts with shuttle and earth visible]
Ps 33:13-15 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
[ America has had many fine astronauts over the years, but the first men to actually land on the moon were Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin of the Apollo 11 crew. The year was 1969. They walked around on the surface of the moon, collected soil samples, set up experimental equipment and even erected an American flag while Command Module Pilot Michael Collins orbited overhead in the Columbia. Millions of people back home watched live satellite broadcasts of their activities. Aldrin actually even read from the Gospel of John and had communion there--the first wine and the first food consumed on the moon!1
Astronauts have a wonderful view of God’s beautiful, big blue planet from outer space. They can see the continents that hold the nations that contain over 6 billion people on earth.
But unlike the astronauts, God doesn’t just see the continents from outer space. Did you know that the Spirit of God is omnipresent (everywhere)? God’s throne is in heaven, but He fills heaven AND earth. He is right here with us! So, He can see every one of the 6 billion-plus people on earth all the time, no matter where they are (Prov 15:3)! Furthermore, God never sleeps. He knows each of us by name, cares about us, watches over us, knows our actions as well as our thoughts, listens to our prayers and plans good things for those who love Him (Jer 32:19). Our God is truly an awesome God!]
Jer 23:23-24
2 Chr 2:6

[Opportunity: The National Air and Space Museum's National Mall Building in Washington, D.C. has the Apollo 11 command module on display. You can even touch a piece of moon rock! For more information, see http://www.nasm.si.edu/ . For the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s site, which includes a student activities section divided by age group, see http://www.nasa.gov/]

1 Edwin E. Aldrin, Return to Earth (New York: Random House, 1973) 232-238.

B3. Bank Teller [put In God We Trust sign on wall behind old-fashioned, visored, sleeve-banded banker at barred window]
Ps 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
[ Bank tellers handle a great deal of cash. Bank tellers see our national motto, "In God We Trust," hundreds of times every day. The United States authorized putting "In God We Trust" on its money in 1865. In 1955, our government made it a requirement to be put on all our coins and paper money. The next year, Congress made the phrase the American national motto.1 "In God We Trust" is even inscribed above the chair of the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.*
However, trust in God has been a key part of the American way of life for much longer than 1865. As you probably know, the Pilgrims who came here in 1620 strongly believed in and trusted the Lord. In 1776, having grown weary of taxation without representation and other unfair rules of King George III of England, we declared our independence. At the time, we didn’t have much "might or power," but the large majority of our people loved the Lord (Zech 4:6). In fact, the cry often rang out among the colonists, "No King but King Jesus"!2
As numerous Bible stories show, the Lord is with groups of people who love Him. If they remain obedient to Him, He often helps protect them, defends them and uses even their very tiny armies to win wars against very large armies. Such was the case with us--the Lord helped us win our war for freedom against the superior strength of the British forces. Some nations trust in their "chariots and horses" (military might) to win wars. It is clear that our forefathers had a great deal of help from the " . . . God We Trust" (Ps 44:3, Deu 20:4)!]
Ps 22:4
Ps 5:11 (KJV) But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Ps 37:39-40 (KJV) But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

[*Note: Want to see a picture of the chair of the Speaker of the House? If you check out this site and click on the "+" button above the picture labeled "The Rostrum," you will see the chair, the surrounding area and "IN GOD WE TRUST" overhead: http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/art_artifacts/virtual_tours/house_chamber/rostrum.html . See the President Lincoln costume for more on "In God We Trust."]

1 Daniel G. Reid, et al., Concise Dictionary of Christianity in America (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1995) 168.
2 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 59.

B4. Clara Barton (1821-1912) [also show red cross in background]
1 Cor 15:58 . . . Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
[ Born in Massachusetts, Clara Barton was a well-known and well-respected humanitarian (person who works for the well-being of mankind). Below are some of the highlights of her incredibly inspiring life:

-Barton began teaching as a teenager, and taught several years, including at a free public school she established in New Jersey.
-During the Civil War, she organized an agency to get badly needed help and supplies to the sick and wounded soldiers. She nursed them, brought them food and clothes, cooked for them, read to them, wrote letters for them and prayed with them. She often even cared for the wounded right in the battle areas. Not surprisingly, she became known as the "Angel of the Battlefield."
-In 1865, with President Lincoln's support, Barton set up a bureau of records to help locate missing soldiers, which she did for four years.
-While in Europe for rest, she helped war victims in the Franco-Prussian War and became familiar with the International Red Cross.
-In 1881, Barton founded the American branch of the Red Cross and served as its president until 1904.
-She was largely responsible for America’s signing the Geneva Amendment regarding proper treatment of soldiers and prisoners of war.
-Barton also successfully pressed for the American amendment of the Red Cross constitution. This expanded the Red Cross war-relief mission to include peace-time disaster relief.
-She was actively involved in disaster relief in the 1880’s and 1890’s.
-In 1888 she was a key speaker at and vice president of the First International Woman's Suffrage Conference in Washington, D.C.
-She assisted with relief efforts in 1898 during the Spanish-American War, even meeting then Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and helping out with wounded Rough Riders.
-In 1905 (in her 80's!), Barton established the National First Aid Association of America, working with them for five years.

Barton credited her father with inspiring her to honor the Lord and to love mankind. An extremely dedicated person, she worked herself into exhaustion more than once in her life while involved in her many "labors of love." Her contributions are known, appreciated and admired worldwide.1, 2]
1 Th 1:3 [*Some Bibles say "labor of love," which has become a popular phrase describing a task someone does lovingly.]
Heb 6:10

[Opportunity: For more information on Clara Barton, see http://www.redcross.org/museum/history/claraBarton.asp . For visiting the Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo, MD, or taking a virtual tour, see http://www.nps.gov/clba/ . For more information on the American Red Cross, see http://www.redcross.org/ ]

1 "Clara Barton: Founder of the American Red Cross," American Red Cross, Retrieved 4 Dec 2010 <http://www.redcross.org/museum/history/claraBarton.asp>.
2 "Clara Barton Chronology," Clara Barton, 27 Sep 2010, Retrieved 4 Dec 2010 <http://www.nps.gov/clba/forkids/chron1.htm>.

B5. Daniel Boone (1734-1820) [fringed coat, soft Quaker hat(coonskin hat is a myth); draw covered wagon in background]
Ps 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
[ Pennsylvania-born Daniel Boone was an early American frontiersman and a Quaker who believed in Jesus.1 The sixth of eleven children, he loved the open country and was a skilled outdoorsman from his youth. He hunted, fished and trapped. He learned farming, metal-working, well-digging and how to build log cabins. Although he spent a good deal of time alone looking for food for the family, he also spent time with friends. In fact, one of his best friends was Abraham Lincoln, grandfather of President Abraham Lincoln.
As Boone grew older, his skills as a woodsman became well-known. He was the perfect choice to lead the way in a major move to the west. In 1775, Colonel Richard Henderson's company purchased land in Kentucky from the Cherokees. They needed a path opened up and a settlement started so they could sell the land to settlers. Henderson's company hired Boone and about 30 others to blaze a trail from Virginia through the Cumberland Gap to the Kentucky River. That 250-mile trail became known as Wilderness Road. Later, Boone also brought his wife and daughter to that first permanent Kentucky settlement. It was named Boonesborough in his honor. Today the area has a slightly different spelling: Boonesboro.
We, too, can help guide people into "new lands" by opening up the world of the Bible to them and by telling them about the Lord. As Grant Jeffrey, author of Heaven: The Last Frontier, might say, if they accept Jesus as their Savior, they will get to go to the best frontier ever--heaven!2, 3]
Luke 1:79
Ps 25:4-5

[Opportunity: For information on Daniel Boone or on visiting or taking a virtual tour of the Daniel Boone Homestead near Reading, PA, see http://www.danielboonehomestead.org/ ]

1 David Barton, Original Intent: The Courts, the Constitution, & Religion (Aledo, TX: WallBuilder Press, 1999) 130.
2 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., "Daniel Boone Biography," Biography.com, Retrieved 8 Dec 2010 <http://www.biography.com/articles/Daniel-Boone-9219543>.
3Keith Brandt, Daniel Boone: Frontier Adventures (Mahwah, NJ: Troll Associates, 1983)

B6. George Washington Carver (1864-1943) [wide mustache; in suit coat with flower (typically pictured with flower on lapel); or in chemistry lab]B6. George Washington Carver (c. 1864-1943) [wide mustache; in suit coat with flower (typically pictured with flower on lapel); or in chemistry lab]
Ps 24:1 . . . The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
[ George Washington Carver was a multi-talented African-American botanist, chemist, inventor, educator, Bible study leader, artist, writer, musician and speaker. He also became an advisor to scientists and leaders around the world. He dedicated his life to agricultural research, to exploring the vast potential of God's creation (soil, plants, water, etc.) and to helping others with what he had learned.
Born in Missouri as the son of slaves, he worked his way through school and received his master’s degree from what is now called Iowa State College. Invited by Booker T. Washington to teach at Tuskegee University (also a new name), Carver was appointed as their director of the Department of Agricultural Research.
During Carver’s lifetime, America’s economy was especially dependent on farming. Unfortunately, generations of poor farming practices had worn out much of the nutrients in the soil, making it more difficult to grow crops. For instance, the south had largely concentrated on repeatedly growing soil-depleting cotton and tobacco crops. Promoting soil improvement techniques, Carver encouraged southern farmers to plant soil-enriching plants like peanuts, sweet potatoes, soybeans, pecans and black-eyed peas.
Calling his laboratory "God's little workshop," Carver developed hundreds of uses for these and other plants, including making milk, coffee, ink, oil, shoe polish, cosmetics, rubber, paints, dyes and even materials for paving highways! In fact, he discovered over 300 uses for peanuts alone! Carver not only vastly improved southern farming practices, his procedures also opened up many new markets for farmers, significantly helping the region’s economy to recover as well.
Interestingly, instead of concentrating on making money from patenting all the scientific procedures he developed, Carver freely gave most of them away for the good of mankind. His explanation was that God had given him the ideas, so how could he sell them to others? When asked what was the secret to his success, he said, "It is simple. It is found in the Bible, 'In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.'"
Generous to the core, in 1940, Carver even gave his life savings to set up the Carver Research Foundation for continuing research in agriculture. No wonder the epitaph on Carver’s grave reads: "He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world."1, 2, 3, 4
[Note: The Lord is also concerned about taking care of the soil (Lev 25:4-5, Ex 23:10-11). The Bible tells us to let the land rest every 7th year. This is a very effective way to help farmlands stay strong.]]
Gen 1:11
Ps 72:16

[Opportunity: For the George W. Carver Museum and The Oaks, the home of Booker T. Washington, both at Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site in Alabama, see http://www.nps.gov/tuin . For the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, MO, see http://www.nps.gov/gwca/ . Both sites offer biographical information, touring specifics and virtual tours.]

1 "George Washington Carver: All About Carver," The Field Museum, Retrieved 8 Dec 2010 <http://www.fieldmuseum.org/carver/about_slave.asp>.
2 Mary Bellis, "George Washington Carver ," About.com.Inventors, Retrieved 8 Dec 2010 <http://inventors.about.com/od/cstartinventors/a/GWC.htm>.
3 "George Washington Carver: Advocate for Southern Farmers," Documenting the American South, 8 Dec 2010, Retrieved 8 Dec 2010 <http://docsouth.unc.edu/highlights/carver.html>.
4 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 93-98.

