Each November, as Americans, we have the unique privilege to exercise our American Liberty by “V”oting and honoring our “V”eterans. Last Tuesday was Election Day and this Thursday is Veteran’s Day. How often do we take both for granted, let alone explain the importance to our children? Yet both are fundamental to the founding and longevity of our republic. Without either “V” our country would not exist.
Learn, Instruct and Vote
Voting is at the heart of our democratic republic. In 1776, 13 elected state representatives, under penalty of death, elected (New York Representative abstained) to declare independence from England whereby establishing the United States of America as a sovereign nation. Our constitution, ratified by a vote, established our federal government with three representative voting branches and ensures every citizen’s right to vote. Yet today, sadly, only about 50% of our country votes every November.
Voting is a core family value for the Howards. For us, it is not just an obligation or duty, but rather a privilege to be cherished. When you look back over the course of history, you will quickly discover how rare and precious voting rights are. We vote in every election and make certain that we know “why” and “what” we are voting for and against. Additionally, we make sure our boys know the issues and candidates we are voting for and against.
Here are some of the things we did, over the years, to educate our boys on the importance of citizenship and voting:
- Discuss the issues and candidates at mealtime. Healthy debate and discussion not only clarifies your own thinking, but also helps your children to understand your family values in a very tangible way.
- Take your kids to vote or have them help complete your ballot. Prior to mail-in ballots, we would always take our boys to our polling venue and let them watch us vote. As they got older, we let them watch us complete our mail-in ballots.
- Watch the election results on TV and discuss the outcomes. Seeing the returns come in can be fun, but discussing the results are very important. Not all results go in our favor. How we react and respond to the undesirable results says a lot about who we are as a family. For example, we voted against legalizing marijuana in Colorado and had many great conversations with our boys about the ramifications of those results and how we, individually and collectively, handle ourselves in this legalized drug environment.
Voting is a privilege that should not be taken lightly or for granted. Millions of men, women and, even, children have died to preserve that privilege for you and your children.
Home of the Brave
Every November 11th we have the privilege to honor those that currently serve, and have served, our country. Originally established as Armistice Day in 1938, in observance of the ending of World War I, Veteran’s Day recognizes not only those that have died serving our country (Memorial Day), but anyone who has ever served to defend our liberty.
Genuine appreciation of our veterans is another core family value for the Howards. We’ve made certain, that our boys clearly understand the commitment, sacrifice and danger associated with military service.
Here is a list of things we did to educate our boys about the military so they don’t take those who serve for granted:
- The Pledge of Allegiance and The National Anthem. Early on, we instructed our boys on memorizing the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem. This included instructing and role playing about standing, taking off your hat, placing your hand over your heart, and saying/singing aloud to honor those that serve our country.
- Respecting and properly displaying and the American Flag. Our flag represents our country and those that serve. Not showing proper respect or displaying reverence to our flag dishonors those that serve our country. Here is a great site that addresses proper etiquette when it comes to handling and displaying our flag: http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html
- Visit museums, military academies, and historical sites to make it real. Talking about the military and watching movies are fine, but actually seeing artifacts and seeing military men and women is powerful. Our boys were always awestruck when we visited the Air Force Academy!
- Vote! Honor those that serve and have served our country, by voting. Don’t let their sacrifice be in vain or taken for granted.
We encourage you talk to your kids about voting in last week’s election and think of how you will honor our veterans on Thursday. Determine what that looks like for your family…you could fly the American flag, watch this video with your kids, or make the time to pray as a family for our country and thank God for the two V’s of American Liberty!
Blessings to your Family, our Nation and our Veterans,
Shelly & Rich