All Aboard the Give Me Liberty Bus!
The Liberty Bus is here to get fifth-grade students excited about civics. Imagine a museum or classroom on wheels. This bus helps kids understand the important role civics plays in our lives.
“Civics” is about what rights and responsibilities we have as citizens. For example, when someone says, “I have a right to free speech!” civics education helps them understand what that means, the responsibilities that come with it, and the history of that right.
Through the Give Me Liberty program, which includes the Liberty Bus, United We Pledge wants to inspire kids to learn about their roles and opportunities in American life. We start by teaching them about important documents like the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
The Give Me Liberty Bus is a big part of this program, and we wanted to show it to you because your support helps make it possible. Your donations are very important, and we couldn’t do this without you.
Thank you!
As you approach the bus, you see images of important people from American history. One side shows Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. The other side features Phyllis Wheatley, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. On both sides, there are the words “Ignite Your Possible,” encouraging students to think big.
On the bus, students will learn about these historical figures and how they made a difference in the past, opening doors for the future. Let’s take a quick look at who they are:
- George Washington led the army during the American Revolution and helped win independence. Then he was elected the first President of the United States. For more insight into George Washington’s life, click here.
- Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and was the third U.S. President. His ideas on rights and government guide democracies even today.
- Martha, supported the troops and set many First Lady traditions. She embraced her responsibilities with poise despite her initial hesitance towards public life.
- Abigail Adams, the wife of President John Adams, was a strong advocate for women’s rights and played a big role in American history.
- Benjamin Franklin was creative and invented things like bifocal glasses and lightning rods. He showed the world what it means to be an American. You can read our post about Benjamin Franklin here.
- Phyllis Wheatley was a poet who overcame slavery to become the first African-American woman to publish a book. She received praise for her work from people like George Washington.
A Brief Tour of the Give Me Liberty Bus
Inside the Liberty Bus, there are three rooms to explore:
- Why Choose America? – This room is about why people choose to move to America, like searching for freedom or opportunity. Students also think about their own family stories.
- The Documents Room – Students learn about the American Revolution and the importance of documents like the Declaration of Independence. They see a display and watch videos about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, using iPads to explore more.
- The Importance of History Room – With the phrase “Anything is Possible” on the wall, this room encourages students to dream big and recognize the freedoms they have today to follow their dreams.
We remind these young learners that they are future leaders who will preserve the freedoms fought for by the Founders. They were ordinary people who did extraordinary things, just like these kids can.
The Give Me Liberty Bus is one part of the Give Me Liberty program. We want to spark students’ interest in being good citizens. The program also includes actors who visit schools to demonstrate historical skills like candle making, linking these activities to important principles like the value of freedom.
Thank you for coming along on this tour of the Give Me Liberty Bus. Your support empowers young people with the knowledge and inspiration to uphold the principles of freedom.