B7. Johnny "Appleseed" Chapman (1774?-1845) [barefoot, pot hat, seed bag, Bible; next to apple tree]
John 15:16 . . . "I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last" . . .
[ Massachusetts-born John Chapman was called "Johnny Appleseed" because he traveled around Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois planting apple seeds. He got many apple seeds for free from cider mills, which threw them away in the process of making apple cider. He knew that settlers coming into these areas would need fruit. He sold some of the seedlings he had planted and some he gave away to needy people. It is believed he also gave the settlers many Norway-spruce seedlings and the seeds of red day lilies.
Chapman was quite poor and carried very little with him. In addition to going barefoot, he wore his cooking pot for a hat! He made many friends, including among the Native Americans, who sometimes gave him animal skins to wear. He knew how to live off the land and could survive on nuts and berries. Drinking a lot of fennel tea (believing it helped him fight off fever and chills), he scattered many fennel seeds in his travels, too.
Although he typically slept under the stars, sometimes people invited him to stay overnight at their homes. During such visits, he often spent the evening reading to his friends from his Bible that he carried with him everywhere. He preached many sermons and also handed out religious pamphlets.
Johnny Appleseed eventually planted over 30 entire apple-tree nurseries. As you can see, he planted another kind of seed, too--seeds that bore fruit that would last forever! You can be like him, too. Be fruitful! Spread the seed of God’s word!1]
John 15:8
Prov 11:18
John 15:5

1 Louis Sabin, Johnny Appleseed (Mahwah, NJ: Troll Associates, 1985)

B8. Cesar Chavez (1927-1993)
1 Cor 1:10 . . . agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
[ Arizona-born Cesar Chavez was a well-known migrant worker. A Mexican-American, he became a labor leader fighting for better treatment and conditions for farm workers. Chavez organized other migrant workers of all races into a powerful union. Officially started in 1962, this union eventually became known as the United Farm Workers. Chavez was the first president of the union.
In 1966, Chavez’s group succeeded in winning America’s first union contract between growers and a farm workers’ union. Another of his accomplishments was leading a nationwide boycott (agreement to not buy) of table grapes in 1969. As a result of that boycott, the union won improved labor contracts in 1970 from a significant number of grape growers.
Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Chavez believed in peaceful progress. Chavez said, "There is no such thing as defeat in nonviolence." He also said, "I am convinced that the truest act of courage, the strongest act of manliness is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally nonviolent struggle for justice. To be a man is to suffer for others. God help us to be men."
Chavez was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest award for civilians. Chavez’s efforts remind us that there is strength in unity for many situations. He had said, "We are going to pray a lot and picket a lot." Unity gave strength to Chavez’s union of farm workers.
Unity can also help give strength to believers who join together in fellowship. Unity can give strength and power to nonprofit Christian organizations leading boycotts to accomplish worthy causes like helping encourage businesses to adopt more family-friendly policies. Do you have a good cause you would like to work for? Cesar Chavez said, "You are never strong enough that you don’t need help." Remember, there is strength in unity!1]
Hag 2:4
Heb 10:25

[Opportunity: For more information on Cesar Chavez and the Cesar E. Chavez Memorial in San Fernando, CA, see http://www.ci.san-fernando.ca.us/city_government/departments/pubworks/current_projects/cesar_chavez/ded ication/project.shtml ]

1 "Cesar E. Chavez Middle School Biography," Retrieved 5 Dec 2010 <http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/Middle_Level_Biograp hy.aspx>.

B9. Child Laborers [put boy and girl in dirty, ill-fitting clothes (check year of law for style), scruffy shoes, gloves?, hats?, coats? or aprons? inside of or in front of a factory; try to find some example photos]
Ps 82:3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
[ In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s it was very common for poor children to have to go to work--even children as young as six years old! In fact in the year 1911, there were over two million child laborers in America. Mines, textile mills, farms, factories and city streets were common places for them to have to work. The pay was often only pennies a day. Working conditions were often filthy, miserable, unhealthy and dangerous. Accidents were common, with many children being badly injured or losing their lives. Twelve-hour shifts for six days a week and night shifts were not unusual. Many children got little or no education at all.
Through the combined efforts of the National Child Labor Committee, Christians, lawmakers and other concerned citizens, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 was finally put into place, helping protect our nation’s children. The law established minimum age standards for working children and minimum wages. Social reformers also worked to get laws passed to provide free, required education for children. The majority of American children today have a chance to get a good education before they get a full-time job. Count your blessings!1, 2]
Ps 72:12-14

1 "Child Labor Reform Exhibits," United States Department of Labor: Wirtz Labor Library, Retrieved 10 Dec 2010 <http://www.dol.gov/oasam/library/special/child/childlabor.htm>.
2 Milton Fried, ed., "History of Child Labor," Scholastic, Retrieved 10 Dec 2010 <http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=5428>. church groups

B10. Churchgoers [costume collection (most recent costume figures in front, progressing to older historical costumes getting smaller and curving into background): do at least 4 from Pilgrim, colonial, homesteader, civil war era, Gibson girl, modern in hat & gloves; show church with flag displayed, or just a couple of modern]
Ex 20:8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."
[ For centuries, the Sabbath day has been recognized as a special day in America. Countless businesses that are open the rest of the week are closed on Sundays. Of course many close just because it is a weekend, but many close in honor of the Lord’s Day (another term for the Sabbath).
God gave us the Sabbath commandment for a good reason. He wants to make sure that His beloved children take their needed rest and get spiritual refreshment. When we don’t get enough rest, we lose energy, are more likely to get sick and our health suffers. Then we don’t think as clearly, we are more likely to make more mistakes, to have more accidents and so on.
Going to church has other benefits, too. Church attendance gives us an opportunity to worship God, to learn about His word, to take communion (the bread and wine representing Jesus’ body and blood) and to have friendly fellowship together in the presence of the Lord (Heb 10:24-25, Mat 18:20). Many who hear the salvation message (Jesus’ free gift of forgiveness for sins and the promise of heaven), accept Jesus and become Christians the first time they hear the message--in church!
There is also an interesting parallel here. Although the Lord never gets tired, He showed us that after He spent six days creating the world, even He rested on the seventh day. In so doing, He was leading by example. By the way, when Jesus was on earth, He went to worship services and observed the Sabbath, too (Luke 4:16). Again, the Lord was leading by example.
Do you want to help keep yourself and America physically and morally strong? Observe the Sabbath, go to church, invite your friends and be a good example for others!]
Lev 23:3
Ex 20:11

B11. Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) [blue eyes, strawberry blond hair]
Prov 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
[ Christopher Columbus was a devout Christian who often mentioned the Lord and quoted many Bible verses in his journal.1 Born in Genoa, Italy, he was a skilled sailor who believed he could find a shortcut to India. He also firmly believed God wanted him to help spread Christianity to other lands. One verse he felt especially applied to him was a portion of Isaiah 49 which speaks of being chosen before birth to spread salvation to the nations.
After seven years of frustration and insults, he finally convinced someone to finance the trip--the Christian king and queen of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella. His ships, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria--none more than 90-feet long--were outfitted with red crusader crosses on the sails. Leaving the Canary Islands on September 9, 1492, Columbus set course across the Atlantic with his crew of around 90 men.
Like other typical sailors in those days, his crew was not used to losing sight of land. They thought horrible monsters and huge whirlpools existed way out to sea. So, as you can imagine, as they got further away from Europe, his sailors became very scared. Wanting to return home, they talked of throwing Columbus overboard. Columbus and his two captains agreed that if they didn’t see land in three more days, they would turn around.
The Lord gave them good winds that helped them sail unusually quickly. On the third day, October 12, 1492, they finally saw land! Columbus named the island they landed on "San Salvador," meaning "Holy Savior," to honor the Lord. Since they had expected to land in India, they called the natives "Indians." Columbus didn’t know that they had landed in the Bahamas and that they had actually come to a "new world." God had helped Columbus open the way for Christian missions, more exploration and colonization of the Americas. 2, 3 ]
Is 49:1, 6
Jer 31:10

1 Peter and Connie Roop, I, Columbus My Journal 1492-1493 (New York: Avon Books, 1990)
2 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 113-134.
3 R. Conrad Stein, Cornerstones of Freedom The Story of Christopher Columbus (Chicago: Childrens Press, 1992) 1-18.

B12. Thomas Edison (1847-1931)
Is 50:10 . . . Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD . . .
[ With over 1,000 inventions, Ohio-born Thomas Edison was one of the most creative people who ever lived. Edison received most of his education at home from his mother, a former schoolteacher. He also read a great deal, especially about electricity and chemistry.
When he was 12, Edison earned money selling newspapers and snacks on a train. He often spent his money on supplies for his experiments. When he was older, he worked as a telegraph operator and then in an office where he invented ways to improve their machines. With the money he received from those inventions, he went into business for himself. Later on, he built a workshop in Newark, New Jersey, for his many experiments and inventions. Eventually, he built an even bigger workshop in Orange, New Jersey. Although the phonograph and a motion picture machine are among his many inventions, he is most famous for having developed the first practical light bulb. With his light bulb alone, Edison brought many people out of the darkness and into the light of the physical world.
However, even with the benefit of Edison’s bulbs, many people are still in the dark�..spiritually speaking, that is. Many have never journeyed out of the darkness into the light by believing in God (Acts 26:17-18). Atheists (people who don’t believe in God), apparently do not realize that Jesus is "the light of the world" and the only way to heaven. Sadly, even if someone does a lot of good things for mankind, being a good or helpful person doesn’t get one into heaven. Only belief in Jesus does.
Some people point out that if Christians are wrong about the Lord and heaven, they’ve got nothing to lose, but that if nonbelievers are wrong about the Lord and heaven, they’ve got everything to lose.
We may not know for sure until we get to heaven whether some people ever made a decision for Jesus. Let’s hope so. Let’s hope that they don’t die in unbelief and in so doing, throw away the precious gift of eternal happiness in heaven--the ultimate land of light (Col 1:12-14).1]
John 8:12
1 John 5:12
John 3:18

[Opportunity: For more information about Thomas Edison or about touring his home and laboratory in West Orange, NJ, see http://www.nps.gov/edis/ ]

1 Harold A. Eibling, et al., Great Names in Our Country's Story (Sacramento, CA: California State Department of Education, 1962) 207-213.

B13. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
2 Cor 5:20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
[ Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Ben Franklin was one of 17 children in his family. He was a patriot, an inventor, a philosopher, an author, a publisher and a multi-lingual ambassador. He was very active and important in the early development of our country, including helping write the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He invented bifocal glasses, a better stove, lightning rods, the rocking chair and experimented with electricity. He helped start a library, a hospital, a school, a police force, America's first postal system and America's first volunteer fire department. Whew! Busy guy, huh?
Franklin was well known for being a peacemaker, such as during the difficult meetings where our country’s Constitution was being decided on. In fact in 1787, when the members of the Constitutional Convention couldn’t agree on issues of state representation, the 81-year-old Franklin stepped in to help. In his speech, he pointed out that during the Revolutionary War they had relied heavily on daily prayers to the Lord and that the Lord had blessed them for their devoted faithfulness. Additionally, he said:

" . . . And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance? . . . And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aide?"

Franklin then suggested that they begin opening each assembly in prayer, seeking again the blessings and assistance of the Lord. Franklin’s suggestion was quickly adopted. Ever since then both houses of Congress have opened with prayer.
Franklin’s wisdom, popularity and tact in dealing with others also made him the perfect choice as America’s first ambassador (representative) to France. Faithful Christians today are ambassadors, too--ambassadors of Christ. We can be representatives of Jesus and help spread His word. We can tell people how they can pray to be forgiven of their sins and be reconciled to God (returned to a right relationship with God) through accepting Jesus as their Savior. Be an ambassador for the Lord! Represent Him well!1, 2]
2 Cor 5:19 John 7:18

1 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 239-250.
2 Susan and John Lee, Heroes of the Revolution: Benjamin Franklin (Chicago: Children's Press, 1974)

B14. Happy Camper Kids [5 kids in brightly colored and/or patterned sleeping bags; tents in background, maybe put funny hats and/or masks on like the moose antlers, or maybe all in snowcaps; if not too busy, add picnic table and campfire (out)]
Ps 118:15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!"
[ Camping can be a lot of fun: sleeping in tents, having picnics, roasting marshmallows, swimming, hiking, fishing, etc. But camping often has an added benefit. Roughing it sure helps you appreciate the blessings you have at home!
Do you have a house to go home to? A nice, soft, warm bed to sleep in? Fresh food in the refrigerator? A stove to cook it in? Running water? Lamps? Electricity? A heater? Most Americans have those things, but a lot of people in this world don’t. Many don’t have a decent home with shelter from the rain and cold�..or any bed, let alone a "soft warm" one�..or enough food�..or clean, running water�.or lamps and electricity.
Think about it. When you see people on the news who are hurting, if it weren’t for God’s favor on our country and your family, that could be you! So count your blessings, praise the Lord and forget not all his benefits!]
Ps 103:2
John 1:16

[Activity: Do you want a little reminder of your blessings? These happy little campers are in their sleeping "bags" to remind you of a way to do that. Find a little bag you can decorate and label "Blessings Bag." Put small items in it (toys, pictures, doll items, etc.) that remind you of some of the many things you have to be thankful for. Here are some blessings and some possible "reminder" ideas to get you started: salvation (mini-Bible), family (photo), house (game piece), clean water (cup), food (wrapped cracker), eyesight (doll glasses), good health (bandage), being able to walk (doll shoes), warm clothes (doll coat or piece of wool), bed (doll blanket), education (mini-book), freedom (small American flag or lapel pin), electricity (doll lamp), money (a coin), car (toy car). Have a contest--see who can come up with the most reminders of things to be thankful for. Then give God the glory!]

