I wrote this opinion piece that was recently published in my local newspaper on Mother’s Day. However, it is patriotic in nature and I felt appropriate for my first official trump out into the blogosphere. Welcome to my world!

Raising a Generation of Great Americans
Or, as our newspaper called it-
Courageous Moms Look to Founding Mothers

Have you ever asked yourself what qualities make a great American? Is it the most popular child in class, the most athletic out on the field, or is it someone with courage who stood by their convictions and led their peers in a positive, yet necessary direction? I would suggest great Americans have an unconditional love for their country and knowledge of its history. In times of discontent, they seek solutions. In times of trouble, they offer hope and leadership. In times of peace, they offer innovation and encourage success. In fact, one might contend they lead us in a direction we may not want to go but need to be.

Our founding mothers managed to raise a generation befitting of this description and as a young mother today, I feel it is my duty as an American citizen to do the same.One must admire Abigail Adams, who raised four children alone on a farm while her husband traveled in service to the newly formed government of the United States. Abigail selflessly taught her children about the classics, culture, language and religion under the most extraordinary of circumstances. She taught them to respect life, love and the rights of others while instilling in them a passion for history and the world around them.

Our founding mothers also had their fair share of societal issues with which to contend. Not having the luxury of cell phones and email, women did not know the fate of loved ones for weeks, months or even years. Child birth was often experienced alone and was dangerous…not the much celebrated and relatively safe event of today. In early America, besieged by war and conflict on the home front, a mother’s fear for the safety and security of her family was overwhelming. I can’t imagine, as many did, sending my eleven year old son off to war.

Mothers of today should be concerned about the future of our country and the well being of its children We live in an America consumed by personal and commercial gain, an America where it is easier to blame others than to take personal responsibility in times of crisis. An America where technology opens many doors, but behind those doors lurk new and serious dangers.

The strong American mother of today must have an unconditional love of family. She serves others by volunteering at church, in the community or by working to support her family. Mothers, who ensure their children learn about history, culture, language and religion while personally setting examples of good citizenship and service. These same mothers recognize the inherent value of providing their children with a firm foundation in faith on which to stand. By modeling these principles, our founding mothers managed to raise a generation of great Americans. If we strive to follow in their footsteps, I am confident we can do the same.