Sense of Congress Regarding Territories of the United States
SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING TERRITORIES OF THE UNITED STATES -- (House of Representatives - June 23, 2008)
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Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 2, expressing the sense of the Congress that schools in the United States should honor the contributions of individuals from the territories of the United States by including such contributions in the teaching of the United States history.
Scholars say that teaching history to children has many important lifelong benefits. History provides them with identity. Studying history improves their decision-making and judgment. History highlights models of good and responsible citizenship. History also teaches students how to learn from the mistakes of societies' past. History helps them understand change and societal development, and it provides a context from which to understand others.
Students today need to be engaged in substantive historical content. Only through curriculum that provides solid, exciting historical narratives and working with materials firsthand will students grasp the essential events of American history and proficiently comprehend the crucial issues of modern society.
Included in our schools' history curriculum should be a look at the contributions of individuals from the territory of the United States. From revolutionary times through the second World War, these territories have played significant roles in American history.
Individuals who lived in U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Midway Islands, the Mariana Islands, and American Samoa have all contributed to the history and cultural fabric of our country in unique ways. As such, the stories of their accomplishments and challenges should be passed down to our young people and included when we talk about the rich history of this great country.
I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.
I reserve the balance of my time.
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