B15. Hawaiian Islander [girl in grass skirt and lei, on sand, ocean in background, coconut trees, double rainbow]
Is 42:12 [SEE FINISHED PAGE]
[ Hawaii, our 50th state, is a favorite location for vacationers. It is a beautiful place with lovely beaches, impressive mountains, rich vegetation and intense rainbows (often even double rainbows).
The Hawaiian Islands used to be ruled by royalty. In the 1800’s, King Kamehameha II and his Christian mother, Queen Ka'ahumanu, put an end to a lot of the false religious customs that were being practiced there. They also allowed Christian missionaries to come to Hawaii and tell the islanders about the Lord.1
Henry Opukahai'a, a native Hawaiian, had made their jobs easier. Having become uncomfortable as a child with being trained to be a pagan priest, Opukahai'a took a ship to America. While there, he became a Christian. Studying Greek and Hebrew, he translated portions of the Bible into Hawaiian. He also helped inspire missionaries to go to Hawaii and tell his beloved countrymen about the Lord.2
Today there are many, many Christians living in Hawaii and many Christian churches. If you ever go to Hawaii, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a church where you can "proclaim his praise in the islands."]
Ps 97:1
Is 42:4

An Extra Lesson: God’s Rainbow Promise
Do you know the special significance of the rainbow? It is a sign from the Lord! Here is the background story. By the time of Noah’s flood (which probably occurred about 4,400 years ago3), most of the people on earth had become very wicked. Noah and his family were the only good people left. God was going to send a flood to destroy the wickedness. He told Noah to build an ark to protect his family, himself and the land animals.
Some scientists believe there was a huge water canopy around the earth before the flood. This turned into a terrible rainstorm.4 Apparently there may also have been major meteor showers, volcanic activity and earthquakes. These would have broken up the face of the earth, opening huge reservoirs of water.5
After the flood was over, God started putting rainbows in the skies. Although there will still be floods in some places, rainbows are God’s sign to us of His promise that He will never again cover the whole earth with a flood!]
Gen 9:13
Gen 9:15
Gen 7:11-12

[Note: For more information on the worldwide flood of Noah's time, see the Young Earth costume section.]

1 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 341.
2 Federer 488.
3 Henry M. Morris, The Genesis Record (Baker Book House: Grand Rapids, MI, 1976) 285.
4 Dennis R. Petersen, Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation (South Lake Tahoe, CA: Creation Resource Foundation, 1986) 26-27.
5 John D. Morris, Noah's Ark and the Lost World (El Cajon, CA: Master Books, 1988) 20-21.

B16. Hippies [boy long hair, mustache/beard, bell bottoms, sunglasses, forehead band, sandals; girl wildly flowered hip-hugger bell bottoms with wide belt, ribbed shirt, granny glasses, barefoot, flowers in hair, making peace sign with fingers; medallion necklaces (but no peace signs or ankhs)]
Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
[ In the 1960’s, a lot of young people thought, dressed and acted quite similarly. They were called "hippies" or "flower children." They hated war. They would often hold their fingers up in a V-shape to symbolize the word "peace." It is good to try to use honorable means to work toward peace, because war is a terrible thing.
However, America must still be prepared to deal with enemies who would rather fight. One way to help maintain peace for America and our friends is to have a military so strong that it discourages other nations from attacking us. President Theodore Roosevelt wisely described this policy as, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." In other words, enemies aren’t as likely to attack if they know they will lose or suffer considerable damage.
Nevertheless, nothing mankind can do will ever completely get rid of war. Human beings have sinful natures and the devil continually tempts us to fight each other. This world will not see true, lasting peace until after the Second Coming of Christ at the end of the tribulation (a time of terrible troubles on earth).
The tribulation will begin (after the Christians go to heaven in the Rapture) when the Antichrist signs a 7-year peace treaty with Israel. He will break the treaty after 3 1/2 years (Dan 9:27). Three and a half years later Jesus will come back, win the world’s biggest war and the devil gets chained up in the bottomless pit. Then Jesus will set up His 1,000-year millennial kingdom on earth and show us how wonderful--and peaceful--earth can be with Jesus in charge (Is 2:4, Is 32:17-18, Zec 9:10)!
[Note: Many hippies also wore peace signs or ankhs. A peace sign looks like an upside "Y" with an "I" in the middle of it surrounded by a circle. Most hippies didn’t realize that a peace sign represents a broken cross of Jesus and shows disrespect to the Lord. An ankh is sort of like a cross with a loop on top and is an occult Egyptian symbol of life. People who love Jesus should not wear either one of those symbols.]]
2 Th 3:16

B17. Inuit [outdoors with arm around malamute, igloo in background]
Phlp 4:11 . . . I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
[ If you are used to a warm climate it may be hard to imagine being happy in a very cold one. Inuits living in Alaska, our 49th state, live in a climate that gets very cold. They also know what it is like to live in darkness for long periods of time. However, the Inuit people are very resourceful (they make good use of what materials they can find). They know how to live and work quite happily there.
That can help us think about something wise people say. They tell us it’s not how much you have or where you live that determines how happy you are. What matters is how much you enjoy and appreciate what you have/where you live that makes you happy.
What things are you most thankful for? Family? Home? Food? Health? Education? Friends? Clothes? Count your blessings! Being thankful for what you have helps you be happy and content. Give thanks to God for all the wonderful things He provides for you!]
1 Tim 6:6
Phlp 4:12

B18. President Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) [at desk with parchment, feather pen and inkwell]
Ps 45:1 . . . My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
[ Virginia native Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the U.S., serving from 1801-1809. In the 1770’s, the American colonists had grown weary of taxation without representation and other unfair rules of King George III of England. Many of our citizens wanted to elect our own representatives to govern the country the way the people wanted it governed, not the way the English monarchy wanted it governed. In fact, the cry often rang out among the colonists, "No King but King Jesus!"
The time had come for the Continental Congress to choose a committee to write our Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was its chief author. This declaration, signed on July 4, 1776, was a formal notice to King George that the American colonists were declaring their independence and why.
Notably, our forefathers made a point of mentioning the Lord in our Declaration. The Declaration of Independence reads in part: " . . . We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. . . . [We] solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; . . . for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."1, 2, 3]
Gal 5:1

[Opportunity: For more information about Thomas Jefferson or about touring Monticello, his home in Charlottesville, VA, see http://www.monticello.org/ . For information on the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, see http://www.nps.gov/thje/ ]

An Extra Lesson: A Misunderstood Phrase
Many people think our Constitution says we are to have "separation of church and state." They are wrong. The phrase came from a personal letter Jefferson wrote to a religious organization. In it he quotes part of the First Amendment and said, " . . . Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God; that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship; that the legislative powers of government reach actions only and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,’ thus building a wall of separation between Church and State. . . . "
As you can see, the letter clearly addressed Jefferson’s belief that the government was not to prevent the "free exercise" of religion. Jefferson also said in his letter, " . . . I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and Creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association assurances of my high respect and esteem. . . . "
America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations spends several pages on Thomas Jefferson. The author shows numerous occasions where Jefferson mentioned the Lord. For example:

"No one sees with greater pleasure than myself the progress of reason in its advance toward rational Christianity, and my opinion is that if nothing had ever been added to what flowed from His [Jesus'] lips, the whole world would at this day been Christian. . . . . Had there never been a commentator there never would have been an infidel. I have little doubt that the whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our Creator and, I hope, to the pure doctrines of Jesus also."

Most of our Founding Fathers believed in God and considered Christianity, along with religious freedom, an essential part of life. They took great pains to write our founding documents in such a way that our government could not prevent Americans from worshipping God as they saw fit.
Religious freedom is one of America’s most important liberties and is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. For more information on the history and text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, see http://www.archives.gov . For an article addressing more detail on separation of church and state, see <http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=123#R1>. For a great summary of America's "rich spiritual and religious history," see <http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=5799>. 4, 5

1 Harold A. Eibling, et al., Great Names in Our Country's Story (Sacramento, CA: California State Department of Education, 1962) 87-88.
2 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 56-60.
3 Jack B. Long, My Fun With Learning 4: America's Story (Nashville: The Southwestern Company, 1993) 119-131.
4 David Barton, "The Separation of Church and State," WallBuilders, Jan 2001, Retrieved 4 Dec 2010 <http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=123#R1>.
5 Federer 332.

B19. John Luther "Casey" Jones (1864-1900) [1800’s engineer and train]
John 15:13 [SEE FINISHED PAGE]
[ Casey Jones was a famous engineer. He got his nickname from where he was born, Cayce, Kentucky. Casey was well known for being reliable and always getting his trains in on schedule, even in stormy weather. One April night in 1900, Casey and his fireman (coal shoveler) made a very long, tiring trip in a bad storm, but still brought the train in on time. Shortly after they arrived, they found out the engineer scheduled for the return trip was sick and they were needed to fill in for him. They wearily returned to the train, headed back and were making good progress through the night.
However, a disabled freight train blocked the track on their route back. They did not see it until it was too late to come to a safe stop. Pulling as hard as he could on the air brake, Casey told his fireman to jump. Casey bravely remained on board, applying the brake and slowing the train to the very end. There was a horrible crash. Had Casey jumped, too, the crash would have been much worse. Casey died, but because of Casey’s bravery, his fireman and all of his passengers lived. Casey had given his life to save all of their lives.
Our Lord Jesus gave his life to save our lives, too. Our sins are like the coal that fuels the fire that runs us into danger. But if we believe in Jesus, our sins will not be held against us. At the end of our earthly travels, we will not crash and burn, but will "pull into a heavenly station" of unbelievable beauty and peace. Who knows, maybe we will see Casey Jones there, too!1]
Rev 2:10
1 Cor 16:13

[Opportunity: If you are ever near Vaughan, MS, you may want to visit the Casey Jones Railroad Museum State Park (http://www.trainweb.org/caseyjones/home.html) or if near Water Valley, MS, the Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum (http://www.watervalley.net/users/caseyjones/home.htm) or if near Jackson, TN, the Casey Jones Village (http://www.caseyjones.com/index.html).

1 Carol Beach York, Casey Jones (USA: Troll Associates)

B20. Captain John Paul Jones (1747-1792) [standing on deck of ship; have anchor showing with shape of cross]
1 Tim 1:18-19 . . . fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.
[ John Paul was born in Scotland. He became a sailor at the age of thirteen and reached the rank of captain by his early twenties. Later he moved to America and took on a new last name of "Jones." When the Revolutionary War broke out, Jones joined the fight for freedom by volunteering for America's new Navy. As he was experienced, he was made an officer. Before long he was given command of his own ship.
Jones' most famous battle occurred in 1779. Commanding the Bonhomme Richard, Jones courageously engaged the much more well-equipped English ship, Serapis. A fierce battle followed. Half his crew were dead or injured and his severely damaged ship was sinking. Things looked very bad for the Americans. The British captain yelled to Jones, asking if he had surrendered. Jones immediately shouted back, "I have not yet begun to fight!" Inspired by Jones' defiance, his remaining crew fought with renewed strength. At one point, a seaman climbed on a spar and dropped grenade-like weapons on the Serapis, igniting their cartridges. This caused a flash-fire, killing and wounding a large number of the enemy's crew. Shortly after that, the captain of the Serapis surrendered.
If it ever seems difficult to hold on to your faith, your goals and your values, remember John Paul Jones--keep fighting! Don’t "shipwreck" your faith! Instead, use the promises of Jesus as your anchor. "Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called . . . " (1 Tim 6:12) and never give up! Be able to claim as in 2 Tim 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."1]
Heb 6:18-19
1 Cor 15:57

1 Dennis M. Conrad, "John Paul Jones," Biographies in Naval History, 10 Nov 2003, Retrieved 4Dec 2010 <http://www.history.navy.mil/bios/jones_jp_conrad.htm>.

