Page 20 - Sojourner Newsletter-Fall

20 THE SOJOURNER

AMERICANISM

2021 FREEDOM’S FOUNDATION AT VALLEY FORGE (FFVF) YOUTH LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE (YLC)
It was so great to be back at FFVF for our annual YLC. As expected, coming out of the pandemic, we had
only thirty-five students in attendance along with eleven chaperones including our National President Brother
C. Wayne Barnes, our National Commander Heroes of ‘76 Brother Paul Pennybacker along with Brother
Frank Harris, Past National Commander/Legion of Honor and Brother William Haynes, Past National Presi-
dent. Also in attendance were Brothers Johnny Surles, Greg Padgett, Winston McMillan, and Max Schell
from California; COL Ly Fecteau (Camp LeJeune IG), Jeff Hoffman and Linda Peters.
Beginning Friday evening after dinner, all were given a talk on the printing processes of Colonial America by
an “apprentice printer” who appeared in period dress. He had a colonial printer with him and provided the stu-
dents freshly printed copies of the Declaration of Independence. As a side note, this “apprentice printer” in real
life is a PhD Professor of Information Technology at a major university. After the presentation of the
“apprentice printer”, the students received a very inspiring talk from David Harmer, the CEO of FFVF on the
“reason why they were here at Freedom’s Foundation at Valley Forge.
On Saturday morning, the students were introduced to Mr. Thomas Jefferson, who explained to them the dif-
ference between developing an “argument” to present to a group, such as Congress, vice having an argument
with someone. This was followed by Dr. Bruce Murphy and Dr. Graham Lee, Professors of Constitutional
Law, who conducted a workshop on the Fourth and Eighth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. That after-
noon, under the guidance of David Trevaskis, a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the students
conducted a mock trial. On Saturday evening, work-
shops were held on Character Development and the five
pillars of responsible citizenship.
Also, on Saturday morning, under the guidance of
Brother Max Schell, the student Flag committee per-
formed a Flag Raising ceremony adjacent to the Martha
Washington building. They then convened at the Chapel
where Heroes of ‘76 Valley Forge Camp (Ben Franklin
Chapter No. 16) conducted the “Build a Flag” program.
It was very impressive and appreciated by the students.
After lunch they received a visit from General George
Washington. Following his visit the students were con-
ducted on a tour of Valley Forge. The annual banquet
was held again but a little earlier than normal as after
the banquet a “special” program was conducted in the
Martha Washington building entitled “Heroes Among
US”, which honored our own Brother COL Frank Har-
ris, PNP & LOH. Another article will be published con-
cerning this program and a video of the program will be
provided to our website. After the special program, the
students returned to the chapel where they were met by
“James Wilson”. On Sunday they were taken on a tour
of Philadelphia which encompassed all the notable sites.
Picture: NC Pennybacker congratulating Cadet Christopher Howard recipient of the Marin Schwebel Honor-
ary scholarship.

As a reminder all shipping is slow. The post office (USPS) has confirmed with us that the only items be-
ing delivered guaranteed on time are EXPRESS OVERNIGHT. Everything else can take up to 7-10 days to
be scanned and/or shipped from their shipping location. RESALE ORDERS ARE BEING SHIPPED OUT
BUT THINGS WILL TAKE LONGER TO ARRIVE. We ask for your patience.