Ronald Reagan, born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, became the 40th President of the United States and is remembered for his optimism, faith, and leadership during the final years of the Cold War. From his famous challenge to “tear down this wall” in Berlin to his resilience after surviving an assassination attempt, Reagan’s life reflected courage and confidence in the goodness of people. His legacy continues through his commitment to freedom, strong family devotion, and belief that principled leadership can inspire hope in difficult times.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/ronaldreagan-8

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

On February 5, 1952, the first pedestrian crossing signal—a hand-shaped “Don’t Walk” sign—was installed in New York City to help reduce the growing number of pedestrian accidents. While traffic lights had existed since 1914, this innovation focused specifically on pedestrian safety and introduced clearer patterns for crossing busy streets. Over time, crosswalk signals evolved to include sounds and accessibility features, reminding us that safety often comes from clear guidance and wise choices, both in daily life and in our personal conduct.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/crossing-light-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

February 4 is National Thank a Mail Carrier Day, a time to recognize the essential service of those who deliver mail in all conditions. From ancient couriers and the Pony Express to today’s USPS workers, mail carriers have played a vital role in communication and community life. Established practices by early leaders like Benjamin Franklin continue today as carriers serve every American household, making this day an opportunity to express gratitude for their service and for the daily blessings we receive.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/mailmanday-8

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

On February 3, 1913, the Sixteenth Amendment was ratified, granting the federal government the authority to collect an income tax. Proposed under President William Howard Taft and approved by the states over four years, the amendment shifted government funding away from tariffs and helped support a growing nation, especially during World War I. While income tax is mandatory, the principle of tithing stands in contrast as a voluntary act of faith, teaching that obedience to God brings blessings and reminding us of our responsibility to use our resources wisely.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/sixteenth-amendment-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Groundhog Day, celebrated each year on February 2, is a lighthearted tradition centered on Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog who predicts the arrival of spring. Rooted in German Candlemas customs brought to Pennsylvania by immigrants, the holiday holds that if Phil sees his shadow, winter will last six more weeks; if not, spring will come early. First noted in an 1886 Pennsylvania newspaper, the tradition has grown into a major annual celebration in Punxsutawney, drawing thousands of visitors who gather for fun, folklore, and a reminder that, as scripture teaches, there is a season for every purpose under heaven.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/groundhogday-8

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

National Freedom Day commemorates February 1, 1865, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the resolution that led to the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery in the United States. The day was founded by Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former slave and educator who dedicated his life to advancing education, economic opportunity, and freedom for African Americans. Officially recognized in 1948, National Freedom Day invites reflection on the meaning of liberty and the responsibility to preserve it. It reminds Americans that freedom is both a gift and a duty, strengthened through service, faith, and commitment to justice for all.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/freedom-day-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

The first prayer in the Continental Congress was offered on September 7, 1774, at Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia by Reverend Jacob Duché, a respected Anglican minister chosen with support from leaders such as Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. At a tense moment when war with Great Britain seemed imminent, Duché read from Psalm 35 and offered an extemporaneous prayer that deeply moved the delegates, including George Washington and the Adams cousins. John Adams later wrote that the prayer united men of different colonies and denominations and brought many to tears, reflecting the Founders’ belief in God’s providence and the role of prayer at the beginning of America’s fight for independence.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/first-prayer-5

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, born January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945 and led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down by polio in 1921, FDR returned to public service with the support of his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, and became a symbol of strength and perseverance. His New Deal programs, often called “alphabet soup,” aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform through initiatives like the CCC, WPA, TVA, and Social Security. Through his fireside chats, Roosevelt built trust and confidence with Americans during times of fear and hardship, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and resilience.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/FDR-birthday-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.