B21. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) [find pic of him at podium giving I Have a Dream speech]
Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
[ Georgia native Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a famous African-American pastor and civil rights leader. He led people to use peaceful methods to help bring about equality for all Americans (Heb 12:14, Rom 14:19). In so doing, King illustrated the Bible principle that tells us to "overcome evil with good."
In the mid 1900’s, many blacks in the United States were still being discriminated against (treated unfairly). They often sang "We Shall Overcome," a song based on an old gospel song. It became very popular with King and the civil rights movement. This song--now an international favorite--helped give minorities the encouragement to go on in the face of hardship.
One of King’s first big successes was through leading the 1955 bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. King’s group boycotted the bus company (quit using the buses), because, unlike whites, blacks could not even sit in the front of the bus (they had to either sit in the back or stand). It took a little over a year before the bus company decided to change its policy to avoid losing so much money on bus fares.
King was also a key figure in the 1963, non-violent march on Washington, D.C., of 250,000 people seeking equal justice for all. During that rally, King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech about how he hoped one day all Americans would get along peacefully together and be judged by their character instead of by the color of their skin.
King and the civil rights movement were very effective. Not long after that march, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, mostly with the help of Republican leaders. It authorized the government to enforce laws against discrimination in employment, public schools and public accommodations. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed, again, mostly by Republicans. This act helped protect the rights of all races to vote.
King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, having made great strides toward freedom, justice and equality in America. He died in 1968, the victim of an assassin.
King’s story helps remind us that in heaven no one will feel left out, threatened or mistreated (Is 32:17-18). There are special seats for all the overcomers--all God’s children of every race (1 John 5:5, Mat 8:11)!]1, 2, 3, 4
1 John 5:5
Rev 3:21
Rev 21:6-7

[Opportunity: For information on visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic site in Atlanta, GA, see http://www.nps.gov/akr/malu/ ]

1 Raymond V. Hand, Jr., "Martin Luther King and the Power of Equality," My Fun With Learning 4: Real-Life Heroes (Nashville: The Southwestern Company, 1993) 89-92.
2 "We Shall Overcome: Historical Period: Postwar United States, 1945-1968," Library of Congress, Retrieved 12 Dec 2010 <http://www.loc.gov/teachers/lyrical/songs/overcome.html>.
3 "Black History Issue 2003," WallBuilders <http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=134>.
4 "1964 Civil Rights Act," Spartacus Educational, Retrieved 12 Dec 2010 <http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAcivil64.htm>.

B22. Liberty Bell [wearing liberty bell]
Lev 25:10 (KJV) And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof . . .
[ The Liberty Bell dates from the 1750’s. Pennsylvania ordered it made for the bell tower of their State House in Philadelphia. Philadelphia was once our nation’s capital and the State House is now called Independence Hall.
The order for the bell directed that the design included the following words from Leviticus 25:10: "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." This Bible verse may have been chosen to help celebrate the province’s fiftieth year and William Penn’s 1701 Charter of Privileges (Pennsylvania’s constitution, which spoke of religious freedom and other rights).
Over the years, the bell has been rung often for special patriotic events, Independence Day celebrations and to call the legislature into session. It has also been used to summon the people to special meetings or announcements, to summon voters and more. Some of the more well-known times it was rung were for the meeting of the First Continental Congress; to summon the people to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence; and for the ratification of the Constitution.
It is believed that the crack in the side occurred in 1835, while ringing for the funeral of Chief Justice John Marshall and that the crack later became worse while ringing for Washington’s birthday. Now on display in a building near Independence Hall, the bell has been taken around the country for various celebrations and special events. This national symbol of freedom inspires patriotism among our people and reminds us once again of America’s Christian heritage.1]
1 Thes 1:8
2 Cor 3:17 (KJV) . . . where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Ps 72:8

1 Landmarks of Liberty (Maplewood, NJ: Hammond Incorporated, 1960) 44-45.

[Opportunity: For more information on the history of the Liberty Bell or about visiting the Liberty Bell at Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia, PA, go to http://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell-center.htm ]

B23. President Abraham "Honest Abe" Lincoln (1809-1865)
Gen 30:33 "And my honesty will testify for me in the future" . . .
[ Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the U.S. (1861-1865), was one of our greatest presidents. Well-known for his integrity, "Honest Abe" believed in God, a united country and that slaves should be freed.
Born in Kentucky in a log cabin, Lincoln had very little formal schooling. Yet he loved to read and learned a great deal from the Bible and other books. He later said, "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has given to man. All the good Saviour gave to the world was communicated through this Book. But for this Book we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it."
Having taught himself law, Lincoln became a lawyer, a judge and a congressman. Both he and the new Republican party (created around 1854) were against slavery. Running as their candidate for president in 1860, he won. The Civil War began only about a month after he took office. Understandably, Lincoln said of prayer, "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for that day."
On January 1, 1863, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. It was an important early step toward ending slavery. In October 1863, Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving to be an annual national event. In November of 1863, at the site of the Civil War's biggest battle, Lincoln gave one of the most famous speeches ever made, the "Gettysburg Address." In part, it reads: " . . . we highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
The last Congressional act Lincoln ever signed required that, " . . . the motto, in which he sincerely believed, 'In God We Trust,' should hereafter be inscribed upon all our national coin." On April 14, 1865, Lincoln was shot. His wife described Lincoln's last words: "He said he wanted to visit the Holy Land and see those places hallowed by the footprints of the Saviour. He was saying there was no city he so much desired to see as Jerusalem. And with the words half spoken on his tongue, the bullet of the assassin entered the brain, and the soul of the great and good President was carried by the angels to the New Jerusalem above."
Many Christians look forward to visiting with "Honest Abe" in the New Jerusalem. What would you ask him about?]
Dan 6:4
Luke 16:10

[Opportunity: For information on visiting Abraham Lincoln's Kentucky birthplace, see http://www.nps.gov/abli/ For biographical information, see http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/abrahamlincoln . To find information about visiting the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., or for a virtual tour, see http://www.nps.gov/linc/ ]

1 William J. Federer, America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 374-392.
2 "The Republican party - GOP History," GOP.com, Retrieved 15 Dec 2010 <http://oldgop.gop.com/About/AboutRead.aspx?Guid=a747a888-0ae6-4441-94f4-2a3a6561f872>.
3 "Abraham Lincoln," About the White House: Presidents, Retrieved 15 Dec 2010 <http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/abrahamlincoln>.

B24. President James Madison (1751-1836) [holding Constitution showing "We the People . . . "]
Deu 4:8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?
[ Virginia native James Madison is known as the "Father of the Constitution." A Christian, he studied for the ministry before he studied law and he regularly led family devotional time in his home (Deu 4:9, 6:6-7). Madison served as the fourth president of the United States from 1809-1817.
Madison was an influential member of the Constitutional Convention which met in Philadelphia in 1787. Attending were 55 men. Most all of them were members of established Christian denominations. These men wrote our Constitution to replace the old, ineffective Articles of Confederation from 1781.
Recognizing the sinful nature of man (Rom 3:23, Rom 8:5-9), our Founding Fathers designed a Constitution which established three different branches of power: executive, judicial and legislative. The branches are designed to balance each other out, as well as represent the desires of the people. This system attempts to help prevent any one person or group from gaining too much power and control, whereby they can enact ungodly laws and laws that do not represent the will of the people.
Ratified in 1788, our Constitution is the oldest working constitution in the world. This system has allowed our people to be free, to worship God, to prosper and to live together in unity. No government this side of heaven could be perfect. However, ours is basically a good system which works well when the people elect honorable, Bible-believing men and women to lead our country (Deu 4:5-6, Ex 18:21, Prov 29:2).]
James 1:25
John 8:31-32
John 8:36

An Extra Lesson: The Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to our Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. They give the people several freedoms and protections. For instance, the First Amendment says: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
In simple terms, some of our guaranteed rights include: freedom of religion, speech, press and assembly; right to keep and bear arms; right to a speedy and public trial; and right to counsel for defense. We are also guaranteed protection from, among other things: unreasonable searches or seizures; excessive bail or fines; cruel and unusual punishment; and having our private property taken for public use without just compensation.
For more information on the history and text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, see http://www.archives.gov]

[Opportunity: For more information on James Madison or to find out about touring his Montpelier home in Virginia, see http://www.montpelier.org/ ]

1 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 153, 161, 409-411.
2 Marilyn Prolman, The Story of the Constitution (Chicago: Children's Press, 1969)
3 Betsy and Giulio Maestro, A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution (New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shephard Books, 1987)

B25. Military Personnel [one from each service, some boys and some girls]
Dan 12:3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
[ The military is well known for training people how to be leaders, how to win wars, how to take care of their people and how to accomplish the mission. We can be leaders, too, and win victories in the battle of spiritual warfare against the devil. How? By leading people to Christ!
Our nation’s highest ranking military officers are generals and admirals. You may already be familiar with the rank insignia that a general wears--one or more stars. Would you like to be an honorary general? Would you like to be on active duty in the Lord’s army and shine "like the stars for ever and ever"? Start leading people to the Lord! That helps take care of others eternally--the best mission you could ever accomplish! When they are ready, you can encourage people to accept Christ by repeating this simple prayer below.

Prayer to Accept Jesus
Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins
and that God raised you from the dead. I am sorry for my sins--please forgive me. I accept
you as my Savior and Lord. I ask you now to come into my heart and to help me lead a life
pleasing to you. Thank you. Amen.

Josh 22:3
Philemon 1:6
Prov 11:30

An Extra Lesson: The Importance of a Strong Military
Do you know why it is so important to have a strong military? When nations have a powerful military, many times they can avoid a war in the first place. This is because if an enemy is logical (and concerned about its people), it realizes that it would be very hard to defeat a nation with such a strong military without taking very heavy losses themselves. This helps encourage nations to resolve differences in a peaceful manner, rather than by fighting.
Unfortunately, some people believe if there have been no major wars for a while, we should reduce the size or capabilities of our military forces. This is not logical. In fact, it has been said that reducing your military power just because you haven't been attacked in a while is as foolish as throwing away your umbrella just because it hasn’t rained in a while!
When we are actually attacked, a strong military can help protect us and fight back to help prevent the enemy from attacking us again. As many nations have agreements to help protect each other if they are attacked, our military also helps protect our friends. When we and other peaceful nations stay strong, it helps prevent the more warlike nations from gaining too much power in the world and harming innocent people.]

