The Empty Chair: A Memorial Day Story
The morning sun of late May warmed the small backyard in Indiana, casting long shadows across a perfectly manicured lawn. Arthur sat on the porch, his hands wrapped around a warm mug of coffee, watching his grandchildren run through the grass. It was Memorial Day, a day the rest of the neighborhood celebrated with the smoke of backyard grills, the clinking of ice glasses, and the laughter of early summer. To the kids, it was the three-day weekend that signaled the end of the school year. But to Arthur, it was something entirely different. He looked over at the patio [...]
Community Update: Praying for Healing for La Porte County Deputy Jon Samuelson
On behalf of the Samuelson family, La Porte County Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg has announced an update regarding Deputy Jon Samuelson. Following the senseless incident at Franciscan Health Hospital – Michigan City Campus, Deputy Samuelson was airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for advanced medical treatment. A team of surgeons and medical staff prepared Deputy Samuelson for surgery. He underwent approximately eight hours of surgery, which surgeons later described as successful. Medical staff remain optimistic regarding his recovery. Deputy Samuelson remains in critical but stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital. Statement from Sheriff Ronald C. [...]
How Perception Became Reality: America Through the Eyes of Youth
Many parents today feel a growing disconnect when speaking with their children about patriotism, leadership, and America’s role in the world. Conversations that once centered on opportunity and gratitude now often turn toward criticism and distrust. Why is that? A significant part of the answer may lie in education. The ideas students absorb in classrooms — about history, government, economics, and culture — shape how they interpret current events and political leaders. When those lessons emphasize division or moral failure without equal attention to America’s founding principles and achievements, perceptions can shift dramatically. Over time, perception becomes reality. In a [...]
Tribute to John Hancock & The Story of His Ship The Lydia
This Isn't Permission. It's Physical Removal. (by Michael Boldin and the The Tenth Amendment Center) THROW. THEM. OUT. That's how John Hancock and the Sons of Liberty dealt with warrantless searches and seizures. They didn't wait for permission. They didn't file lawsuits. They literally threw government agents out of town. Commemorating John Hancock’s birthday - January 23, 1737 - this is the incredible story of physical removal - the founders' timeless blueprint of how to be free, whether the government likes it or not. Watch on Youtube THE LYDIA April 1768. British customs agents boarded Hancock's ship, the Lydia. They [...]
Martha Suggs- Spencer looks back on a life spent saving stories
Reposted with permission by Maksym Hart, Staff Writer, www.inkfreenews.com For decades, Martha Suggs-Spencer has carried history not just in boxes and binders, but in memory and lived experience. Spencer, founder of the now-closed James Douglas Suggs Underground Railroad Museum in Vandalia and co-creator of the long-running Freedom Festival with her late husband, Willie Lee King Spencer, has spent most of her life preserving stories others might overlook. Stories of family, freedom and survival passed down orally through generations. Born into a family shaped by migration, segregation and endurance, Spencer traces her devotion to history back to her father, James Douglas Suggs, [...]
Let it Be Christmas
Written by Doug Todd, USMC, 63-67
Celebrating Gratitude & Freedom — A We The Kids Thanksgiving
Dear We The Kids Family, As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to take a moment to reflect on the values that bring us together — gratitude, community, family, and the spirit of helping one another. At We The Kids Inc., these values guide everything we do, from empowering young leaders to preserving America’s history through the voices of our kids. This season reminds us that even in a fast-moving world, it’s important to pause and appreciate the blessings we share — freedom, opportunity, and the people who stand beside us. 🦃 A Thanksgiving Message to Our Supporters We are deeply thankful [...]
Theodore Roosevelt’s Raccoon: Fact or Presidential Pet Myth?
Support a clever new entrepreneur with a big dream! Fresh ideas, heartfelt purpose, and the courage to build something meaningful — this is what American entrepreneurship is all about. Check them out and be part of their success story! 🇺🇸💪 Buy the T-Shirt Now ($24.99) Theodore Roosevelt and his family were famous for their love of animals. During their time in the White House, they cared for one of the largest collections of pets in presidential history — from dogs, cats, and horses to chickens, parrots, and even a badger! But did they really have a raccoon? Some stories suggest [...]
Inspiring Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes on Leadership, Courage & Hope
Support a clever new entrepreneur with a big dream! Fresh ideas, heartfelt purpose, and the courage to build something meaningful — this is what American entrepreneurship is all about. Check them out and be part of their success story! 🇺🇸💪 Buy the T-Shirt Now ($24.99) Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most influential voices in American history, left behind words that continue to inspire generations. Her quotes on leadership, courage, empathy, and resilience remind us to live bravely, act with compassion, and believe in the beauty of our dreams. Here are some of her most timeless words of wisdom — as [...]
WTK Teen Afton interviews award-winning Dr. Rebecca Price Janney – Directed by WTK Teen Mallory
We are thrilled to share our latest We The Kids Teen Reporter Interview, featuring the award-winning Dr. Rebecca Price Janney — Historian, Author, and Speaker — best known for her inspiring historical novels and thought-provoking storytelling. 🎙️ Interviewed by: Afton Campbell, We The Kids Teen Reporter 🎬 Directed & Filmed by: Mallory Tidwell, We The Kids Teen Administrator 🌐 Learn more about Dr. Janney: www.rebeccapricejanney.com In this engaging conversation, Afton sits down with Dr. Janney to discuss her acclaimed book, East of the Sun – A Novel of the Korean War, a heartfelt story described by readers as “a gem [...]
The Gettysburg Address-We The Kids Friendly Version
A long time ago—87 years ago, to be exact—our Founding Fathers created a new country right here in America. They believed in freedom and that all people are created equal. Now, we are in the middle of a terrible war between the North and South. We are standing on a battlefield where many brave soldiers gave their lives to keep our country united. It’s right that we honor them. But really, we can’t make this place more special—the brave soldiers already did that through their courage and sacrifice. What they did here is more powerful than anything we can say. [...]
WTK Reporter Libby interviewed Professor Jonathan W White, PhD
Jonathan W. White is professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University. He is author or editor of 19 books and more than 100 articles, essays and reviews about Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, slavery and emancipation, and the U.S. Constitution. His book A House Built By Slaves: African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House (2022), was co-winner (with Jon Meacham) of the 2023 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize. Among his other titles are Emancipation, the Union Army, and the Reelection of Abraham Lincoln (2014), which was named a best book by Civil War Monitor, was a finalist for both [...]