History is more than a dusty relic of the past; it is the story of how our nation was forged. Studying history is vital for everyone, especially students. But why is history important for students specifically? History is the blueprint for students to understand their world and unlock their potential as future leaders. Through historical exploration, students will encounter real-life examples of valor and selflessness that inspire them to live by a similar moral code and become the next generation of heroes our country desperately needs. 

But it can feel like you are outmatched when faced with limited time, limited resources, and the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of engaging the youth in character development. PATH TO HONOR is the antidote to this crisis. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS) is thrilled to announce the launch of PATH TO HONOR, a self-guided, FREE, and engaging student portal with video history lessons that instill the noble values that define those who have been awarded the Medal of Honor. 

Students will witness the power of active leadership and integrity through the first-hand stories of Medal of Honor Recipients, sparking rich discussions and empowering students to reach their full potential. Learn why history is important for all young people to study. 

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Why Is History Important for Students?

When we study history, we learn how we got to where we are, why we live the way we do, and the values and traditions that have fueled the success of communities throughout the ages. History is crucial to understanding ourselves, the world around us, and how the past has shaped it. 

History teaches about different cultures and perspectives, develops critical thinking skills, and fosters empathy and understanding by revealing the experiences of people who come from different backgrounds and time periods. 

The end result? A crucial change in students that inspires them to be active citizens. 

History is full of stories about individuals who have made a difference in the world and their communities through acts of bravery and selflessness. Studying these stories inspires students to become more involved in their communities and work toward positive change. 

This is why history lessons and resources are essential to building character in our youth and shaping the future generations of heroes our country and their communities deserve. 

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Why Is History Important for Building Character in Students?

History lessons are crucial for character development for several reasons. History helps them become better-informed citizens and demonstrates who we are as a collective group, crucial to maintaining a free, secure, and democratic society.

Most importantly, by examining specific stories of individuals and the circumstances they had to overcome, students understand what it takes to overcome adversity and make a difference. 

Ultimately, the only way to demonstrate this for students is by studying real-life dilemmas. In doing so, you can empower students to cultivate a non-negotiable sense of citizenship and national identity.

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How Do History Video Lessons Build Character and Shape the Next Generation of Leaders?

Why is history important to turning students into leaders? Let’s give an example of engaging video history lessons that can catalyze a change in students to better illustrate the importance of this subject matter in developing character.

PATH TO HONOR character development lessons are an invaluable resource for students to use independently or with an instructor. This program revolves around the legacies of Medal of Honor recipients and serves as a shining example of the lessons students can learn from the past.

Through their riveting stories, students learn that even one single act of courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, and commitment can impact the lives of many and inspire future generations to uphold these values that have fueled our nation’s success.

Students embark on a journey of self-discovery through 18 FREE, easy-to-use, adaptable, and engaging video assignments that revolve around each of these values that define the acts of bravery and patriotism Medal of Honor Recipients embody directly.

For example, one story that PATH TO HONOR presents is that of Staff Sergeant Henry Eugene “Red” Erwin, a World War II veteran. As Erwin’s plane was dropping a smoke bomb during the war, the bomb bounced back inside the plane, exploded, and hit Staff Sergeant Erwin in the face.

This explosion instantly blinded him and set him on fire. As the plane plummeted toward the ocean, out of control, ignoring the intense pain shooting through his body, Erwin grabbed the bomb with his bare hands, began to crawl, and managed to dispose of it, saving everyone on board.

Midway through the recounting of this story, students are prompted with a question asking how they would respond, sowing the initial seeds of self-exploration. Then, at the end of the video, they reflect on the sacrifice Erwin chose to make.

By sparking a larger conversation through self-exploration, students reflect on stories like this and consider the daily decisions they make and how they can model the same values. 

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Assign Engaging History Lessons that Will Create the Future’s Leaders. Register for PATH TO HONOR Today!

So, why is history important for building character in students? History provides real-life examples of individuals who, through acts of selflessness and courage, impacted the lives of many and served as beacons of inspiration and leadership within their communities. PATH TO HONOR is a FREE and engaging program that provides teachers with 18 weeks of teacher-made lessons, seamlessly adaptable to any curriculum. Through the stories of the Recipients who embody the core values that define the Medal of Honor and act as the foundation for our nation’s success, students will be inspired to model these values in their daily lives. 

Visit our PATH TO HONOR page to learn more about this innovative and inspiring program and forge the heroes our country and communities deserve.