Opportunities: For information on visiting or taking a virtual tour of the Freedom Museum in Manassas, VA, honoring America's military men and women, see http://www.freedommuseum.org/
Active duty and retired military personnel, as well as military dependents (including young folks!), may want to look into some of the military-related Christian ministries available for fellowship, Bible studies, Christian activities and more. For instance:

Cadence International: http://www.cadence.org/ (For military personnel and their families)
Christian Military Fellowship: http://members.iquest.net/~c_m_f/ (For military personnel)
Military Chaplains Assoc. of the U.S.A.: http://www.mca-usa.org/ (For active duty, reserve and retired military chaplains)
Military Community Youth Ministries: http://www.mcym.org/ (For teens)
Officers’ Christian Fellowship of the U.S.A.: http://www.ocfusa.org/ (For officers, enlisted, military students, military families, military widows and civilians employed by the military)

B26. Samuel Morse (1791-1872) [sitting, working a telegraph; possibly add framed sign on wall, " . . . strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us." Ps. 68:28]
Mat 5:18 (KJV) . . . "one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
[ Massachusetts-born, Samuel Morse was not only an accomplished painter, he was also an inventor. In his day, news took weeks or months to get from one coast to the other in America. Morse's hard work fixed that! He developed the first practical electric telegraph around 1835 and created the Morse Code by 1838.
The Morse Code is a system of dots and dashes for short and long clicks representing the letters of the alphabet (for example, "truth" is coded: - .-. ..- - .... ). Using this letter code of clicks, telegraph operators could send messages over electrical wires.
In 1844, after the first telegraph line in America was put up between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Morse sent the first message: "What hath God wrought!" This first wired message is from the Bible (Num 23:23). It gave God the glory for the creation of the telegraph (Ps 115:1, John 3:21). In 1861 a coast-to-coast system of telegraph lines was finally completed, connecting our vast continent with instant communication.
We can use the small dots and dashes of the Morse Code to remind us of something Jesus said about the Bible. He told us that not one jot (small letter) nor one tittle (small mark) would pass from the law until everything God said would happen did, in fact, happen. Jesus was telling us that Bible prophecy is 100% accurate and that we can rely on the truth of God’s word--down to the last detail! Indeed, the Bible is completely accurate in the original manuscripts and every fulfilled prophecy has been fulfilled with 100% accuracy. So, are you looking for a reliable "code" about how to live a better life? Look in the Bible!
Morse recognized the Bible's worth. In his 70's he said, "The nearer I approach to the end of my pilgrimage, the clearer is the evidence of the divine origin of the Bible, the grandeur and sublimity of God's remedy for fallen man are more appreciated, and the future is illumined with hope and joy." Starting one of the first Sunday schools in America, he also honored the Bible’s instruction to give money for the Lord’s work. He shared what he earned, giving generously to churches, missions, Bible societies and seminaries. The Lord loves a cheerful giver. He blessed Morse for his faithful giving and Morse became a very rich man (Prov 19:17, Ps 112:5, Prov 11:24-25).1, 2, 3, 4
Luke 16:17
Ezek 17:24
Luke 24:44

An Extra Lesson: Tithing
As Morse gave money for the Lord’s work, he can be a good example for tithing. Do you know what tithing is? When a person tithes, it means they give 10% of their income back to God (Lev 27:30, Prov 3:9-10). For example, to tithe from the one dollar you just received, you could put a dime in the basket at church. While that may not seem like much to you, even your small percentage given is significant (Deu 16:16-17, Mark 12:41-44). We can give this money back to God by giving to churches and other godly causes. It is God who helps us to get good jobs, so the money we earn comes from Him anyway and actually belongs to Him (Deu 8:17-18, 1 Chr 29:12, 14, 16). Taking that information one step further, if we don’t pay our tithes, we are robbing God (Mal 3:8). When we tithe, we should do it cheerfully (2 Cor 9:6-8) and quietly, without showing off (Mat 6:1). Tithing also increases our treasures in heaven (1 Tim 6:18-19).

[Opportunity: For information on visiting Morse's home at the Samuel Morse Historic Site in Poughkeepsie, NY, see http://www.lgny.org/ . For a Christian biography on Morse, as well as a chart of the Morse Code, see http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v13/i1/morse.asp]

1 Jack B. Long, "Samuel Morse Invents the Telegraph," My Fun With Learning 4: America's Story (Nashville: The Southwestern Company, 1993) 154-157.
2 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 458.
3 Hal Lindsey, The Late Great Planet Earth (Toronto: Bantam Books, 1970) 165.
4 Ann Lamont, Samuel Morse--the artist who invented the Morse code, Answers in Genesis, Retrieved 11 Dec 2010 <http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v13/i1/morse.asp>.

B27. Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill Cody (1860-1926) (1846-1917) [with rifles; target in background]
2 Cor 13:11 . . . Aim for perfection . . .
[ Annie "Little Sure Shot" Oakley (born in Ohio) and William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (born in Iowa) were both well known for being very good shots. They knew how to take aim at their targets and hit their mark.
Coming from a poor family, Annie learned to shoot as a girl to put food on the table. She also sold much of the game she shot and was then able to pay off the family home when she was just 13 years old.1
Oakley was so good that Buffalo Bill put her in his wild west show. Just imagine. She could shoot the center out of a dime. She could hit several targets tossed in the air in rapid succession before any hit the ground. She could even hit a moving target while aiming at it's reflection in a knife blade! Amazing! Oakley won many awards, but cared so much for children that she had the awards melted down and sold the silver and gold to donate the money to a children's hospital.2
We, too, should aim for perfection�..perfection in living. Because we are human, we all have sinned and fallen short (Rom 3:23) and will continue to fall short of perfection. Still, with the help of the Holy Spirit we can continually grow, mature and improve in our Christian walk (2 Cor 3:18). Although we will not actually reach perfection this side of heaven, we should still aim for that goal. You see, if you set your sights low, you are sure to do poorly, but if you set your sights high you are sure to have more success.
Besides, walking in obedience to God’s commands helps keep us happier and out of more trouble--worthy targets to aim for indeed!]
2 Pet 3:14
Phlp 3:12
James 3:2

[Opportunity: For more information on Annie Oakley, see http://www.dorchesterlibrary.org/library/aoakley.html . For information on visiting or taking a virtual tour of the Buffalo bill Historical Center in Cody, WY, see http://www.bbhc.org/home/ ]

1 Ellen Levine, "Train Ride to Her Future," Cobblestone: The History Magazine for Young People Jan. 1991: 10.
2 "Annie Oakley and the Wild West," Cobblestone: The History Magazine for Young People Jan. 1991: 4-5.

B28. Orchestra Conductor [coat & tails, baton in right hand, music stand, patriotic bunting on platform]
Ps 98:4 (KJV) Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
[ God likes His children to be so happy that we are just spilling over with joyful songs! Music has always been a big part of worship services, but our country honors God in many secular (non-church) songs, too. For example, many of our nation’s most popular patriotic songs typically mention God (see below). Our country has a rich heritage of God-honoring traditions--and no wonder! America has many God-given blessings to be thankful for.]
Some of America’s Most Popular Patriotic Songs
1. "The Star-Spangled Banner" - our national anthem, written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key, contains the words, "Blest with vict’ry and peace may the Heav’n-rescued land, Praise the Pow’r that hath made and preserved us a nation . . . this be our motto ‘In God is our trust.’"
2. "America" (My Country ‘Tis of Thee) - written by the Rev. Samuel F. Smith, says in part: "Our fathers’ God to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing; Long may our land be bright, With freedom’s holy light, Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King."
3. "America, the Beautiful" - written by Katharine Lee Bates, tells America that "God shed His grace on thee."
4. "God Bless America" - by Irving Berlin says: "God Bless America Land that I love, Stand beside her and guide her, Thru the night with a light from above . . . God Bless America, My home sweet home."
5. "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" - written by Julia Ward Howe, begins with "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord" and mentions God in every stanza.

Ps 150:3-5
Ps 95:2
Ps 126:2

B29. Orphan Train Adoptees [3-4 standing in front of train]
Ps 68:6 God sets the lonely in families . . .
[ From 1854 to 1929 some 150,000 or so children traveled great distances from America’s east coast to be "placed out" in families around the country. Most had been orphaned, homeless or abandoned. The relatively lucky ones had been living in orphanages, but typically under harsh conditions. Others slept on the streets, in cardboard boxes, over steam grates and other sad places. Even tiny children tried to find odd jobs like polishing shoes, selling newspapers, or selling flowers so they could eat. They also begged, stole and ate out of garbage cans to keep alive. At one point there were 30,000 such children in New York alone.
Charles Brace, a kindly Protestant minister, thought he could help. He formed the Children’s Aid Society, raised money and paid for railroad tickets. He advertised in towns along major railroad lines for families to adopt children. Other organizations followed his example.
The great majority were placed in loving homes, treated like family and had very happy experiences. Many even received inheritances. Unfortunately, not all the adoptions were without problems. Numerous adoptees tell heart-wrenching stories. Many were split up from their siblings. Some children were taken by cruel, abusive people who were mainly only interested in servants or free farm laborers. Even so, many would likely have died had they not been relocated from the east coast. Most came through the stronger for their experiences. Among the many who excelled were: a governor, a mayor, teachers, doctors, military personnel, farmers, lawyers and more.1
The happy orphan train stories help us think about where we stand with God. When we accept Jesus, the Lord adopts us as His very own children and heirs! We will spend eternity with our heavenly Father--in His perfect, loving kingdom where we will rejoice with our believing family members, we will never be lonely and we will all have incredibly happy experiences--forever and ever, amen!]
Rom 8:15-17
Gal 4:7
Ps 68:5

[Note: For more information on the orphan train or about visiting the Concordia, KS, National Orphan Train Museum, see http://www.orphantraindepot.com/MuseumInterior.html ]

1Andrea Warren, Orphan Train Rider: One boy’s true story (New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1996).

B30. Jesse Owens (1913-1980) [in costume like his 1936 Olympics pics]
1 Cor 9:25-26 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly . . .
[ The grandson of a slave, Alabama-born Jesse Owens was an African-American Olympic athlete and a famous track star. He won an incredible four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in track and field events. During his lifetime, Owens set several world records.1
The Olympic Games began in Greece several hundred years before Jesus was born and continued to be held until around 400 A.D. The victors of the early games were crowned with olive-leaf wreaths. The modern version of the Olympic Games began in the late 1800’s. The Games are now an international event and different countries take turns hosting them. Athletes train very hard for years and come from around the world to compete in the Olympics for medals. To win an Olympic medal is a great sports achievement, bringing fame to the winner and honor to his or her country.2
A Christian, Owens also gave many speeches on the importance of religion and family values. He is a good example of someone who used his achievements in sports and his fame to glorify God and to help people live better lives.]
2 Tim 4:7-8
1 Pet 5:4
Prov 12:28
Ps 119:32

[Opportunity: For more information on Jesse Owens or about visiting the Jesse Owen Memorial Park in Oakville, AL, see http://www.jesseowensmuseum.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home ]

1 "Who is Jesse Owens," The Jesse Owens Foundation, Retrieved 9 Dec 2010 <http://www.jesse-owens.org/about1.html>.
2 "Olympic Games," The Golden Book Encyclopedia, 1959 ed.

B31. Pioneers [boy and girl by log cabin]
Ps 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
[ Settling the West was a tough and sometimes lonely job with many hardships. Since families were often so spread out on the plains, it must have been especially lonely and frightening for many American frontier children.
Whenever you feel frightened or lonely, remember that the Lord is always with those who love him. You know how safe it feels when you are afraid of something and one of your parents is there to hold your hand? Even when your parents aren’t there, God is, and the Bible tells us He holds our right hand (Is 41:13)! Whenever you get scared, pray. If you can’t think of anything else, just say, "Help me, Jesus!" He promises He will never leave His faithful children. Trust in the Lord and have peace.]
Josh 1:9
John 14:27

B32. Pocahontas and Squanto (1595?-1617) ( ? -1622)
Mat 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."
[ Pocahontas was a Native American tribal princess. The Virginia Colony's Captain John Smith claimed the twelve-year-old girl saved his life by persuading her tribe not to kill him. Some time later, Pocahontas became a Christian and was baptized. In 1614, she married John Rolfe, another one of the people at Jamestown. This marriage helped bring peace between the Native Americans and the settlers. Eventually, she even traveled to England and met the king and queen.1
Squanto was a Native American who was kidnapped in 1605 and taken to England where he learned to speak English. When he was offered for sale as a slave, some friars bought him to rescue him. They also taught him about God. When Squanto finally got back home, he found his whole village had died from a disease. Greatly saddened, he went to live with another tribe. Shortly after that, the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth and settled at the site of Squanto’s former village. The year was 1620. Later, after Squanto learned that the Pilgrims knew very little about how to live in the wilderness, he went to live with them and taught them many helpful--and badly needed--survival skills. He taught them how to plant corn, hunt, fish, catch beavers and even how to make maple syrup.2
At different times and different places, God had special jobs for both Pocahontas and Squanto. He helped them both to promote peace and to save many lives.]
Rom 14:19
Prov 12:20
James 3:18

[Opportunity: For information on visiting the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., see http://www.nmai.si.edu/ ]

1 Peter Marshall and David Manuel, The Light and the Glory (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1977) 87-103.
2 Marshall 130-136.

