How Sleep The Brave

In the earliest days of their new country, Abigail Adams taught her son John the poem How Sleep the Brave. Written by William Collins in 1746, it is now in a children's book to read with the next generation. Photographs of grave markers, memorials, and cemeteries will bring thought and conversations about what has happened in the past. Pictures from national cemeteries on U.S. soil as well as American cemeteries around the world will bring discussions about what has happened there. Abigail brought John to watch the Battle of Bunker Hill so that he would always remember that his freedom came because of the sacrifices of others. Many years have passed since that day but the message is the same. Christopher Flannery sets the tone with a wonderful introduction. Next is the brief story of Abigail and her son John Quincy Adams, and finally we read the touching poem by William Collins. Collins' powerful words are paired with images from around the world, sharing a message for every age to ponder and appreciate the sacrifices made for each of us.