As one who taught US history at the University level for 60 years, I retired in 2023 at age 88, I agree with you. I contended that we needed to feature both the warts and dimples of US history. That said how can we argue that a student should be allowed to graduate from an accredited college or university without courses in US history and government? Such a requirement is within the power of the institution itself. No outside intervention is needed. This and a comparable high school requirement, to me, is where we should start.
Kudos sir, years is quite a run and a civics lesson as well. Alas, too many colleges/universities and crucially high schools have instilled dogma, narratives and nonsense in the stead of critical thinking.
This is one of the best pieces about our country, its history, and its promise that I’ve read in a very, very long time. I am sharing it with friends and family. A vital reminder of how blessed we are to live here. Thank you, H.R., for writing this.
It’s fitting that the World Cup is here over the 4th. Watching and hearing about visitors marveling and gushing over what the US offers to its people is incredibly inspirational. Watching our citizens unite around the notion of patriotic support of the USMNT is so very affirming. I pray that all this puts the lie to the negativity and dissension we’re all so very tired of, helps us to appreciate what we have, and prompts us to achieve the aspirations that our founders had in mind when they signed the Declaration of Independence.
History has 20/20 vision and the further back one looks that vision becomes more acute. We currently have a President who appears myopic or blind to the history of our nation and the contributions our forebears have made to make this country great.
We must study our history, recognizing its progress to mankind and the ongoing quest to correct our mistakes and improve our accomplishments. This current President is blind to our bumps toward creating a better union as he rewrites current history in misreading the historical eye chart, to fit his own narrative. Teaching and studying this current chapter in our journey will illuminate and provide the insights needed to make this a better place for people of all stripes to live. Based on the historical record the future seems bright for the world’s first constitutional democracy.
Thank you General for you wonderful and needed essay as we celebrate our first 250 years.
This is an outstanding essay by Gen. H.R. McMaster.
Whether you agree with every point or not, it challenges us to think about an issue that deserves far more attention: the importance of understanding our nation's history before trying to shape its future.
One observation particularly resonated with me: "Ignorance of America's institutions, principles, and history weakens commitment to our nation and its future." That is a lesson that reaches far beyond politics. It applies to leadership, citizenship, military service, education, and every generation entrusted with preserving our constitutional republic.
History should never become a tool for either blind celebration or selective condemnation. It should be studied honestly—with the confidence to recognize America's extraordinary achievements, the humility to acknowledge our shortcomings, and the wisdom to learn from both. We honor our past not by pretending it was perfect, but by understanding it well enough to build something even better.
As we approach America's 250th anniversary, Gen. McMaster reminds us that the strength of our Republic ultimately rests not only on our institutions, but on an informed and engaged citizenry. A nation that forgets its history risks surrendering the very principles that made it worth remembering.
It is a timely, thought-provoking piece and well worth reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who cares about America's future as well as his books Dereliction of Duty, Battlegrounds, and At War with Ourselves
Thank you for speaking out, and for giving the good people of our beloved country an informative history lesson. Thank you General for your service. 🇺🇸
As a solid traditional liberal Democrat; I wholly endorse this brief essay. And people can move beyond race in how they see people;
I worked with a Black male staff who also had long hair and a beard; and we were similar height and build. The Black, White and Latino teen boys we were working with would constantly call us by the others name; and then state that we looked alike; some saying " you could be brothers"
And when a new college graduate hire started telling the residents that the white male staff were inherently racist; they filled a grievance on her. Does that mean racism is gone? No; but it does show that race is not foremost in everyone's life. And those kids had experienced; poverty; abuse; corrupt police; gang racism/ violence; and as we would point out; a government that was spending up to over 20K a month in a non lock up program to help them.
And an offer of free college/ trade school. And BLM wouldn't publicize the program options.
The failure to teach American History in our school's rests squarely with the educational institution and the Dept of Education. Culpable in this negligence are the professors and teachers using tenure and unions to promote irrelevant curriculum.
Regardless, you cannot escape your past. You are no better than the shallow lessons you are trying to rescue from your time enabling the tyrant. History will judge you harshly for your arrogance in trying to rescue the detritus from your travels among the cowardly enablers of a Mephistopheles. Shame on trying to capitalize on your failure to serve with principle. You belong in the cesspool of Washington. Once you step in the muck it sticks to you. Vulture.
As one who taught US history at the University level for 60 years, I retired in 2023 at age 88, I agree with you. I contended that we needed to feature both the warts and dimples of US history. That said how can we argue that a student should be allowed to graduate from an accredited college or university without courses in US history and government? Such a requirement is within the power of the institution itself. No outside intervention is needed. This and a comparable high school requirement, to me, is where we should start.