B33. Presidents [face masks, large 4-person tent-like "mountain" surrounding them from neck holes down]
Prov 10:7 The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
[ South Dakota's Mount Rushmore is graced by a huge sculpture of the faces of four American presidents. Carved under the direction of American sculptor Gutzon Borglum (and later by his son , Lincoln), it honors George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Worked into the mountain's smooth-grained granite, each head is about 60 feet high. Over 450,000 tons of rock were removed with dynamite. More detailed work was done with a small drill, hammers, wedges and an air hammer. The massive project took from 1927 until 1941 to carve.1
This monument can remind us that doing good brings lasting honor. When people in charge are honest, believe in God, try to do what’s right and try to make godly decisions that will be best for the people they lead, the public tends to think well of them. Artists memorialize them, authors write favorable stories about them and parents read their biographies (life stories) to children, giving them good examples to follow. For instance, there have been many, many books written about the presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore. Good people inspire others to be good people, too.
On the other hand, if people in charge are dishonest, don’t believe in God, don’t do what’s right and make decisions that are harmful to the people they lead, sooner or later the public tends to think poorly of them. Sometimes artists draw or authors write uncomplimentary material about them that show what a bad example that person was. On top of that, the person’s bad example influences others to be bad, too, especially if they are famous. Remember, " . . . one sinner destroys much good" (Eccl 9:18).
Try to live your life in a good and honorable way. Just think. If a writer wrote a book about you, your good example might encourage others to live good and honorable lives, too!
[Note: Did you know that the Lord tells us to pray for leaders? Check out 1 Tim 2:1-4.]]
Ps 112:6
Prov 12:28
Micah 6:8 [Note: This verse is inscribed on the walls of America’s Library of Congress--one of the many Bible verses displayed there.]

[Note: For more information on America's past presidents, see http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/ . For more information on Mount Rushmore, see http://www.nps.gov/moru/ ]

1 Landmarks of Liberty (Maplewood, NJ: 1970) 64-65.

B34. Prisoner of War [out of respect for POWS/MIAS don’t do prisoner costume; research to see if allowed to use the POW/MIA logo instead; or do POW’s in military uniforms coming down off plane stairs onto red carpet or in some sort of "Welcome Home" banner/celebration scene]
John 8:31-32 . . . Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
[ A prisoner of war (POW) is a person who has been captured by the enemy during a war. Many of our loyal POW’s have been tortured, suffered and died at the hands of the enemy. Some POW’s managed to survive horrible conditions in enemy prisons by focusing on the Lord. Christian families and friends of these soldiers may find comfort in this: our believing POW’s and also MIA’s (missing in action) who were not rescued on earth, were instead rescued and taken immediately to heaven to be with the Lord. We will still miss them until our heavenly reunion, but we will have a reunion (Mat 5:4)!
Life on earth isn’t always happy. Satan causes a lot of heartache, pain and troubles. As our enemy, he and his forces are continually trying to capture and torture us. Satan wants prisoners of war, too--spiritual war!
So, in a way, nonbelievers and anyone lost in sin are spiritual POW’s. As a soldier in the Lord’s army, you can be like part of an elite rescue unit. You can give your captured loved ones Bible verses to use as tools to break out of that enemy camp and that enemy jail cell!
We hope and pray our loved ones will get right with the Lord so that, no matter what, we will never have to say goodbye for the very last time. We want to meet again at that heavenly reunion with all our POW’s and MIA’s--military and spiritual!]
2 Tim 2:3
2 Tim 2:24-26

[Note: For more information on POW's and MIA's, see http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ ]

B35. Paul Revere (1735-1818)
Luke 12:35 "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,"
[ The son of a Huguenot (French Protestant) immigrant, Massachusetts-born Paul Revere was a silversmith, a goldsmith, an engraver and a dispatch rider. He delivered messages and important papers for the Boston Committee of Correspondence and the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. These committees helped keep the colonies united and in touch with each other at the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
Revere arranged the signal to show which route the attacking British would be coming by. The signal was to put one or two lanterns ("one if by land, two if by sea") up in the tower of the Old North Church. When two lanterns were put up, Revere was secretly rowed around a British battleship and landed at Charlestown. Revere borrowed a horse and sped into the Boston countryside warning the people, "The British are coming!" Getting the word out, he and other riders helped the Minutemen be more prepared for the attack. They helped save the lives of Samuel Adams (the father of the American Revolution) and John Hancock (the first to sign the Declaration of Independence).
We can use the example of Paul Revere to remind us to always be prepared to do (with God’s help) whatever needs to be done.1, 2]
Prov 21:31

[Opportunity: For more information on Paul Revere, the Paul Revere House and a virtual tour of his midnight ride, see http://www.paulreverehouse.org/ ]

1 "Paul Revere: A Brief Biography," The Paul Revere House, Retrieved 3 Dec 2010.
<http://www.paulreverehouse.org/bio/bio.shtml>.
2 "The Real Story of Revere's Ride," The Paul Revere House, Retrieved 3 Dec 2010.
<http://www.paulreverehouse.org/ride/real.shtml>. Retrieved 3 Dec 2010.

B36. Captain Eddie Rickenbacker (1892-1973)
Ps 18:40 You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.
[ Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, a Congressional Medal of Honor winner, was the most celebrated American pilot in France during World War I. Born in Ohio, he had been a well-known race car driver before he went into the service. He was assigned as a chauffeur for a general, but requested to be transferred to the air service. Commanding the 94th Aero Pursuit Squadron, he and his people served our country well chalking up a record number of victorious air combat missions against the enemy. In so doing, they helped save countless lives.
During World War II, God again used Rickenbacker. During a special mission for the secretary of war, Rickenbacker's plane was shot, forcing him to land in the open waters of the Pacific ocean. Rickenbacker’s great faith helped several others with him survive 24 days stranded at sea.
Rickenbacker said he prayed nightly to God for the strength to inspire others to serve our country for the good of future generations. Rickenbacker felt we should all want to be able to look back and thank God that we had given our best for the land that had done so much for us. His service to God and country make him a great example of faith and patriotism.1]
1 Tim 1:12

[Opportunity: For information on visiting Eddie Rickenbacker, see http://www.touring-ohio.com/profiles/rickenbacker-house.html]

1 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 533-534.

B37. Road Construction Crew [modern road crew, orange vests and wide-brimmed hardhats, surveyor tripod equipment]
Is 40:3 . . . "prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God."
[ Although they take a lot of planning, hard work and skill to build, good roads can promote many types of progress in the world. One way good roads can help benefit a society is to make it easier to hear or spread the word of God.
For instance, many years ago California was a Spanish colony. Franciscan priests played a large part in California’s peaceful colonization by building missions there. The first mission was founded in 1769 by Junipero Serra. He founded eight more after that. Not only did the priests tell the local Native Americans about the Lord, they also helped teach them reading, farming skills and how to build better houses.
All total, the priests and the local people built 21 Christian missions. A long trail connected all the missions. They named the trail for the Lord, calling it El Camino Real, which means "The King’s Highway." Each mission was about a day's travel away from the previous one, offering weary travelers a place to stop. Over time, the trail they began became wide enough for wagons. Today, much of the original 530-mile trail is a modern, paved highway.
In many places the original route is marked with special bells to help people remember its importance. The missions had bells, too. Their bells called people to worship. Little did the Franciscan priests know that their efforts would still bring Christians--thousands of them--to their places of worship every Sunday well over 200 years later. The priests and their "road crews" truly made "straight in the wilderness a highway for our God."1, 2]
Is 57:14
Is 62:10

1 Florence Meiman White, The Story of Junipero Serra, Brave Adventurer (New York: Dell Publishing, 1987)
2 "Trails and Roads: El Camino Real," California Highways, 5 Dec 2010, Retrieved 5 Dec 2010 <http://www.cahighways.org/elcamino.html>.

B38. President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) [in Rough Rider outfit; possibly with teddybear somewhere in picture]
2 Chr 15:7 . . . "be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."
[ Native New Yorker Teddy Roosevelt was one of America’s most favorite presidents and served from 1901-1909. Do you think he was a Christian? Here is a quote from him that gives us a great clue: "A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education."1
Collected quotes from Roosevelt clearly show he felt Christianity was a big part of what made America a great nation. In fact, he encouraged Christians to do what they could to make the world a better place: "The true Christian is the true citizen, lofty of purpose, resolute in endeavor, ready for a hero's deeds, but never looking down on his task because it is cast in the day of small things; . . . doing all that in his power lies, so that when death comes he may feel that mankind is in some degree better because he lived."2
Another one of the many wise things he said was: "It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed."3 In other words, don’t let fear of failure keep you from trying to do something worthwhile!
Expecting instant, easy success in all things is not logical. It can also be very discouraging. Whatever good thing you are trying to do may take a lot of time, preparation, study, practice, experimenting or revising to achieve. Expect to start out small. Expect that the road may get a little bumpy at points. Expect that you may make a few mistakes along the way. Don’t let that stop you. Hang in there and keep on trying (Prov 24:10)! Pick yourself up. Learn from your experiences. Rely on the Lord for strength. Be strong!
Remember that everybody makes mistakes, experiences failures and gets frustrated. Often the difference between failure and success is to just not give up! Follow that old saying, "If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!" These traits have brought success to countless people who are now famous, in spite of their early failures. So, rise above whatever obstacles, challenges or failures there are. Keep working at whatever worthy goals you have. Never ever give up (Prov 13:19, 24:16)!]
Phlp 4:13 (KJV) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
1 Chr 28:20

[Opportunity: For information about visiting Roosevelt's New York City birthplace, see http://www.nps.gov/thrb/ ; or his Sagamore Hill house in Oyster Bay, NY, see http://www.nps.gov/sahi/ or Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington, D.C., see http://www.nps.gov/this/ . For more biographical information, see http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/theodoreroosevelt ]

1 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 540.
2 Federer 539-540.
3 "Quotations from the speeches and other works of Theodore Roosevelt," Theodore Roosevelt Association: In His Own Words, Life of Theodore Roosevelt, Retrieved 11 Dec 2010 <http://www.theodoreroosevelt.org/life/quotes.htm>.

B39. Betsy Ross (1752-1836) [purple dress, mobcap, sitting in chair by window with 13-star flag and sewing kit, acting out Weisgerber painting]
Ps 20:5 We will . . . lift up our banners in the name of our God . . .
[ Elizabeth "Betsy" Griscom Ross is believed by many to have made the first official American flag. Born in Pennsylvania to a large Quaker family (17 children!), Betsy learned to sew at a young age. She won a number of awards for her beautiful needlework. Going to work in an upholstery shop, she met and married a coworker named John Ross. Together they started their own shop. After the Revolutionary War began, John died from a war-related injury and Betsy took over the business. After work she made musket balls to help her fellow Americans win the war.
As the story goes, in the spring of 1776, George Washington (who, along with his wife, attended the same church as Betsy), George Ross (John's uncle) and Robert Morris went to Betsy’s shop. This committee of men had the job of designing a new flag for our country. They showed Betsy a drawing of what they wanted. The design had 13 white stars on a field of blue and 13 stripes (7 red, 6 white). Each star and each stripe represented one of the first 13 colonies.
On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies declared their independence and we became the United States of America. About a year later, on June 14, 1777, the "Stars and Stripes" became the official flag of our country by a resolution of the Continental Congress. That is why on June 14 we celebrate Flag Day. Now we have 50 stars representing each of the 50 American states, but we still have only 13 stripes.
Our Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy for school children to say on Columbus Day that year. However, the pledge became so popular that it became a daily tradition. The pledge was changed slightly and then in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill that also added the words "under God" to the pledge.
Our pledge now reads: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Our flag is a very important symbol of our country, our unity and our freedom. Show your patriotism (love for your country)! Stand at attention when our flag passes by in a parade (or when you hear our national anthem) and place your right hand over your heart. Always treat Old Glory--our beloved flag--with respect!1, 2, 3]
Ps 60:4 (KJV) Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth . . .
Is 62:10

[Opportunity: You can visit the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, located just a few blocks away from the Liberty Bell. For more information, history, pictures, flag etiquette rules and a virtual tour, see: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/ . It is interesting to note that even Betsy's old Bible is on display at the house!]

