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From the time of the Revolutionary War, when citizens stood forward to defend their liberties against the depredations of tyranny, all the way through Civil War, through the great World Wars, this nation has been defended by the tradition of common ordinary folks who come from behind the plow, come from the store-clerking, come from the classrooms to get on the battlefields--ordinary citizens turned into heroes in defense of their liberty, because that's the potential of freedom.

Alan Keyes#27

FreedomCitizensCivicsHistory

About this quote

What does it mean?
Ordinary citizens historically defend liberty in wars, showing the potential of freedom.
In plain terms
Ordinary people defend liberty.
What can you take from it?
Celebrate ordinary citizens in defense.

Where it applies

  • historical reflection
  • patriotism
  • civic pride

Putting it to work

  • honor civilian service
  • document citizen history

Questions to consider

  • Who defends freedom?
  • What makes a hero?

Another view

Not all conflicts are defended by citizens equally.

More from Alan Keyes

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  3. Sen. Bob Smith has succeeded in amending an upcoming appropriations bill to beat back the latest wave of Clinton administration disrespect for two key elements…

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