Page 8 - Sojourner Newsletter-Fall 2023 v1.3

8 THE SOJOURNER

AMERICANISM

2023 Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference

(Photo credit: Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge)

The 2023 Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference (SA-YLC) sponsored by National Sojourners, Inc.® was
held at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (FFVF) in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania from Thursday, 13 July to Sunday,
16 July 2023. As always, the event was a great learning experience for all in attendance. This year’s attendance
included 49 people, including 28 students and 10 adult chaperones sponsored by National Sojourners, plus eight students
and three student-ambassadors sponsored by FFVF. Our sincerest thanks are due to the many Sojourners from across the
country who coordinated the funding and travel for the youth and adult participants, and to the Spirit of America
Education Foundation for providing much needed tuition assistance.

Following a reception for the students on Thursday afternoon, National Americanism Chairman, Brother Michael
Wertz welcomed the students at the Orientation Ceremony on Thursday evening, and relayed National President Brother
Charles Warren, Sr’s welcome message to the students. Unfortunately, Brother Warren was unable to travel to
Phoenixville in person this year due to other Masonic duties.

This year’s Living History presentations included a very interesting interaction between John Adams and Thomas
Jefferson. During their presentation they provided keen insights into the thoughts and actions of the Founders and
Framers. Following the presentation, they posed for pictures with all the students and chaperones on the porch of the
Martha Washington Building. Later in the weekend, Brother and General George Washington paid a visit, and regaled
the audience with several of his experiences during the late Revolutionary War.

Throughout the weekend, students participated in a series of team-building exercises, including participation on various
committees, seminars on Constitutional Law, and mock legislative procedures. A highlight of the conference was a
Declaration of Independence signing ceremony, presented by another historical figure, James Wilson. Sojourners who
attended this year’s Annual National Convention in Harrisburg had the opportunity to experience a similar event, when
James Wilson delivered his candle-lamp message at the Bennington Banquet.

The conference culminated with a banquet where students were recognized by their peers with various awards.
Noteworthy, was the recognition of our Sylvia J. Norris Memorial Scholarship recipient, Cadet Luis Matthew Lucas