WOL: Why a Museum of Patriotism?
"Our founders believed the study of history and citizenship should be at the core of every American's education. To be an American is not just a matter of blood or birth; we are bound by ideals, and our children must know our ideals. Yet today, our children have large and disturbing gaps in their knowledge of history" President George W. Bush, September 2002
The problem of historical illiteracy:
- 57% of high school seniors have less than a basic level of knowledge of the principles of democratic self-governance and freedom.
- More than a third of college's students at leading institutions were unable to identify the U.S. Constitution as establishing the division of power in our government.
- Over 50% of high school seniors on a national test identified Italy, Germany or Japan as a U.S. ally in the World War II.