1 Alexandra Wallner, Betsy Ross (New York: Scholastic Inc., 1994)
2 The Betsy Ross Homepage, "Betsy Ross and the American Flag," 4 July 1995, 22 Oct. 2010 <http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagtale.html>.
3 Pam Munoz Ryan, The Flag We Love (Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge Publishing, 1996)

B40. Scholars [3 or 4 graduates in caps and gowns holding diplomas, boys and girls]
Prov 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
[ Where can we get wisdom? Our parents, the Bible, schools, ministers, the library and senior citizens, among others. College is a type of school students can go to after high school. Having a college education can help you get a good job and help you learn more about how to succeed in life.
Harvard was the first institute of higher education in America. It was founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to train ministers. That’s only 16 years after the Pilgrims landed! In fact, 106 of the first 108 schools in our country were founded on Christianity!1
However, Harvard and the majority of America’s other colleges now mainly teach secular (non-biblical) subjects. Many colleges also teach very liberal (ungodly) attitudes that can damage a person’s commitment to the Lord. Unfortunately, even a lot of Christian colleges have become rather liberal.
Give some serious thought to going to a truly Bible-based Christian college. When your professors all believe in God and the Bible, you are more likely to obtain a much better base of worthwhile, usable life knowledge than you would at a typical secular college. (You will also meet more true Christian friends!) When we have a good education that is also consistent with the Bible, we tend to make more good choices in life and fewer bad ones. For instance, when we understand God’s rules and wisely follow them, they help protect us; help us to be better, more successful people, help keep us out of trouble and help us to be happier. Getting a good college education is a very wise and worthy goal!
Prov 3:13-14
Prov 2:10-11
Prov 19:8

[Note: The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities at http://www.cccu.org/ maintains a list of the top 100 or so Christian colleges and universities that are most truly committed to a Christ-centered life and high-quality academics combined with biblical faith. However, if you choose a secular college instead, you can look for Christian friends there at organizations like Campus Crusade for Christ (see http://www.ccci.org/ ), or at nearby churches and Bible studies. For students and schools desiring legal information supporting religious freedom at schools, see http://www.aclj.org/Issues/Resources/Document.aspx?ID=419 . For the See You at the Pole(TM) site, see http://www.syatp.com/ ]

1 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 280-282.

B41. Teacher [female teacher with a partial ABC list on chalkboard: A-Adam, B-Bible, C-Christian, D-Duty of Man, E-Eve, F- Faith, G-Grace, H-Heaven, I-In God We Trust, J-Jesus]
Prov 31:26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
[ Teachers are a very important part of our lives. Good teachers know that a balance of firmness, wisdom and pleasantness helps us learn (Prov 16:21). As a student, it is important to do well in school so that you can succeed in life, as well as avoid the many problems associated with lack of knowledge.
Should you happen to have faithful Christian teachers, principals and counselors who teach you both academics and solid biblical truths, you are especially blessed (Ps 32:8)! In fact, many public schools used to teach from the Bible and/or from books that contained numerous Bible verses. You see, the Lord has given us His Bible to counsel us and teach us the way we should go. He gives us wise, firm guidance, balanced with many pleasant instructions for how to find joy. Knowledge of His word helps us succeed in life. Lack of knowledge of His word brings us trouble and ultimately destroys us (Hos 4:6)!
Our forefathers in Massachusetts and Connecticut were so familiar with this truth that in 1647, they enacted the Old Deluder Satan Law. They recognized that one of Satan’s chief aims was to keep people illiterate (unable to read) and then, of course, unable to read the Bible. Knowing this, these early Americans wanted to make sure our people would have the opportunity to learn how to read. They also wanted to stop the typical abuse of power over people who did not know the Scriptures. Therefore, they made it a law that any town of 50 households must have a teacher, and any town of 100 households must also have a school. In effect, they helped put out Satan’s "flaming arrows" with the "rain" of knowledge (Eph 6:16, Is 55:10-11).1
Finally, the Bible invites us to accept Jesus so that we can "graduate" into eternity with Him after we are done with this "boarding school" called earth.
Deu 32:2
Prov 4:2

[Note: For teachers desiring legal information supporting religious freedom at schools, see http://www.aclj.org/Issues/Resources/Document.aspx?ID=419 . Teachers may also want to see the Related Links section for several educational resource links.]

1William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 487-488.

B42. Thanksgiving [Pilgrim boy and girl flanking Native American, arms hooked]
Ps 107:1 [SEE FINISHED PAGE]
[ Did you know that our country’s first Thanksgiving was celebrated nearly 400 years ago? The Pilgrims* and a group of others sailed to America on the Mayflower in 1620. Having endured harsh religious persecution in England, the Pilgrims journeyed here to worship God in freedom. Stormy weather, a poor diet, cramped quarters and unclean conditions, marked their difficult two-month trip to America.
Upon seeing land on November 9, 1620, many immediately knelt and thanked God. There at Cape Cod they drew up the Mayflower Compact. In this historic document, they agreed to make fair laws by majority rule with an elected government.
After some exploration, they chose Plymouth, Massachusetts. The settlers quickly started the hard work of building a Common House (for church, meetings, storage, shelter, etc.), individual houses and fencing. With hunger, disease and bitter cold marking the first winter, only about half of the original 102 passengers survived until spring.
In March, an English-speaking Native American named Squanto came to them and taught them many helpful survival skills. He showed the Pilgrims how to plant corn, beans, squash and pumpkins. He showed them how to hunt and fish. He even showed them where to gather wild berries, nuts and herbs.
In the fall of 1621, the colony’s governor, William Bradford, decided they should all have a Thanksgiving celebration to thank God for His many blessings. The Lord had brought them far across the sea to a place where they could live and worship freely. He led them off course through the storms to a perfect harbor, with land that was already cleared, in an area of rich soil with four spring-fed creeks. There were plenty of trees to build with (and for fire), as well as grasses for thatched roofs. The Lord had set them in an area of friendly Native Americans who taught them how to survive in the bountiful wilderness. He had helped them get through the harsh winter. And He gave them success with their crops.
The Pilgrims held this joyful celebration along with about 90 of the local Native Americans. Their new friends brought several wild turkeys and deer to eat. They also taught the Pilgrims how to make hoecakes, cornmeal pudding with maple syrup, and even popcorn. Along with the deer and turkeys, the Pilgrims served fish, geese and ducks. Fruits and vegetables came from both their gardens and the wild. These included: carrots, onions, cucumbers, radishes, beets, cabbage, berries, pumpkins and plums. They also made blueberry, apple and cherry pies from fruit the Native Americans had dried. The celebration lasted for three days!
Today we celebrate Thanksgiving to commemorate that first Thanksgiving and to thank God for all the blessings He has given us modern-day people, too!1, 2, 3
[*Note: a "pilgrim" is a person on a religious journey.]]

Ps 100:4
1 Thes 5:16-18 (KJV) Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Ps 84:5

[Opportunities/Resources:
If you are near Plymouth, MA, from around March to November, you may want to visit Plimoth Plantation, where you can see a Wampanoag Indian Settlement, a reconstructed 1627 Pilgrim Village (with role players), and a full-scale replica of the Mayflower (with role players). For more information, see http://www.plimoth.org/plan/plymouth/ .
Additionally, Kate Waters has written several books (published by Scholastic Inc.) with photographs by Russ Kendall showing Plimoth Plantation, the Mayflower replica and some of the many role players that work there. The books include: Sarah Morton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl (1989), Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy (1993), On the Mayflower: Voyage of the Ship's Apprentice and a Passenger Girl (1996) and Giving Thanks: The 1621 Harvest Feast (2001).]

1 Peter Marshall and David Manuel, The Light and the Glory (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1977) 106-144.
2 Ann McGovern, ...If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 (New York: Scholastic Inc., 1969)
3 J. I. Anderson, I Can Read About the First Thanksgiving (Mahwah, NJ: Troll Associates, 1977)

B43. Trumpeter [trumpeter in cavalry uniform]
Is 58:1 "Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and . . . their sins."
[ Our country is greatly in need of a wake-up call. The Lord has blessed America so much. He promises to bless the nation that loves and obeys Him (Ps 33:12). He gives them peace and protects them from many kinds of dangers (Is 32:17-18, Ps 147:14, Ezra 9:9). However, God’s promises are all based on a tiny, but important word: if. As in, if we obey Him, He will bless and protect us. Does that seem unfair? If so, picture this. If you ignored your earthly father’s rules, spit on him and punched Him in the nose, do you think he would reward you for it? The Bible clearly shows that when a nation starts to reject our heavenly Father, He starts to withdraw.
The Bible records how when the nation of Israel was obedient to the Lord, He prospered them, gave them victory over their enemies and granted them peace. When they rejected the Lord, ignored His commandments, engaged in sinful lifestyles and worshipped false gods, the Lord withdrew His blessings and protections until they repented.
Like ancient Israel, we simply cannot expect to keep on ignoring God’s commands and still receive God’s blessings and protection (Is 58:2, 4). Millions of godly Americans work for and vote for godly causes, laws and people. Unfortunately, many ungodly people have done a great deal of damage to our country, our laws and our national walk with the Lord (Jer 6:17). That not only puts our people in jeopardy individually, it puts our nation in jeopardy as a whole (Prov 1:29-31, Ps 127:1).
Many Christians are already "sounding a clear trumpet call" and are working for spiritual revival in our land (2 Chr 7:14, Neh 4:19-20, 1 Cor 14:8). Like sleeping soldiers waking to the sound of reveille, the rest of God’s Christian soldiers need to rise up. We need to take up our "sword of the Spirit" (the Bible), embrace the Lord and lead America back into a right relationship with Him--and let us "not return to folly" (Ps 85:8)!]
Deu 7:12
Deu 28:1-2
Ezek 33:4-5

B44. Harriet Tubman (c. 1820-1913)
Gal 3:27-28 for all of you who were baptized into Christ . . . There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
[ African-American Harriet Tubman was raised as a slave in Maryland. She was an abolitionist, which meant that she believed slavery should be abolished (stopped). In 1849 she escaped to the North and at some point made up her mind to help others escape, too! Making 19 dangerous trips back to the South, she led over 300 other slaves to freedom through what was known as the "Underground Railroad." Friends recognized that her strength came from her faith in the Lord. It is clear that she prayed often and relied on the Lord to guide her steps. Earning the nickname "Moses" (since Moses led his people out of Egypt to freedom), this brave woman also served the Union army as a spy, a nurse and a laundress. After the Civil War ended she even helped set up schools to educate freed slaves.1,2
In 1865 the 13th Amendment was added to our Constitution--the Abolition of Slavery. Just imagine Tubman’s joy when that happened! Now our country recognizes all people as being equal. Tubman’s courage, wisdom and hard work played a significant part in gaining equality for all Americans.]
Rom 10:12-13

[Opportunity: For more information about Harriet Tubman or about touring the Harriet Tubman Home, see http://www.nyhistory.com/harriettubman/home.htm ]

1Mark Galli and Ted Olsen, 131 Christians Everyone Should Know (Nashville: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 2000) 295-296.
2William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 592.

B45. Mark Twain (1835-1910)
Ps 102:3-5 For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is blighted and . . . I am reduced to skin and bones.
[ Mark Twain was the pen name of Samuel Clemens, a famous writer and humorist born in Missouri. He was known to poke fun at many people, things, situations and even himself. For instance, he said, "To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did; I ought to know because I’ve done it a thousand times."1 In other words, he never truly quit!
In those days, however, people didn’t know how truly dangerous smoking was. We know now that smoking is no laughing matter--it is very bad for you! Among other things, it turns your lungs all black, makes you cough, discolors your teeth, makes your hair and your clothes smell, is bad for your reputation, can give you all sorts of medical problems, and in many people, causes cancer. Through second-hand smoke, it can even endanger the lives of others.
Because smoking is addictive, once you start smoking, your body gets used to it and it can be very hard to stop, even if you really, really want to stop. So, if you don’t want to harm yourself, endanger others or be a slave to smoking, just don’t start at all!]
2 Pet 2:19

[Opportunity: For information about Mark Twain or about visiting the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, MO, or for a virtual tour, see http://www.marktwainmuseum.org/ ]

1 Donald O. Bolander, et al., eds., Instant Quotation Dictionary (Mundelein, IL: Career Publishing, Inc., 1989) 242.

B46. Uncle Sam [Uncle Sam leading a small parade, sailor girl, USA cheerleader, cowboy, Lincoln, soldier, each with sparkler and small flag]
2 Cor 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ . . .
[ During the War of 1812, Samuel Wilson, nicknamed "Uncle Sam," supplied meat to the Army from his meat-packing company in Troy, New York. He stamped his meat barrels with "U.S." for United States. Somehow that U.S.-stamp became related to the name "Uncle Sam." Eventually, the Uncle Sam idea inspired the creation of a popular make-believe person who dressed in patriotic colors and symbolized America.1
Dedicated Americans are very patriotic. That means we love our country. March in tune with one of our country’s most favorite patriotic songs, "God Bless America." Be a dedicated American! Be patriotic! Let everybody know that you stand beside America, the land that you love!]
1 Ki 8:57-58
Ps 147:13
2 Chr 15:2

[Opportunity: For information about Samuel "Uncle Sam" Wilson or about touring his house in Hillsborough County, NH, see http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=4750 ]

1 "Uncle Sam's House," retrieved 28 Oct. 2010 <http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=4750>.

