I have a certain fascination with American History. Actually, all history, but since I'm American, and I live here, the stories of our colorful past just really interest me.
A few years ago, I was with my family in Washington D.C., and I had the opportunity to see the flag that flew over Fort McHenry on the night it was bombarded by British war ships during the war of 1812. The same flag which, that very night, inspired Francis Scott Key to pen The Star Spangled Banner.
During that same trip, I took a walking tour of Fort McHenry, for the first time understanding the full magnitude of what the song means. And since then, our national anthem continues to be a touching reminder to me of how much was sacrificed to build this country.
So when I heard about the summer adventure challenge being issued by author L.C. Lewis, I HAD to jump on board. Because no matter where you are in America, we are all surrounded by history.
I'm going to take this challenge, and drag my family along with me--not because of the prizes offered, but because these are the kind of activities that stick with us and shape us into better people. And hey, if we win some prizes along the way, it only makes it that much more fun!
The details from L.C. Lewis:
This
summer marks the anniversaries of some profound American history. The
sesquicentennial of the Civil War continues this summer, and August and
September mark the 200th of anniversary of significant historical events from
the War of 1812.
August
14th will mark the 200th anniversary of the British burning of America's
capital, Washington D.C., including the torching of the White House, known then
as The President's House, and the Capitol, which then housed the original
Library of Congress. Along with these American architectural treasures,
thousands of irreplaceable volumes were lost from our nation's library.
September
12-13 will mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore, the birth of The Star-Spangled Banner, and the moment
America began its love affair with the red, white, and blue,.
Sadly,
economic issues and budget cuts have forced the cancellation of many public
celebrations planned to mark these poignant events.
So
families, it’s time to hit the road and create your own Star-Spangled Summer
Adventure!
Laurie
L.C. Lewis, author of the “Freemen and Dreamers” series, which covers this
period of history, and some of her author friends, are hosting this
Star-Spangled Summer Celebration to encourage families to rediscover America
and her history. You visit local, state, or federal landmarks with your family,
and we’ll provide some added incentive.
Here’s
how you enter:
1. Visit five American historical
landmarks, (even your local landmarks count), between Flag Day, June 14th, and
Defender’s Day, September 12th.
2. Email photos of your family standing in
front of a sign or building indicating where you went. Use this email address: starspangledsummeradventure@gmail.com
That’s
it!
Additional
entries will be awarded for those who promote the SSSA by posting the
official badge and link on their blog, and link to it via their Facebook page,
or on Twitter. Just send an email with
the corresponding link to starspangledsummeradventure@gmail.com
Additional
entries can also be earned by submitting a brief, (250 words or less),
testimonial recounting
your experience on a leg of your “Star-Spangled Adventure.” These will be
posted on my blog over the summer.
One
family will be selected to win the prize package on September 13th. Visit the
official Star-Spangled Summer Adventure page at
http://www.laurielclewis.com/summer-adventure.htm.
Prizes
are still coming in, but the package now includes a Vivitar Digital Video
Recorder; a $50 gift card to Bed, Bath, and Beyond; a commemorative set of the
Charters of Freedom, suitable for framing; and a family-worthy collection of autographed
books from authors in a variety of genres. (From Nichole: Also, this package includes a print first edition copy of DESCENDANT.)
So
hit the road, and let us see what great American history you find!
Warmly,
Laurie
L. C. Lewis
Nichole Giles
No comments:
Post a Comment