Patriotism In Our Schools

It's one thing to decry the lack of patriotism displayed by some of our public schools and teachers, it's another to do something about it. In that regard I'd like to tell everyone about The Joe Foss Institute, and organization about which I learned just last week.

The Joe Foss Institute is dedicated to promoting patriotism, public service, integrity and the appreciation of America’s freedoms. It is our vision to encourage an informed patriotism and to be nationally recognized as the premier organization promoting patriotism through personal contact in schools and with youth groups.

We encourage our audiences to be protective of the ideals upon which this country was founded and to read their founding documents to understand the ideals. Our mission is accomplished through our "Veterans Inspiring Patriotism"program.

The JOE FOSS Institute is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization inspired and founded by Medal of Honor Recipient, General Joe Foss and his wife, Didi Foss.

The Veterans Inspiring Patriotism program sounds wonderful. In addition to that program, annual student essay competitions allow students to win scholarships of $5,000. According to the November 2008 Education Matters newsletter, "The school where the recipient is enrolled will receive $500; the recipient's classroom will receive $250."

The Joe Foss Institute sounds like good people doing good work.