B47. Voters [elephant and donkey flanking voting booth]
Eccl 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
[ Voting is a great privilege. Conservative voters (those who tend to be more supportive of godly principles) are said to "lean to the right." They tend to be more protective of family values, traditional marriage, religious freedom and even life itself. Liberal voters (those who reject, or tend to be less supportive of, godly principles) are said to "lean to the left."
In 1971, 18-year-olds gained the right to vote. When you turn 18, learn all you can about the candidates and the issues. We can use Ecclesiastes 10:2 to remind us to vote wisely and to vote for conservative candidates that believe in God. In fact, John Jay, one of America’s Founding Fathers and the first chief justice of the Supreme Court, said it is our Christian nation’s duty and privilege to "select and prefer Christians for their rulers."1 You can research candidates by checking their voting records on the Internet. These show if the decisions they have made in the past support God’s word or not.
In some cases, a candidate for office is an incumbent (he or she has already been holding that job) and they have no one running against them, so the voting choice is just "yes" or "no" as to whether to keep them in office. In these cases, if the candidate establishes ungodly rules or makes other ungodly decisions, then it is best to just vote "no" and to try to get a more godly person into that job. Conservative voters have been able in the past to get rid of some of these ungodly incumbents!
Voters also vote on whether to accept proposed new laws. Study the proposed laws and choose the ones that support God’s word. There is strength in unity, so don’t waste your vote! Make good choices that help protect life, families, traditional marriage, religious freedom, freedom in general, peace, safety, national security, a solid economy and a strong military. Help keep our country strong!]
Ex 18:21
Prov 29:2
2 Sam 23:3-4

[Note: For Mom, Dad and anyone else of voting age, you can download a free, non-partisan voters guide at the Christian Coalition of America's website at http://www.cc.org/ . They gather information on where both incumbents and candidates stand on the issues so you can make informed choices at the voting booth. Or for several types of voting resources, see Wallbuilders' voter resources page at http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=94 . For some interesting history on the Republican and Democratic parties and their original stance on slavery (anti-slavery and pro-slavery, respectively, see http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=133 ]

1 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 318.

B48. Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)
Prov 4:7 "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
[ Booker T. Washington, was an influential African-American educator, speaker and author. He was born in poverty as the son of a slave on a plantation in Virginia. In his early life he worked in a salt furnace, in coal mines and as a janitor. Obtaining his much-desired education, he became a teacher. Following teaching experience and studies at a seminary school, he became the first president and chief developer of what is now called Tuskegee University. He started the university with only two small buildings and very little money. By the time he died 34 years later, the university had nearly 200 teachers and was teaching 38 trades and professions, in over 100 buildings, to some 1,500 students.
Having studied the Bible, Washington had clearly learned how important obtaining wisdom is--after all, the words "wise" or "wisdom" are in the Bible over 400 times! A truly dedicated man, Washington worked hard to inspire other African-Americans to "get wisdom" as well. He encouraged them to get good educations, improve themselves and improve the quality of their lives. He promoted industrial education, financial self-reliance, farm management, land ownership, patience, thrift, good manners and high morals. Washington’s wisdom helped him become a very popular and highly esteemed spokesman for African-Americans in his time.1, 2]
Prov 8:10-11
Prov 9:9

[Opportunity: For information on Booker T. Washington, or on visiting or taking a virtual tour of The Oaks, the home of Booker T. Washington and the George W. Carver Museum, both at Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site in Alabama, see http://www.nps.gov/tuin ]

1 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., "Booker T. Washington," Biography.com, Retrieved 8 Dec 2010 <http://www.biography.com/articles/Booker-T.-Washington-9524663>.
2 "American Visionaries: Booker T. Washington," ParkNet National Park Service, 11 Apr 2000, Retrieved 8 Dec 2010 <http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/tuskegee/btwoverview.htm>.

B49. President George Washington (1732-1799) [picture Washington on his knees in prayer like the painting]
Jer 20:11 But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. . .
[ George Washington is called the "Father of Our Country." Born in Virginia, he was America’s first president (from 1789-1797). Washington was a very strong believer in God, who led by example, prayed often and left many journal notes that showed his firm faith.
Washington was Commander-in-Chief of our revolutionary forces in our fight for freedom and independence from England. He expected his men to avoid profanity, swearing and drunkenness. He also expected his men to attend worship services. Moreover, in one of his messages to his troops he said, "The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man, will endeavor so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country."
Although he usually prayed in private, he was occasionally discovered by others on his knees in prayer. It is only fitting then that our nation’s Capitol Building honors Washington with a stained glass window that shows him on his knees, praying, with the words, "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust." (from Ps 16:1). How fitting, too, that the chair provided for Washington to sit in while presiding over the Constitutional Convention was decorated with what Ben Franklin described as a rising sun. Why? The Bible says in 2 Samuel 23:3-4 that godly rulers are like "the light of morning at sunrise."
The Lord honored Washington’s faith, keeping him from any major injury or disease during the war. In fact, during one battle, Washington received four bullet holes through his coat and had two horses shot out from underneath him, yet he was not wounded! He believed that the Lord had shielded him and stopped the bullets from harming him (Prov 2:7). Washington repeatedly thanked the Lord for helping America in our battle for independence and for helping him.
God chose this man of faith, honor and wisdom to lead our country during its early years (Rom 13:1). You, like Washington can be a "good soldier of Christ Jesus," too (2 Tim 2:3). Pray often, study the Bible, be a good example for others and let the light of Christ shine through you.1, 2, 3, 4
2 Sam 10:12
2 Sam 23:3-4

[Opportunity: For more information about George Washington, touring his Mount Vernon, VA, home or for a virtual tour, see http://www.mountvernon.org/ . For information about visiting his Colonial Beach, VA, birthplace, see http://www.nps.gov/gewa/ . For visiting the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., see http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc72.htm ]

1 Peter Marshall and David Manuel, The Light and the Glory (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1977) 284-289, 322-323.
2 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 634-660.
3 Betsy and Giulio Maestro, A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution (New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shephard Books, 1987) 29.
4 Joan Heilbroner, Meet George Washington (New York: Random House, Inc., 1989)

B50. Daniel Webster (1782-1852)
Prov 31:8-9 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves . . . defend the rights of the poor and needy."
[ New Hampshire-born Daniel Webster was well known for being an excellent and persuasive public speaker--one of the best in U.S. history. The most notable lawyer of his day, he argued cases in the Supreme Court and earned the title the "Defender of the Constitution." He believed in God, the Bible and the need for our country to be thoroughly familiar with the Bible if we wished to stay strong. In fact, he said, "Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens." A very dedicated, patriotic statesmen, he was also a congressman, a senator and a secretary of state.1, 2, 3
Becoming a lawyer takes a lot of hard work and study. Once a person becomes a lawyer, they can do a great deal of good, not only for individuals who need help, but also for our country. For instance, they can work to get laws passed that support family values and protect lives. Lawyers can also work to protect our constitutional rights guaranteeing our religious freedom.
As an example, the Ten Commandments have played an important part in shaping the morals of America. Our country has displayed them in schools, courthouses and public places for centuries. Teaching and honoring God’s word this way has served our country well and helped keep us strong. Unfortunately, in recent years, some people have fought to try to have the Ten Commandments removed from public places. Many of God’s faithful judges, lawyers, politicians and other servants are working to try to keep them in place.
When you grow up, you can support godly causes, too (Mat 5:6). And don’t forget to vote for good Christian leaders who support family values and protect lives!]
Is 1:17
Prov 17:15
Jer 22:16

[Opportunity: For more information about Daniel Webster or about touring the Daniel Webster Birthplace State Historic Site in New Hampshire, see http://www.nhstateparks.com/danielwebster.html ]

1 William J. Federer, America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1996) 668-669.
2 "Qualifications for Public Office," Retrieved 6 Dec 2010 <http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=68>.
3 "America's Religious Heritage: As Demonstrated in Presidential Inaugurations Retrieved 6 Dec 2010 <http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=19942>.

B51. Wilbur Wright and Orville Wright (1867-1912) (1871-1948)
Prov 24:16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again . . .
[ Wilbur Wright (born in Indiana) and Orville Wright (born in Ohio) were the famous brothers who invented the first practical airplane--but it wasn’t easy! Their father, a bishop with the United Brethren Church, was mechanically minded. Both boys enjoyed working with tools in their father's workshop. Even their mother liked to build things--she once made the boys a sled out of wood and parts from an old stove!
In their earlier years, the boys had a print shop and later a bicycle shop. When they became interested in flight, they started studying the experiments of others who had tried to make "flying machines." They also spent many hours outside studying birds. They worked on their designs for several years, encountering numerous difficulties. They even built their own gasoline-powered engine for the plane.
Finally, in December 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville made the first self-powered airplane flight. It lasted for 12 seconds and the plane went a distance of 120 feet. Within five years they had greatly improved their designs and a Wright plane could fly for over an hour.
As the forerunner to the modern airplanes of today, their invention has benefited mankind tremendously. Even though they experienced many problems, the Wright brothers persevered (they never gave up). You, too, can follow their example. Are you working on some worthwhile, but challenging thing? Persevere, even if you fail repeatedly! Remember, try, try again!1, 2, 3]
Heb 10:35-36
Prov 13:19

[Opportunity: The National Air and Space Museum's National Mall Building in Washington, D.C. houses the original 1903 Wright plane; for more information, see http://www.nasm.si.edu/ . For information about visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Manteo, NC, see http://www.nps.gov/wrbr/ ]

1 Harold A. Eibling, et al., "Wilbur and Orville Wright: Pioneers in Aviation," Great Names in Our Country's Story (Sacramento, CA: California State Department of Education, 1962) 223-229.
2 Andrew Woods, Young Orville and Wilbur Wright: First to Fly (U.S.A: Troll Associates, 1992) 7.
3 Jack B. Long, "The Wright Brothers and the Age of Flight," My Fun With Learning 4: America's Story (Nashville: The Southwestern Company, 1993) 183.
B52. Yankee Doodle [3 boys poised like the fife/drum unit in Spirit of ‘76]
Ps 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD . . .
[ During our Revolutionary War, British soldiers in their fancy uniforms sang the song "Yankee Doodle" (doodle meant foolish and yankee was a name for New Englanders) to make fun of our poorly dressed colonial soldiers. However, instead of getting mad we proudly adopted the song as our own! Now it is a time-honored tradition to sing Yankee Doodle at Independence Day celebrations around the country.1
There is also a famous painting by Archibald M. Willard which he called Yankee Doodle. He painted it for display at the 1876 celebration in Philadelphia of America’s 100th anniversary of independence. The painting depicts three generations of our colonial soldiers: a grandson, a grandfather and a father. Now the painting is called The Spirit of ‘76. The painting was very popular with Americans and Willard painted several different versions of it.2
That title can help remind us that the Spirit of the Lord is with those who love and obey Him. Most of the key people in our nation’s early history were dedicated Christians, along with a very large portion of the population. When a nation loves and obeys God, and remains faithful to Him, He showers blessings on them. In America’s case, one of those many blessings was the extra power through His Spirit to defeat much stronger enemy forces in our precious fight for freedom!]
1 Chr 28:8
Jer 7:23
Zech 4:6

[Opportunity: For more information about Archibald M. Willard or to see one version of his most famous painting, see http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=412&nm=Archibald-Willard ]

1 Judy Hull Moore, Our America (Pensacola, FL: A Beka Book Publications, 1986) 45-49.
2 "Archibald Willard," Ohio History Central: An Online Encyclopedia of Ohio History, Retrieved 3 Dec 2010 <http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=412&nm=Archibald-Willard>.