America: The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave
When our Founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, they laid out the importance of freedom from tyranny and happiness.
“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.”
But what do Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness mean? As Americans, we usually sum it up in one simple word — FREEDOM.
America was born from the understanding that as citizens we are entitled to civil rights and liberties; we have freedom of speech, press, and religion. We have a right to assemble, to bear arms, and due process of law. We have these rights— and many more. Freedom. It’s never to be taken for granted.
Historic Reminders of Freedom
Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863, reminded us as a country why fighting for freedom is not in vain.
“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here 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 Puritan pilgrim John Winthrop provided one of the earliest examples of the America he imagined in his 1630 sermon entitled “A Model of Christian Charity” in which he describes America as a “shining city on a hill” based on scripture found in Matthew. President Reagan was moved by this reference and used it in his farewell speech to the country.
“I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it and see it still.”
Washington, DC, our nation's capital, reveals everything we hold dear as Americans, honoring those who paved the way before us. From the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, and the National Mall. The Library of Congress to the Jefferson Memorial, and the White House— all paint a clear picture of why our country is so beloved, sacred, and revered.
So don’t miss this special opportunity to join America’s favorite storyteller Mike Rowe on an epic journey to the heart of Washington, DC, as he walks us through the streets of our nation’s capital to reveal the history and experiences that shaped who we are and where we are going.
Who Is Mike Rowe?
Mike Rowe is a writer, narrator, producer, TV Host, and best-selling author. He is the creator and host of the iconic TV series Dirty Jobs. Mike is best known as the “dirtiest man on TV,” but he feels his true calling is storytelling.
Mike continues to tap the country on the shoulder to remind us that “these are the people you should know.” In his role as a perpetual apprentice, he has highlighted hundreds of workers in dozens of essential industries. His foundation has awarded nearly nine million dollars in work ethic scholarships to more than 1800 hardworking people and his commitment to reinvigorate the skilled trades is unrivaled.
What Should We Expect To See?
Are you ready to discover the hidden narratives of the courageous individuals who shaped America? In this captivating journey through history, Mike Rowe pays tribute to the veterans and unsung American heroes who sacrificed everything for our nation. From the American Revolution to World War II and beyond, Something to Stand For celebrates the unwavering spirit of our country. Inspired by Mike Rowe's popular podcast, The Way I Heard It, this series uncovers mysteries and sheds light on the lesser-known stories of American heroism.
Part mystery, part history—each harrowing tale tells a story you’ve never heard about the patriots who built our country. From the legendary rebels we call the “Founding Fathers” to the unknown Marines of Iwo Jima—these are the Americans who risked everything to build the country we love and call home. These are the American heroes who gave us Something To Stand For!
About TBN
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