Spring Break
Fanfare for the Fourth
The 10th Independence Day Celebration at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum was filled with games, history lessons and fireworks
By: Christen Beck
Issue date: 7/6/09 Section: News
She said her love of history and the fun of the event were reasons why she continually participates at Bush library events.
Like Hays, Bruce Miles, another Bush library volunteer, has participated at the Bush library on July 4 since the event's inception. For the past decade Miles, a gentleman who towers well above six feet, has worn a black beard, top hat and 19th century suit.
Although he enjoys conversing with younger children who usually identify him as Abraham Lincoln, Miles said what is amazing for him is teaching foreign students, who may not recognize him as easily, about America's 16th president.
"I believe he's one of our better presidents," Miles said.
Seven-year-old College Station resident Garrett Powell asked to take a picture with Miles. Powell's parents said they were excited to see the museum for the first time on the Fourth of July.
"We heard about it on TV," said Garrett's mom, Olivia Powell. "We've been wanting to see the library, and hear about the exhibit. We're real excited about celebrating the Fourth of July here, and see the fireworks."
When mother asked son to choose a favorite character of historical importance, other than Darth Vader, Powell said, "I guess Teddy [Roosevelt]."
Paul Wooderson, of Brownsville, Texas, said he was also excited about seeing the Bush Library for the first time.
"It's incredible, looking back at some of the events that took place during the presidency," the middle school choir teacher said. "For me, it's a good reminder of the events that took place that I can share with my kids. It's a great way for us to teach them history."
It was more memorable for his two young kids, ages eight and 11, to learn American history on Independence Day, said Wooderson.
"Sometimes we forget what American history means for us," said Wooderson. "Because you get complacent in your life and forget that there were a lot of things and sacrifices that had to take place in order for us to be where we are today."
As a naturalized citizen originally from Mexico, Wooderson said that the Fourth of July is special to him.
Wooderson said he enjoyed "being able to look more and more at the history of the country and see all the things that have brought this nation to where it is today, so that I can enjoy the freedoms that I probably would not have had growing up in Mexico.
"That's a double blessing for me to be able to come and learn about the country that I call my own country now," he said. "It's exciting."
Like Hays, Bruce Miles, another Bush library volunteer, has participated at the Bush library on July 4 since the event's inception. For the past decade Miles, a gentleman who towers well above six feet, has worn a black beard, top hat and 19th century suit.
Although he enjoys conversing with younger children who usually identify him as Abraham Lincoln, Miles said what is amazing for him is teaching foreign students, who may not recognize him as easily, about America's 16th president.
"I believe he's one of our better presidents," Miles said.
Seven-year-old College Station resident Garrett Powell asked to take a picture with Miles. Powell's parents said they were excited to see the museum for the first time on the Fourth of July.
"We heard about it on TV," said Garrett's mom, Olivia Powell. "We've been wanting to see the library, and hear about the exhibit. We're real excited about celebrating the Fourth of July here, and see the fireworks."
When mother asked son to choose a favorite character of historical importance, other than Darth Vader, Powell said, "I guess Teddy [Roosevelt]."
Paul Wooderson, of Brownsville, Texas, said he was also excited about seeing the Bush Library for the first time.
"It's incredible, looking back at some of the events that took place during the presidency," the middle school choir teacher said. "For me, it's a good reminder of the events that took place that I can share with my kids. It's a great way for us to teach them history."
It was more memorable for his two young kids, ages eight and 11, to learn American history on Independence Day, said Wooderson.
"Sometimes we forget what American history means for us," said Wooderson. "Because you get complacent in your life and forget that there were a lot of things and sacrifices that had to take place in order for us to be where we are today."
As a naturalized citizen originally from Mexico, Wooderson said that the Fourth of July is special to him.
Wooderson said he enjoyed "being able to look more and more at the history of the country and see all the things that have brought this nation to where it is today, so that I can enjoy the freedoms that I probably would not have had growing up in Mexico.
"That's a double blessing for me to be able to come and learn about the country that I call my own country now," he said. "It's exciting."
Be sure to include your name, major, and class year. Submissions without this information are subject to deletion.
By submitting a comment, you agree to thebatt.com's Terms of Use.
You may also send a Mail Call to The Battalion at mailcall@thebatt.com