Gus Seligmann
Kudos sir, years is quite a run and a civics lesson as well. Alas, too many colleges/universities and crucially high schools have instilled dogma, narratives and nonsense in the stead of critical thinking.
Balls & strikes.
This is one of the best pieces about our country, its history, and its promise that I’ve read in a very, very long time. I am sharing it with friends and family. A vital reminder of how blessed we are to live here. Thank you, H.R., for writing this.
It’s fitting that the World Cup is here over the 4th. Watching and hearing about visitors marveling and gushing over what the US offers to its people is incredibly inspirational. Watching our citizens unite around the notion of patriotic support of the USMNT is so very affirming. I pray that all this puts the lie to the negativity and dissension we’re all so very tired of, helps us to appreciate what we have, and prompts us to achieve the aspirations that our founders had in mind when they signed the Declaration of Independence.
A happy and blessed 4th and 250th to all.
Thank you,
History has 20/20 vision and the further back one looks that vision becomes more acute. We currently have a President who appears myopic or blind to the history of our nation and the contributions our forebears have made to make this country great.
We must study our history, recognizing its progress to mankind and the ongoing quest to correct our mistakes and improve our accomplishments. This current President is blind to our bumps toward creating a better union as he rewrites current history in misreading the historical eye chart, to fit his own narrative. Teaching and studying this current chapter in our journey will illuminate and provide the insights needed to make this a better place for people of all stripes to live. Based on the historical record the future seems bright for the world’s first constitutional democracy.
Thank you General for you wonderful and needed essay as we celebrate our first 250 years.
Gratefully
Alan W
Thank you Sir for your words of wisdom.
This is an outstanding essay by Gen. H.R. McMaster.
Whether you agree with every point or not, it challenges us to think about an issue that deserves far more attention: the importance of understanding our nation's history before trying to shape its future.
One observation particularly resonated with me: "Ignorance of America's institutions, principles, and history weakens commitment to our nation and its future." That is a lesson that reaches far beyond politics. It applies to leadership, citizenship, military service, education, and every generation entrusted with preserving our constitutional republic.
History should never become a tool for either blind celebration or selective condemnation. It should be studied honestly—with the confidence to recognize America's extraordinary achievements, the humility to acknowledge our shortcomings, and the wisdom to learn from both. We honor our past not by pretending it was perfect, but by understanding it well enough to build something even better.
As we approach America's 250th anniversary, Gen. McMaster reminds us that the strength of our Republic ultimately rests not only on our institutions, but on an informed and engaged citizenry. A nation that forgets its history risks surrendering the very principles that made it worth remembering.
It is a timely, thought-provoking piece and well worth reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who cares about America's future as well as his books Dereliction of Duty, Battlegrounds, and At War with Ourselves
Articulate and concise....everyone should read!
I sent this to my family and friends. Thank you.
The more I listen to General MM the more I think he is an American intellectual hero as well as a great battlefield leader.
Great stuff, HR! As usual.
Thank you for speaking out, and for giving the good people of our beloved country an informative history lesson. Thank you General for your service. 🇺🇸
The thing I don't get: we don't
expect anyone to be unalloyed perfection.
So why would we expect history, the recounting of collective human actions, to be?
As a solid traditional liberal Democrat; I wholly endorse this brief essay. And people can move beyond race in how they see people;
I worked with a Black male staff who also had long hair and a beard; and we were similar height and build. The Black, White and Latino teen boys we were working with would constantly call us by the others name; and then state that we looked alike; some saying " you could be brothers"
And when a new college graduate hire started telling the residents that the white male staff were inherently racist; they filled a grievance on her. Does that mean racism is gone? No; but it does show that race is not foremost in everyone's life. And those kids had experienced; poverty; abuse; corrupt police; gang racism/ violence; and as we would point out; a government that was spending up to over 20K a month in a non lock up program to help them.
And an offer of free college/ trade school. And BLM wouldn't publicize the program options.
The failure to teach American History in our school's rests squarely with the educational institution and the Dept of Education. Culpable in this negligence are the professors and teachers using tenure and unions to promote irrelevant curriculum.
Regardless, you cannot escape your past. You are no better than the shallow lessons you are trying to rescue from your time enabling the tyrant. History will judge you harshly for your arrogance in trying to rescue the detritus from your travels among the cowardly enablers of a Mephistopheles. Shame on trying to capitalize on your failure to serve with principle. You belong in the cesspool of Washington. Once you step in the muck it sticks to you. Vulture.
😢👍
Happy New Year 250 USA 🇺🇸